NICK KEMP

[Link]: Many governments think that economic progress is the most important goal. Some people,
however, think that other types of progress are important for a country. Discuss both these views and give
your opinion.
(Intro) It is argued that many governments consider economic progress to be the overarching priority for a
country, while others suggest that other priorities should be taken into account. Personally I cannot fully
support the idea that economic progress trumps everything else. Although the economy will always be the
foundation of any state, of equal importance are the quality of life experienced by its citizens.

One main benefit of prioritising economic growth above all else is that without a growing economy it is
difficult to improve living standards and invest in public services. When an economy is performing well,
we are likely to see more investment, a greater number of new businesses, and a rise in wages. A lot of
this will be reinvested back into the economy though consumer spending, and the taxation from both
increased wages and spending can be used to invest in public services like hospitals and schools. A good
example of this would be Vietnam, which has enjoyed unprecedented developments in economic progress
and living standards since it joined the WTO in 2007.

Despite these arguments, it is easy to see that the standard of living itself is hugely important. Although a
well-performing economy will make good headlines on the evening news, the benefits might not be felt
by everybody. Economic inequality in countries like the UK is widening, despite reasonable levels of
growth. This is made worse by government cuts to public services, with hospitals and schools at breaking
point. This demonstrates that is not enough to just focus on having a strong economy, but it is also about
what you do with it.

In conclusion I can’t fully support the idea that governments should prioritise the economy over other
areas. Economic stability is incredibly important but governments have a duty to ensure citizens can
access high quality public services and are paid reasonable wages. Unfortunately the majority of western
governments are failing to achieve this. (321 words).
[Link]: Some are of the opinion that people are naturally born as good leaders while others feel that
leadership skills can be learned. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

It is often said that important people are born with certain characteristics that enable them to become great
leaders. The alternative view is that leadership is a learnable quality. Personally, I agree with the latter
viewpoint because training and experience are more important than innate ability in this situation.

It is somewhat true that many individuals are born with distinctive personal traits that make them more
likely to become successful leaders. In some business contexts, brilliant leaders often display
characteristics that are difficult to learn. These inborn talents may inspire belief and loyalty from their
employees, as well as commanding authority and respect. For instance, if a new CEO is attempting to
push through controversial changes in a company, their chances of success will largely depend on their
ability to convince those in positions of influence, by using their powers of charm and persuasion.

However, many people assert that leadership skills can actually be achieved through proper training and
effort. This can be evidenced by the large number of institutes that offer leadership training programmes
to those who want to learn the skills required. Taking public speaking as an example, individuals who are
shy and lack confidence can find their feet by learning the essence of positive body language,
pronunciation, and other elements of good public speaking. This will in turn make them better leaders.

In conclusion, although some traits related to leadership are likely to be inherited, proper training plays a
larger role in shaping great leaders. The best management courses should be keen to point out that even
the most naturally-gifted leaders must work very hard to capitalise on their potential. (273 words).
[Link]: Many criminals re-offend after they have been punished. Why do some people continue to
commit crimes after they have been punished, and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?

A considerable number of criminals commit further crimes after completing their prison sentences. I
believe this is largely due to not enough focus on rehabilitation and a criminal culture within prisons.
Possible solutions include more community sentencing, more emotional and psychological support and
access to further education.

The main causes of high re-offending rates are a lack of rehabilitation and the existence of a criminal
culture inside prisons. In many countries funding for prisons has become scarce and this has led to staff
shortages and overcrowding. A recent study in the UK showed that prisoners can be cooped up inside
their cells for as much as 23 hours a day, with very limited access to emotional or psychological support
so that any underlying mental or social problems are not dealt with. This is compounded by a criminal
culture which effectively turns prisons into a finishing school for career criminals. As a result, many
recently released prisoners struggle to reintegrate into society and instead reach out to other ex-prisoners
who may be still active criminals.

In order to deal with these issues, governments should use prisons more selectively and focus more on
rehabilitation. Many convicted criminals who are sent to prison are not violent and therefore do not pose a
danger to society. Instead of a custodial sentence, they could be forced to work on community projects,
especially related in some way to the nature of their crime. This ensures they avoid the negative effects of
being ‘inside’ and encourages restorative justice which has been shown to be beneficial for both victims
and criminals. This could be supported by greater access to counselling as well as further education, in
order to provide much needed support and provide meaningful alternatives.

It is clear in my mind that an increase in recidivism is in part caused by issues around underfunding in
prisons. Significantly more investment is needed for a comprehensive program of rehabilitation rather
than merely punishing convicted criminals. Therefore, not only do we need to rehabilitate criminals but
we also need to overhaul our prison system. (331 words)
[Link]: Some people say History is one of the most important school subjects. Other people think
that, in today’s world, subjects like Science and Technology are more important than History. Discuss
both these views and give your opinion.
Some people argue that History is one of the most important subjects, while others suggest that Science
and Technology are are a bigger priority. Personally I think that as a society, we need to be equipped with
both. This is because History gives us understanding of social and political issues, while science provides
solutions to pressing environmental problems facing our world.

To begin with the importance of History should not be understated. A comprehensive analysis of the past
allows us to understand the present and prepare for the future. A good example of this would be the use of
non-violent protest to achieve social change in western countries. Hunan rights for women, ethnic
minorities and workers have been hard fought for through demonstrations and civil disobedience.
Currently there is a growing movement to demand urgent action to tackle the global climate crisis by
groups such as Extinction Rebellion. This can be viewed as a continuation of this historical movement
and it important for students to understand these connections.

Despite these argument, it would be wrong to argue against the need to prioritise science and technology
education. Our modern world is full of examples which indicate that humans are not living sustainably.
These include spiralling greenhouse gas emission rates, oceans full of plastic and species extinction.
Many of these dire problems require a new wave of scientists to play their part in developing new
technologies, such as plant-based meat, new biodegradable materials and electric cars.
In conclusion I can’t fully support the idea that governments should prioritise Science or History as both
are necessary to produce the next generation of scientists and tech innovators who can help to avert the
current climate crisis but also have an awareness of society’s greatest political successes and failures. It is
only from a balance of humanities and science that we can produce the well-rounded citizens that are
needed to facilitate progress. (308 words).
[Link]: In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry.
Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem?

It is argued that despite significant developments in agriculture, a large number of people across the globe
still suffer from famine and malnutrition. I believe that two main causes of this are that some countries
lack access to advanced technology, as well as the problem of political corruption. These issues can be
mitigated through foreign aid in the form of technology transfer and stronger monitoring of potentially
corrupt regimes.

One of the main causes of hunger across the world is a lack of sharing of technology. In recent decades
great advances in technology have been made in developed nations such as the US, Canada and those in
the EU which can dramatically increase yields and also the quality of the crops which both lead to
increased profits for farmers and less risk of famine and malnutrition. However, partly due to the high
costs involved, these techniques and machinery are owned and controlled by big international companies
who are unwilling to give poorer countries access without paying the full price. One possible solution
could be if governments of rich countries subsidised the purchase and running costs for farmers in
developing countries. This would aid both, tech companies, poor farmers and reduce hunger.

Another potential cause of this grave situation is political corruption. Many developed countries provide
significant annual foreign aid to their poorer neighbours, especially those who are struggling with a lack
of food supply. Unfortunately some of these countries have unstable governments, and many of the
leading politicians are corrupt. Therefore a significant proportion of the aid budget is not used for its
intended purpose and instead ends up being pocketed by those administering the scheme. One way to
tackle this would be through increasing the rules attached to foreign aid donations and stronger
independent monitoring by the United Nations to ensure that the aid is being invested in projects to
increase food supply.

I accept that although the world has the means to eliminate hunger completely, many people still suffer on
a daily basis, which is partly due to an unequal distribution of technology, as well as corrupt politicians. I
believe these issues can be dealt with through tech subsidies and better regulation of the foreign aid
budget. This issue is a clear example of how unequal the world is. It is a big challenge for current and
future generations. (391 words).
[Link]: 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.

Campaigns organised by international charities are often supported by celebrities or public figures. This
has clear benefits in terms of drawing attention to issues, but there are also some concerns that celebrity
involvement can trivialise the campaigns and the problems they focus on. Overall I feel the advantages of
celebrity endorsement outweigh these issues.

Like or loathe it, it is an undisputed fact that famous people yield incredible power in today’s media-
dominated world, and this is true when they affiliate to charitable campaigns. Whether it is actors, movie
stars, or even rockstar entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, celebrity endorsement will turn heads faster, create
more engagement and raise more funds for charitable endeavours. In fact many organisations are set up
and run by celebrities. Comic Relief is a UK-based international charity which uses an annual night of
comedy and entertainment to raise millions of pounds every year for a range of projects both in the UK
and overseas. It relies on the participation of hundreds of celebrities combining their star power to
maximise the amount of attention they can draw, especially on social media.

Celebrity involvement is not without its concerns, and some argue that it could trivialise campaigns
through focusing attention on the celebrities themselves rather than the issues, which can sometimes be
controversial. One good example of this is Live Aid 2015, which was a UK music concert organised to
raise funds for impoverished communities in drought-stricken African countries. However, the event was
shrouded in controversy as it was claimed that many of the bands that took part were motivated by the
fact that they would personally benefit from increased album sales. The majority of the media attention
was focused on the on-stage performances and subsequent controversy, rather than the plight of those in
Africa.

In conclusion, although campaigns by international aid bodies can sometimes be sabotaged by celebrity
involvement, on the whole these cultural icons can massively increase awareness and funds for a range of
issues. However, charities need to be careful which celebrities they associate with, as some public figures
seem to have a talent for scandal. (350 words).
[Link]: Many crimes are related to the consumption of alcohol. Some people think that the best way
to reduce the crime rate is to ban alcohol. Do you think this is an effective measure against crime? What
other solutions can you suggest?

Many experts agree that alcohol causes an increase in crime, and therefore argue that banning alcohol is
an optimal solution for diminishing crime. However I believe that it is almost impossible to eliminate
alcohol completely and it’s more effective if we increase both punishments for alcohol-related crimes and
the legal age for drinking.

Those that advocate banning alcohol claim that no alcohol-related crimes would ever exist if alcohol itself
didn’t exist. While this is clearly true, I believe it is unrealistic to attempt to eliminate something that has
remained for over a millennium. This is due to the fact that as long as black markets appear, people will
still be able to purchase alcohol, but with higher prices. Another key component of why this goal is
unachievable is that alcohol has long been a symbol of culture. Consider, for example, a Vietnamese
wedding ceremony which involves offering wine to the in-laws to express love and respect; Japanese men
tend to drink beer after work as a way to lessen their stress.

If the aim of banning alcohol is unreachable, lawmakers should encourage citizens to be smart drinkers by
increasing punishments and the legal age for drinking. The more people are aware of the punishments
they might get, the less they likely to commit crimes. Another effective solution is limiting the age that an
individual could drink because according to recent research, alcohol-related crime has increased among
adolescents. A good example of this is in Sweden, which has very tight laws regarding alcohol and a
subsequent low rate of related crime.

To sum up, the idea of putting an end to alcohol is not achievable or culturally appropriate. Instead, the
government should encourage more sensible drinking habits through adopting tighter laws. Alcohol has
become a fundamental part of our lives but we need to ensure it’s risks are minimised. (308 words).
[Link]: In many cities there is a lack of space to develop and as a result, in order to modernise, old
buildings are demolished and replaced with new buildings. What are the disadvantages of knocking down
old buildings? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

In many urban areas of the world, overpopulation is causing a shortage of land. Therefore it has become
the norm to tear down old buildings to make room for new ones. Although the advantages are clear in
terms of improved living conditions and better use of space, the loss of cultural heritage means that in
some cases, the drawbacks outweigh these advantages.

The main drawback of demolishing old buildings is the loss of historical and architectural heritage. Many
old buildings in cities possess historical significance, especially for local residents. As such they serve as
a reminder to contemporary society of how a city came into existence and of important historical events.
These iconic buildings give a place its own unique architectural style. Notable examples include the Eiffel
Tower or Buckingham Palace. If cities were just full of skyscrapers, places would become ubiquitous, and
living or working in, or even visiting these areas would be less attractive. The destruction of these old
structures could therefore lead to lower house prices and a drop in tourism-related income for these
neighbourhoods.

Despite these concerns, it’s obvious that replacing old buildings with new ones will lead to improved
conditions and savings in terms of space and money. Many old buildings are not historically important
and are in need of significant and costly restoration. Therefore it makes sense to demolish them and
construct innovative high-rise buildings, which will increase the available space for businesses and
accommodation and have lower running costs. A good example is modern apartment buildings in large
developing cities such as Hanoi, which have replaced old two storey houses and warehouses.

In conclusion, although it is important to preserve architecturally and historically important buildings,

generally speaking, it is better to replace damaged and costly old buildings with modern, cheaper
alternatives. However governments should be encouraged to consider the views of local residents when
demolishing old building and modernising neighbourhoods. (317 words).
[Link]: Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. To what extent do you agree
or disagree with this statement?

Many politicians have argued that we have ‘never had it so good’, with an abundance in every aspect of
life. However some people have observed that is becoming a problem and that in fact we now have too
much choice. I agree with this notion to some extent, especially with regard to entertainment and the
internet in rich developed countries. However some poorer parts of the world have an extreme lack of
basic necessities.

To begin with, in my opinion developments in communication and entertainment have created too many
choices. In their daily lives people are bombarded with never-ending content, whether it is on Facebook,
Youtube, Netflix or 24 hour rolling news channels. As a result people are spoilt for choice when it comes
to news, movies or just pictures of cats. However this technological revolution has led to problems for
mental health. Recent studies have shown decreasing attention spans, reduced ability to focus, and
increased sleeplessness with the rise in smartphones, smart TVs and the internet being contributing
factors.

Nevertheless, many countries which are not fully developed experience a lack of choice, even with regard
to food and shelter. Many fast developing countries such as Vietnam have megacities that show an
incredible pace of change but in the rural areas communities may still lack access to electricity, safe
shelter and a high standard of education and healthcare. Globally recent studies show that billions of
people struggle to maintain access to safe drinking water and a basic level of nutrition. School and
healthcare is but a dream, and subsequently the concept of ‘too many choices’ would seem absurd to
these people.

To conclude, I only partially agree with the idea that we have too many choices. In richer parts of the
world society is coming to terms with the effects of too much content and its impact on mental health,
whereas in poorer areas people are struggling just to feed themselves. Therefore much more needs to be
done to equalise the global distribution of resources while at the same time being aware of the potential
consequences of overabundance. (348 words).
[Link]: Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads. To what extent do you
agree or disagree with this statement?

It is argued that the government should invest money in rail systems at the expense of roads. It may not
come as a surprise that I do not fully agree with this position as I feel both modes have their merits.
Although railways are very suitable for making cities cleaner and greener, new roads are an effective and
practical way to connect remote areas of a country.

To begin with it has been widely demonstrated that one clear opportunity of investing in railways is
cleaner cities. Traffic congestion and air pollution are serious problems that face many large urban areas,
caused by an over-dependence on private vehicles such as cars and motorbikes. Therefore many
governments are switching their focus to cleaner forms of public transport including rail. A good example
is in Ho Chi Minh City, which is in the process of building a city-wide metro system which hopes to
alleviate current traffic-related and pollution problems.

Despite these arguments, it would be wrong to argue completely against investment in roads. There are
countless examples where expansion of the road and highway network has the ability to connect remote
areas. In large rural or mountainous areas, investing in railways infrastructure such as tracks and stations
can be prohibitively expensive and technically challenging. In contrast highways require less financial
and technical investment, and construction is more efficient and cost-effective than a railway. A good
example is the new Sapa to Hanoi highway in northern Vietnam. This was built without relying on
foreign investment or technical expertise and was finished on time.

In conclusion I can’t fully support the idea that governments should prioritise railways over roads.
Despite urban light railway being a great solution for polluted and congested cities such as Saigon, it is
also true that highways are ideal for connecting rural communities. Therefore governments need to
evaluate on a case by case basis which solution is most appropriate given the needs of the local
population. (325 words).
[Link]: The development of mobiles phones means that we are able to receive phone calls for work
or personal reasons almost anywhere and anytime. Do you think this is a positive or negative
development for society and individuals?

Ever since mobile phones first became widespread around twenty years ago, they have become
increasingly indispensable, primarily enabling people to call each other, regardless of time and place.
Although I believe that this is extremely convenient, especially in times of emergencies, it doesn’t
outweigh the potential to disrupt our professional and personal lives. I will discuss both sides.

One obvious benefit of phone calls is being able to deal with emergencies. Mobile phones allow people to
be reached instantly and directly, which facilitates the communication of urgent and important
information. A good example of this would be a woman experiencing life threatening complications in
childbirth. The mother to be can call the emergency services to arrange an ambulance, as well as
contacting a specialist surgeon, who can then rush to the hospital to provide expert medical assistance.
The woman’s partner can also be called to ensure they can be present at the birth.

However, there is a dark side to this convenience as phone calls can interrupt any moment. Those in
positions of responsibility may feel under particular pressure to be available 24/7, even outside of
working hours, which will clearly have a detrimental effect on the quality of their free time. In direct
response to this, a law was recently passed in France which bans employees from being contacted after
6pm on work days. Even in the workplace, many companies now recommend that participants switch off
their phones in meetings, because constant interruptions from phone calls are a distraction from the
discussions taking place.

In conclusion, mobile phones are as essential tool to help deal with an emergency, but I feel that of
greater significance is the challenge they represent for achieving a good work-life balance, especially for
those in management positions. To combat this issue there needs to be a change in corporate culture and,
if necessary, passing legislation as in France. (315 words).
[Link]: Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the
only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement. To what extent do you
think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?

Currently, the issue of whether governments should pass a new law to increase domestic recycling rates is
the subject of much debate. From my perspective, while legislative acts can be an effective measure in the
short term, investing in new technology would also be worth considering.

Many experts argue that imposing a new law that requires citizens to recycle is a very effective way to
increase the amount of household waste that is recycled. Therefore if people failed to comply with the
legislation, they would be fined severely and this would surely act as a deterrent against ignoring public
recycling campaigns. A clear example of this is Korea, where households can be fined up to $300 dollars
if they don’t separate their waste for recycling. Partly as a result of this policy, Seoul and Busan are now
two of the cleanest and greenest cities in Asia.

On the other hand, governments can and should take advantage of advancements in technology, which
can help to improve recycling rates. One of the big challenges when encouraging people to recycle is the
laborious and time-consuming nature of sorting their rubbish into the various categories for collection.
However in Finland robots are used to carry out a lot the heavy-duty sorting at recycling plants. Therefore
a higher percentage of domestic waste can be recycled without requiring people to separate it themselves,
which is a win win for governments, individuals and the environment. Inevitably this kind of technology
is expensive to develop and introduce, but the long-term benefits clearly outweigh these initial costs.

In conclusion, while I agree with the enactment of a new law to force people to recycle in order to boost
the level of household waste being recycled, investing more in new technology may negate the need for
this altogether. Therefore a two-pronged attack is needed to deal with this very serious issue, and create a
cleaner environment for everybody. (318 Words).
[Link]: It is important to learn the difference between right and wrong at an early age. Punishment is
necessary to help them learn this distinction. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
What sort of punishment should parents and teachers be allowed to use to teach good behaviour to
children?

It is argued that a clear focus on learning correct and incorrect behaviour is essential at a young age and
that punishment is a necessary tool to facilitate this process. I fully support this idea, and I believe that
although smacking can be justified in some extreme cases, non-violent punishments such as removing
rewards are more effective.

I strongly believe that punishment can be a powerful method to encourage positive behaviour in situations
where children are in danger. For example young children may lack awareness of significant dangers such
as hot surfaces in the kitchen or fast moving traffic when crossing the road. If children are at risk of being
burnt or even killed, I believe it is appropriate to shout, offer a stern warning or even a short, hard smack
on the hand, which can be followed later by a hug to reduce any emotional stress caused. In this way, the
shock will be memorable and help build their awareness of these potential risks.
It can also be argued that a good balance of rewards and punishments can result in sustained good
behaviour in children over a long period of time. This is because most children enjoy receiving praise and
even rewards from their parents and teachers. Examples of rewards could include small gifts, extra
playtime, or even a bedtime story. Therefore if children exhibit bad behaviour, parents and teachers could
remove the reward as a punishment. This strategy could be formalised through a chart which clearly
showed the child’s progress, as they accumulated or lost points for producing positive or negative
behaviour respectively.

In conclusion I fully support the idea that punishments can support child development through increasing
awareness of good and bad behaviour, both in dangerous situations and over longer periods. While I
accept that smacking is suitable for the former, I feel that removing rewards as a punishment or more
effective an less traumatic for young children. Therefore governments should educate parents and
teachers about these strategies to facilitate their widespread adoption. (336 words).
[Link]: Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same
products anywhere in the world. Is it a positive or negative development?

In recent decades products that are sold in one country can be found in nearly all others, which gives
people the impression that countries are becoming too similar. Personally, I believe this is a positive
development because of the convenience and choice.

On the one hand, the most striking aspects of this phenomenon is the availability of a wide range of
foreign products. To begin with, people living in any country are able to purchase items from overseas
regardless of geographical location since identical products are sold globally. For example, people living
Vietnam can pick up the latest goods from American or European-based companies at supermarkets,
while also sampling the menus of restaurants and coffee shops from international brands such as
Starbucks and McDonalds. So, thanks to this availability, people can not only enjoy a variety of choices
in the market, but also reduce the need to travel overseas for these products and experiences, or even save
money on shipping. What’s more this trend could also bring convenience to foreign tourists. Individuals
who frequently travel abroad confess that they usually have problems with adjusting to the local food
because it does not match their taste. Hence, if they could find same goods as back home these difficulties
would be eliminated.

However, this tendency can also pose a threat to local economies. The explanation is that the ubiquity of
international products tends to put those that are produced locally at a disadvantage. This is because
consumers tend to have a preference for foreign goods, especially popular international brands, in part
because they are of a higher quality and also because disposable incomes are often on the rise in
developing countries. This can lead to domestic companies suffering losses, which can have a knock on
effect for the national economy and levels of employment.

In summary, although the availability of the same goods has downsides as they create competition
between foreign and local products resulting in economic losses, I think that what they offer including
convenience for tourists and diversity of goods are more important. Globalisation is inevitable but
governments should support domestic industries through subsidies to help them battle their foreign
competitors. (361 words).
[Link]: Some people believe that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others,
however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it,
should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment. Discuss both views and give your
own opinion.
A fair justice system is a critical part of a modern society. Although some think that there are benefits to
having one-size-fits-all punishments for individual types of crime, I agree more with those who believe
that context and motivation should be considered carefully before passing sentences.

The main benefits of using fixed punishments are speeding up the processing time, as well as saving
money for both governments and ultimately taxpayers. Fixed penalties would mean reduced manpower,
paperwork and time spent in courtrooms, which would lead to considerable savings for the public purse.
For example, government lawyers would spend less time debating cases, judges would become almost
obsolete, and citizens would be freed from the burden of jury duty. Theses are all significant costs, which
are currently covered indirectly by taxpayers.

On the other hand, I would argue that fixed punishments are fundamentally unfair and immoral. Firstly,
they go against the very foundation of the justice system: fairness. Currently, a defendant is presumed to
be innocent, and has the right to a fair trial where they are represented by a lawyer who will explain the
motivations and circumstances that led to the crime being committed. Most people would agree that a
person stealing food from a store because they are living in extreme poverty, and are desperate to feed
their family, is not the same as career thieves who regularly steal to make a living. This shows that giving
the same sentence to ‘different’ crimes would be unethical.

In conclusion, although saving time and money could be good reasons to apply fixed punishments, it
would go against principles of fairness and morality on which the justice system is built. Therefore, on
balance, I believe that individual motivations and circumstances must be taken into consideration before
passing sentences. Values such as fairness and morality are worth paying the price. (307 words).
[Link]: Countries should try to produce all the food for the population and import as little food as
possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Test Date: 30/11/19)

It is commonly thought that all food for the general public should be produced domestically and imports
of food should be discouraged. I tend to agree with this opinion as food self-sufficiency plays a crucial
role in the country’s security, economy and environment.

To begin with, an adequate domestic supply of food is of paramount importance to any country’s security.
Heavy dependence on foreign staples could lead to acute deficiency in cases of political conflicts, natural
disasters or widespread diseases. For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic, when borders, travel and
trade are restricted, imported goods have almost disappeared in many countries. A country which is
reliant on imported food products could suffer from surging prices, social unrest or even starvation.

Secondly, national economies would gain enormous benefits from attempting to produce all their food
domestically. More jobs and business opportunities could be created in the wake of investments in
agricultural projects as well as the food industry. Take for example large-scale farms belonging to the TH
milk company in Central Vietnam, which employ a lot of local people and purchase local produce to feed
their herds, both of which have had positive impacts on the regional economy.

Finally, a decrease in food imports is also advantageous to the environment. This is because food can be
bought locally and transport of food is significantly reduced, meaning less exhaust fumes are emitted into
the atmosphere. As a result, the most pressing environmental problems such as air pollution, could be
greatly improved.

In conclusion, I believe that countries should limit food importation and encourage domestic production
due to benefits around food security, the economy and climate change. Therefore the government should
set clear limits and targets for imports and domestic production respectively. (289 words).
[Link]: Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn news. However, others believe
that they can learn news better through other media. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (Test
Date: 19/1/19)

While some people consider newspapers as the optimal means of disseminating news, others claim that
there are better ways of keeping them up-to-date with current affairs. I tend to agree with the latter
viewpoint as other media can deliver faster news, simultaneous with events.

People who are in favour of newspapers point to the accurate and investigative articles that are written in
broadsheets. With the process of careful editing, articles in the newspapers can provide genuine news
with a profound look about most topical political as well as socio-economic stories. This can be
evidenced by the fact that newspapers such as the New York Times or the Washington Post are still
publishing millions of copies of their publications every week, as well as huge numbers of global visitors
to their online portals.
However, it can be argued that TV and radio can be better sources of news when considering the need for
a fast and convenient means of keeping up to date. Firstly, televised news programmes broadcast and
upload the latest stories virtually simultaneously with the event compared to daily or weekly publications
of newspapers. For example, the live broadcasting of the British Royal weddings on TV attract enormous
viewers all over the world. Secondly, people can get their news while driving, by listening to news on the
radio. This is especially useful for commuters who may have to spend long periods stuck in traffic.

In conclusion, although newspapers can provide quality journalism with carefully edited articles and
informative in-depth editorials, these features cannot satisfy the demand for speedy sources of news and
convenience in getting news that other media like TV and radio offer. To improve the quality of news as
well as drawing more public attention, journalists and respondents should put more emphasis on
analysing and providing a more insightful look into current affairs. (306 words).
[Link]: In some countries, only a few young people go to classical music concerts, or to plays and
performances at the theatre . Why is this the case? Should young people be encouraged to attend and learn
more?

It is undeniable that fewer young adults attend classical music concerts, plays or other performances at the
theatre. In my opinion, the low attendance at these performing arts events can be attributed to a lack of
innovation. However, young people should definitely be encouraged to be engaged in these performances
as they are healthy forms of entertainment.

The fact that many kinds of performing arts are less popular among young people probably stems from a
lack of innovative changes. Orchestras or actors tend to perform the same outdated symphonies or plays
written by certain well-known but traditional composers or playwrights, such as Mozart or Shakespeare.
Without any changes made to these performances, they are not engaging for a contemporary young
audience. That is why young adults tend to entertain themselves by watching gripping thrillers on Netflix
or listening to contemporary music on Spotify.

Nonetheless, young people should be encouraged to attend these beneficial recreational activities.
Nowadays, they tend to be glued to computer or mobile phone screens, leading to a sedentary lifestyle,
which can have serious detrimental effects on their physical and mental health. Theatres and concert halls,
therefore, would be better places for spending their leisure time. What’s more, they can also enjoy the
social aspects of these activities by attending artistic events with their friends.

In conclusion, a shortage of novel content in many kinds of performing arts has probably led to low
attendance. Engaging young people in these performances is a sensible thing to do considering the health
and social benefits. Perhaps, the most effective way to do this is encouraging artists to create new and
interesting works of art, that can be performed live, but also recorded for subsequent digital consumption
to attract more public attention. (290 words).
[Link]: To succeed in business, one needs to know maths. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people regard math skills as a key factor to achieve success in business as statistics facilitate good
decision making processes. However I believe it is only one out of a range of factors that contribute to
business success and therefore non-essential.

On the one hand, math enables key people to make better decisions. One application of business
mathematics is to provide statistics that can predict future scenarios. These predictions might lay a firm
foundation for more informed and evidence-based decisions, replacing biased ones based on managers’
gut feelings. For decades, Unilever has utilised a statistical model that can forecast the supply and
demand of fast-moving consumer goods, allowing the company leaders to promptly plan production and
sales of each product category.

On the other hand, I believe that one can run a business successfully without excellent math skills. In
fact, many entrepreneurs have built billion-dollar enterprises thanks to great personal qualities. A good
example in this case is Nguyen Thanh Duc, the chairman of NTD Group. He is famous for being a
disruptive student that failed almost all his school subjects including maths. Yet he rose to become an
inspirational leader who could motivate his employees to strive to gain collective success. In addition, his
success is attributed to the courage to take the risks that rational calculations, such as those that guide
Unilever, would rule out. As these leadership qualities concurred with a good fortune, his startup has
evolved into a multinational business empire, becoming market leaders in many industries including real
estate, fishery and forestry.

In conclusion, although statistical math could help make better decisions, I am of the opinion that risk
taking, inspirational personality traits and luck are also crucial to drive an enterprise to success. That is
why business schools should focus more on honouring interpersonal skills including leadership and
communication. (Word Count: 305).
[Link]: Some people say that modern technology has made shopping today easier, while others
disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (Test Date: 5/12/20)

People have different views about the effects of technological advances on shopping. While it is argued
that shopping on the internet is rather complicated due to the sheer number of online shopping platforms,
I believe that significant breakthroughs in technology have greatly facilitated more convenient shopping
as they enable customers to shop at any time.

On the one hand, It is understandable why being faced with too many online shopping sites makes it
harder to shop on the internet. In fact, when customers search for an item online, they can be
overwhelmed with thousands of results from different e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and eBay.
As a result, customers can be spoilt for choice, which may lead to the feeling that online shopping has
become an extremely difficult task.

On the other hand, I would argue that the IT revolution has made shopping much more effortless by
giving customers the ability to order products twenty fours hours a day. Customers at physical stores have
to visit during normal business hours, which can be inconvenient for those who work long hours.
However, online shopping may completely solve this problem as customers can simply access online
stores from their smartphones or computers whenever they have free time.

In conclusion, although advances in technology may cause buyers to experience discomfort when
presented with too many options, these developments have made shopping easier by allowing shoppers to
make purchases at any time day or night. It is predicted that e-commerce companies will continue
developing their technology in order to make shopping much more effortless for consumers in the future.
(264 words)

[Link]: Maintaining public libraries is a waste of money since computer technology can replace
their functions. Do you agree or disagree? (Test Date: 18/1/18)

It is widely thought that money allocated to supporting library services should be better spent as various
technological devices can be an alternative to traditional libraries. I tend to agree with this idea as public
libraries are less attractive in the eyes of the public and more subsidies should be given to digital books.

To begin with, an increasingly large number of book lovers are now finding themselves reliant on
computer technology for reading. This can be evidenced by the fact that sales of e-readers such as
Kindles, and reading applications on mobile phones and computers, are surging all over the world.
Moreover, people who are too occupied with their work as well as household responsibilities, are turning
to audiobooks as a convenient substitute since this innovation allows them to multitask and use their time
more effectively. As a result, public libraries are sparsely attended although the membership fees are
usually negligible.

Instead of wasting money on an obsolete service, public funds could be of more use when spent on
measures to promote digital books. Library running expenses, which sometimes includes exorbitant costs
to preserve hard copies, should be used to scan books and make them available to the mass population of
internet users. In this way, reading would definitely be better promoted and more people would be
motivated to look for books to expand their knowledge.

In conclusion, taxpayers’ money should not be spent on maintaining public libraries as computer
technology can perfectly replace traditional ‘brick and mortar locations. Instead, innovative technologies,
such as e-book readers or audiobooks should be more widely encouraged. In this way public libraries
could become smaller and merely offer free access to computers to facilitate online reading for those
without modern technology.
[Link]: Some people believe that a person’s important element is his or her work. Without a
satisfying career, life is meaningless. Do you agree or disagree?

People have different views as to what makes their life meaningful. While some people claim that having
a gratifying job is key to the fulfilment, I would argue that other factors such as health and relationships
are also of paramount importance.

On the one hand, it is justifiable to say that having a pleasing job is key to achieving life satisfaction. As
most people spend at least eight hours at work every day, doing what they are passionate about can bring
a great deal of joy. This is true among artists who enjoy expressing their true selves in pieces of art /
through their art. Another example is the job done by those working for non-profit organisations whose
purpose is to help people across the globe. What makes their lives meaningful is to see villages in remote
areas transformed, more children going to school or living conditions significantly improved. To these
people, the pleasure derived from their job is a precursor to a fulfilled life.

However, it seems to me that other elements such as health and relationships can also have a profound
impact on people’s lives. First of all, good health is a crucial factor without which people may find it
impossible to handle simple tasks, such as doing chores, let alone spending hours at work. A salient
example of this is the case of many Japanese people whose physical health has deteriorated as a result of
overworking for months on end. Another factor which greatly matters is people’s relationships with
others. Those who are surrounded by close acquaintances are more likely to be happier and more content.
In contrast, having nobody to share or discuss life’s ups and downs may lead to loneliness, isolation and
depression, which have an adverse impact on people’ s mental wellbeing in the long term.

In conclusion, while I agree that having a pleasing career is beneficial to some extent, other elements are
also instrumental in helping people enjoy their life to the fullest. Given this situation, it is advisable that
people balance their time between work, health and relationships in order to enjoy life to the fullest.
23. Question: Nowadays, some workplaces tend to employ equal numbers of men and women workers.
Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

In the 21st century, the roles of women are becoming increasingly crucial with a growing number of
females hired by some enterprises. Personally, I feel that this trend is not only beneficial to women and
their families, but it also helps lessen the burden on society to support them and narrows the gender gap
as well.

Individually, women may have opportunities to excel themselves and improve their living conditions.
First, if the domination of men in the workplace is eradicated it may enable females to make use of their
talents and pursue their desired occupations. In fact, in some fields like art and design, women are
superior to men concerning their attention to detail, while men tend to be more suitable for jobs related to
engineering or construction. In addition, a wider selection of careers can better families’ economic
conditions, indicating that women can earn a living on their own and become as much the breadwinners
as their husbands. Hence, couples can have better living standards and conditions to raise their children.

Socially, the merits of more equal employment are fewer responsibilities for the government and a
demonstration of human rights progress. Primarily, more working women means that governments no
longer need to provide grants or subsidies to households on low incomes. On the contrary, society could
benefit from taxes paid by these female employees to invest in vital infrastructure and essential services
As for gender equality, reserving positions for women would definitely be a positive step for the
recognition of women’s rights. On a practical level, many females are taking important positions globally
and contributing tremendously to the organiSations they commit to. Susan Wojcicki, the CEO of
YouTube can exemplify this.

In conclusion, eliminating discrimination against women at work would bring clear social and economic
advantages to both society and individuals. Governments and enterprises need to come to an agreement
to remove the fixed quota of the number of women working in organiSations for greater benefits in the
future. (330 words)
[Link]: We are surrounded by all kinds of advertising, which significantly influence our lives. Do
the positive effects of advertising outweigh its negative effects?

It has been proven that advertising is playing an increasingly crucial role in our daily lives, which has also
resulted in a detrimental impact on consumers. While commercials and other forms of marketing may
accelerate the delivery of product information and create economic benefits, these are overshadowed by
ethical problems and annoyance caused to audiences.

On the one hand, the prevalence of advertisements may increase the propagation of information of a
brand or product range and create job opportunities. Firstly, advertising helps promote the distribution of
product information to customers via social media and more traditional forms such as TV or newspapers.
In fact, people in the 21st century are overwhelmed by a variety of products on supermarket shelves and
find it hard to make the right choices. With the help of adverts, people are provided with the essential
information, so they can make comparisons between products where necessary and make wiser decisions.
In addition, the boom in advertisements also helps fuel this industry. That is, more lucrative jobs in this
field are created, making it a dynamic economic pillar of the society.
However, the demerits are more significant when it comes to deceitful sales tactics and customer
satisfaction. Primarily, many companies are using advertisements as a tool to boost sales by any means.
For example, By exaggerating the real quality of their products with exaggerated descriptions or
misleading images, manufacturers are trying to lure customers into purchasing increasingly more products
without taking their real needs into consideration. As a result, some products are left unused, bringing
about a “throw-away” society as resources are wasted. Fast fashion exemplifies this perfectly. It is also
noteworthy that commercials are incredibly irritating in many cases. For instance, advertisements are
routinely added to films, both online and on television, effectively ruining the viewer experience.

In conclusion, despite some positive economic outcomes and better-informed consumers, advertisements
may raise moral concerns and frustrate audiences. Authorities should have legally-binding minimum
standards for agencies to offer an appropriate amount of advertising on radio, TV or social media as well
as monitoring misleading content. (345 words)
[Link]: The government should raise taxes on petrol to reduce traffic congestion. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?
It is said that a higher tariff should be placed on petrol to alleviate the issue of traffic congestion. I
personally disagree with this opinion since a heavier tax causes commuters more harm than good and
therefore is not effective in cutting down traffic volume. Rather, improving road infrastructure as well as
reliability and comfort of public transport would be more feasible approaches.
To begin with, higher excise on petrol results in higher living expenses while not achieving the intended
benefits of reduced car use. When a product or service is taxed heavily, it is consumers that are being
directly discouraged but this logic is flawed for essential goods. This approach does not always lead to
commuters cutting back on their travelling since going to work or driving their children to school is a
basic necessity in their daily lives. This is evidenced by gasoline price fluctuations which occur relatively
frequently in accordance with changing economic situations. These increases petrol prices do not
considerably mitigate traffic jams in city centres.

To effectively deal with traffic gridlocks, better alternatives would be upgrading roads and public
transport systems. Firstly, more overpasses or underpasses could be constructed in inner cities and
national expressways could be built to better accommodate an ever increasing volume of traffic. To
illustrate, a newly opened Hanoi – Hai Phong highway in Vietnam has alleviated the considerable strain
on city roads. In addition, the punctuality and reliability of buses and trains could be improved, and
equipped with modern amenities such as air-conditioners and well-designed interiors to facilitate a more
pleasant experience for passengers, in order to encourage people to give up the convenience and comfort
of their own vehicles.

In conclusion, imposing higher taxes on petrol does not really encourage drivers to cut down on private
vehicle usage and therefore wouldn't resolve traffic problems in an efficient way. Rather, investing in
road networks and public transport would be more viable solutions. By tackling this issue we can reduce
the effects of air pollution in cities, which significantly impacts on human health. (342 words)
[Link]: Many countries offer a free health care system to their citizens rather than relying on private
health care. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a development?

The question of whether a government-funded or private health care system should be used is an
important decision for all countries. Personally I feel that the benefits of a free public system outweigh
the drawbacks.

To begin with, the clear downsides of government-subsidised medical treatment for the entire population
of a country is a low quality service. The primary reason lies in that the government already has a large
number of sectors to allocate budgets to such as education, transport and utility infrastructures,
environment and development of new technology. Such excessive demands might lead to not enough
money to provide a premium service. In addition, because this service is provided by national authorities
solely, healthy competition between service providers, which has been proved as a motive for quality
advance, would not come into existence, therefore a substandard service might result. A clear example of
this is the UK, where government hospital budgets have decreased annually for more than 10 years and as
a result waiting times have dramatically risen.

On the other hand a state-funded service can better ensure a healthy population. This is because all
citizens will be able to access regular health checks, cheaper medicine and essential treatment when
required. This will have knock on effects for the country as a whole as it will mean that workers are
healthier and do not need to take as many sick days, therefore improving productivity and economic
growth. It will also mean that people’s mental health will be improved as they will not be stressed by
debts incurred from paying sky-high medical bills. A good example of this is Canada which has a state-
funded system and has much higher levels of physical and mental health than its neighbour the US.

To sum up, I would opine that the advantages of subsidised provision of healthcare, which are a healthier
and happier workforce, are more significant than the risk of a poor service resulting from monetary
burdens on the government and the lack of competition. Ultimately people may be required to pay more
tax for such a system but it would be a price worth paying. (354 words)
[Link]: Some people claim that it is acceptable to use animals in medical research for the benefit of
human beings, while other people argue that it is wrong. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

People have different views on whether conducting tests on animals for the development of new
medicines is acceptable or not. Although using animals for medical research can benefit humans to some
extent, I would argue that this cruel practice is morally wrong.

On the one hand, it is undeniable that carrying out experiments on animals for medical research brings
about a number of benefits to humans. To begin with, over the past few decades, there have been
numerous medical breakthroughs using animal experimentation, which have saved millions of human
lives. For example, according to research, the polio vaccine, which was developed using animal testing,
has saved over 10 million lives since 1988. Furthermore, since human beings and other animal species
suffer from many similar illnesses, such as diabetes and visual impairments, animals can act as models for
the study of human diseases. If new drugs are not tested at all, or tested on humans first, they might have
serious consequences for human beings.

On the other hand, there are various reasons why some individuals think that animal testing is entirely
wrong. Firstly, laboratory animals are often subjected to toxic substances, which causes them pain,
distress or even death. Millions of lab mice, for instance, become deformed, or die after being subjected
to such cruel tests. Other animals that are frequently used for animal testing, such as dogs and monkeys,
become mentally ill, developing severe neurological symptoms, due to confinement conditions and
experimentation. As a result, it is believed that using animal testing for the development of new
medicines is immoral, as all life is precious and should be respected. This point is strengthened by the fact
that this form of animal cruelty is becoming increasingly unnecessary as animal research can now be
replaced by sophisticated computer models.

In conclusion, while it is true that animal testing plays a crucial role in the medical field, I am of the
opinion that it should be stopped owing to its inhumane nature. As technology advances, computer
models may one day help put an end to animal testing. In the meanwhile, more needs to be done to ensure
this day comes sooner rather than later.
[Link]: Some people think that hosting international sports events is good for the country, while
some people think it is bad. Discuss both views and state your opinion. (Test Date: 9/11/2020?)
International sporting events have become increasingly common in recent decades. While some people
reckon that host countries might have to deal with a sudden surge in crime or involve themselves in an
exhausting preparation process, more importantly I believe they can take the opportunity to boost
tourism.

To begin with, although events such as these are a great opportunity for countries to gain global exposure,
they are present significant challenges. Firstly, records have shown that there is a two folds increase in
crimes such as prostitution and petty theft when a country organises an event such as the World Cup or
the Olympics. Furthermore, the process of preparing for these events is often demanding. For the World
Cup 2014, it took Brazil five years to revitalise its cities and build the necessary infrastructure including
world-class stadiums and training facilities to meet high standards set by FIFA.

On the other hand, I am of the opinion that international sporting games can potentially stimulate the
tourism sector. By being the host, a country is able to attract a large array of athletes and their supporters
from all around the world. This sudden increase in visitors will likely proliferate the sales of products and
services such as accommodation and transportation within the period of the events. In the longer term, it
is a great chance for the host nations to promote their culture on a global stage. For example, since the
pictures of beautifully garnished Vietnamese dishes made headlines during the SEA Games in 2003,
Vietnam has been branded the “Kitchen of the world” and a must visit destination for global food lovers.
This obviously does wonders for the Vietnamese economy.

In conclusion, although sports events come at the expense of a few short term problems, the benefits of
boosted gross sales and cultural promotion are of greater significance. Host nations can also consider the
option of sharing an event with a neighbouring country to spread the risk and still enjoy the lucrative long
term benefits. (335 words)
[Link]: At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of
young adults, compared with the number of older people. Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the
disadvantages?

It is true that the young generation accounts for a substantial proportion of the population in some
countries, in comparison with the figure for older citizens. While this trend is disadvantageous in terms of
lack of experience, I am of the opinion that the financial advantages are more significant.

On the one hand, the main reason why too many young people is unfavourable is due to lack of
workplace experience. Senior citizens indisputably demonstrate a solid background of knowledge and
skills through years of working. Without enough of these kinds of workers, companies might be affected
enormously. Therefore if a company relies too much on a young labor workforce, work quality may not
be guaranteed due to the dearth of industry-related experience and specific skill sets. In contrast, senior
workers could ensure the standards within each company, for example satisfying the clients’ demands and
boosting sales.

Despite the above arguments, I feel that a booming young population can be financially beneficial for
both companies and wider society. Firstly, young adults are always willing to take on difficult tasks and
even work around the clock to get the tasks done, which is not likely the case of the senior workforce who
normally require extra fees for working overtime. Furthermore, young workers require a lower salary so
by hiring a large number of junior workers, the company can save considerable expenditure. In addition a
reduction in the number of the older people means that the total amount that governments have to pay for
pensions would be substantially reduced. The money saved could then be invested in the construction of
new schools and hospitals for the benefit of everyone.
To conclude, some people may suggest that a younger population may create a lack of work-based
experience, and therefore a reduction in work quality disadvantageous in some aspects. Nevertheless, I
take the view that the economic gains for business and governments are more important. Therefore
companies need to upgrade their training programs to close any experience and skills gaps. (335 words).
[Link]: The number of plants and animals is declining. What are the reasons? Suggest some
solutions.
There has been a decline in the quantity of flora and fauna on earth in recent times. The reasons for this
vary, including the deforestation and climate change. However, some solutions are available to tackle this
issue.

To begin with, the decrease in the number of plants and animals can be ascribed to several causes. Chief
among them is the illegal logging conducted by people, which leads to the loss of various types of plants.
As a result, animals also die because of the lack of food and shelter that trees provide. As well as this,
climate change is also a major culprit. With the effects of global warming, the weather has become
unpredictable, and consequently poses a great threat to living organisms. Many animals and plants
struggle to withstand resulting inhospitable climatic conditions or extreme weather events, and are
therefore dying out.

However, some workable solutions can be adopted to alleviate this issue. The first thing that governments
can do is to launch some public information campaigns to educate people on the importance of animals
and plants. When they are aware of the vital role animals and vegetation play in human lives, they may
participate in preserving them. What is more, strict punishments should be properly enforced to deter
people from harming and killing particular plant and animal species . Finally, it is also a good idea to take
some sustainable steps to mitigate the main cause of climate change. By reducing activities such as
burning fossil fuels, which increase the amount of carbon released into the air, people can help to slow
down global warming and subsequently keep temperatures favourable for wildlife to survive.

In conclusion, a drop in the number of plants and animals can be attributed to climate change and
deforestation, but to ameliorate the problem, increasing public awareness, passing more stringent laws
and combating global warming should be taken into consideration. Given the dire situation, I suggest that
governments act immediately in order to protect more plants and animals from extinction. (336 words).
[Link]: Some people think it is the natural process for animals to become extinct, so there is no need
to protect them. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many people believe that there is no point in protecting animals from extinction as it is a process that
occurs naturally. I totally disagree with this point of view and will discuss the issue in the following
essay.
In my opinion, it is not a natural process, but rather human activities that push many animal species to the
verge of extinction. To begin with, due to the problem of overpopulation, enormous areas of forests have
been cut down to make way for more residential areas and farming spaces. As a result, some terrestrial
animals cannot find anywhere else to live, while others find it difficult to adapt to a new environment.
This would put these species at a higher risk of extinction. We can see this in the case of tigers, which are
critically endangered, and other big cats. Furthermore, the delicate balance of the ocean ecosystems is
being severely damaged by over-fishing. As the number of fish species declines significantly, the food
chain is also adversely affected, which might lead to the extinction of some other marine animals such as
vaquitas, dolphins and seals.

I am of the opinion that it is imperative to protect animals owing to the fact that their disappearance can
have catastrophic effects on the number one predator at the top of the food chain: us. For example, the
decline in the number of sharks in the US has given rise to the widespread occurrence of cow nose rays,
which puts shellfish in danger of extinction. Consequently, the fishing industry in this country would be
negatively affected, resulting in a serious lack of seafood for Americans. As another glaring example, due
to the falling number of lions in sub-Saharan Africa, the population of baboons has been on the increase,
which has damaged crop production in this area on an unprecedented scale.

In conclusion, I completely disagree with those who claim that the extinction of animals happens
naturally. In fact, it is clear that humans are the main culprit behind this phenomenon. Therefore, it is up
to humanity to reverse the mass extinction we currently find ourselves in, for the sake of every species in
the food chain, especially us. (364 words).
[Link]: Spoken communication is more powerful than written communication. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?

It is believed by some that verbal communication supersedes written communication. I disagree with this
statement, as I believe that each kind of communication is more effective in particular situations.

There are grounds to believe that communicating verbally is the most effective means of conveying
messages. As people engage in conversations, they find it easier to express their feelings and emotions,
which might be impossible for people with a limited range of vocabulary if they have to present their
opinions and emotions in writing. In addition, some speeches are emotional and inspirational and
consequently have a bigger impact on the audience. A salient example of this is speeches delivered by
presidential candidates in the USA where citizens are likely to support and vote for the person with a
more persuasive and influential address.

However, the power of written communication is obvious to some extent. Compared to messages in the
spoken form, pieces of writing are preferred when it comes to discussing complicated and sensitive issues
which are too inconvenient to express directly through verbal utterances. What is more, by stating
opinions in the written form, people have the opportunity to showcase their excellent writing skills and
outstanding choice of words. This rings true among those who panic when talking to others. It is,
therefore, not uncommon to see many leading universities requiring students to write a letter of purpose to
decide whether those students possess the ability to plan and present their thoughts successfully and
effectively in an academic paper.

In conclusion, it seems to me that both spoken and written communication are capable of powerfully
transmitting information, exemplified through political speeches and letters of importance. Therefore,
both forms should be accepted as long as they are appropriate to the target audience and achieve their
primary purpose. (297 words)
[Link]: Some people think that planning for the future is a waste of time. They believe it is more
important to focus on the present. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some individuals opine that time spent on plans for the future is unwise and, ought to be devoted instead
to what they are doing now. Personally, although I accept that there are some clear concerns about
making future plans, I believe the benefits outweigh these.

Many people suggest that making future plans is counterproductive due to causing undue stress. This is
because planning often entails focusing on potential issues and then coming up with suitable initiative to
resolve or mitigate these problems, in order to ensure the highest effectiveness. It is claimed that this
could not only put people under pressure but also result in a reduction in their long term motivation.
Besides, the future is widely considered to be unpredictable and changeable, meaning that carefully-
prepared plans could be futile. This characteristic is exemplified by the inaccuracy of weather
broadcasting programs. Therefore it is argued that by keeping their focus on the present, we can therefore
prevent people from unhealthy sources of stress, and it is a more effective use of time.
However, the importance of making future plans should not be underestimated because of the advantages
they could offer. Firstly, a detailed plan could play a vital role in keeping people on the right track and
keeping their aims organised. For example, a student intending to pursue a scholarship needs to
understand the goals that they must achieve throughout each academic semester, such as assignment
deadlines and exam dates. Secondly, planning for the future will facilitate a sensible preparation in terms
of a daily schedule and mini deadlines. Although there is no guarantee of success with such activities, for
those embracing this way of life , it has the added benefit of fostering an active mindset to confront
difficulties.

In summary, although some people suggest that making plans is futile and leads to anxiety, the overall
benefits of future planning, which encourages effective preparation and an active mindset are clear.
Schools and Universities should offer workshops for all students to help the widespread adoption of these
good habits. (328 words)
[Link]: More and more people want to buy famous brands of clothes, cars and other items. What are
the reasons? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

It is true that an increased number of people desire to purchase famous brands of clothes, cars and other
items. There are several explanations for this trend and from my perspective, shopping for well-known
products is generally negative.

The root causes of the tendency to buy recognised brands are no doubt diverse. First and foremost, many
people hold a belief that famous brands universally provide consistent, high-quality experiences for their
customers, meaning that upon purchasing products and services from these companies, they can be
certain that their money has been well-spent. The iPhone is a good example of this. Fans of Apple
generally believe that the iPhone is more durable and cutting-edge than other smartphones currently sold
on the market. Another reason would be FOMO, the fear of missing out on the latest trends. Famous
brands are usually connected with the newest styles, and therefore some people think that if they fail to
follow these trends, they could be considered unsophisticated.

From my point of view, this trend is disadvantageous for the market and young people. To begin with,
let’s Imagine if people just used famous brands. It would be extremely difficult for new businesses to
emerge, not to mention develop. This would lead to a lack of necessary competition (competitors) which
is normally a boost to natural product development. In addition to this, feeling under pressure to buy
famous and high-priced products can make people suffer from mental health issues. A good example of
this is that many young people nowadays can experience high levels of anxiety as they struggle to keep
up with their peers, and may be constantly under pressure about being judged for not buying brands and
products which are currently in vogue.

In conclusion, brand reputation and peer pressure may explain why so many people opt for famous
brands. In my opinion, this is generally harmful to innovation in the market and may inflict stress on
people’s lives. (323 words)
[Link]: In some countries, small town-centre shops are going out of business because people tend to
drive to large out-of-town stores. As a result, people without cars have limited access to out-of-town
stores, and it may result in an increase in the use of cars. Do you think the disadvantages of this change
outweigh its advantages?

Recent years have witnessed a trend towards shoppers driving to the outskirts of towns to shop in huge
department stores, resulting in the relentless rise in car use by city dwellers. From my perspective,
although this trend can contribute to unemployment and a rise in air pollution, it can lead to cheaper
products for consumers.
 First, an increase in the unemployment rate can be seen from this out-of-town shopping trend. The more
that people reject leaving high street shops in favour of larger stores in suburban districts/areas the more
the quantity of purchases in centrally located shops. Chances are that those shopkeepers will be forced
into bankruptcy and make their staff redundant. Another highly undesirable outcome is the deterioration
of air quality due to increased traffic congestion surrounding these new shopping destinations. A good
example of this is Walmart in the US. This chain has been the major cause of tailbacks for years all across
the country

Nevertheless, the merits of having a wider range of buying options coupled with better price tags should
not be neglected. Take for example Mega Market in District 2, HCM City. With more land and cheaper
rent in the outskirts, this superstore is characteristically huge, large enough to house hundreds of different
shops, boutiques and restaurants under one roof. In addition, the lower costs of the labour force, due to
less competition means the operational costs of stores can be reduced, thereby decreasing the prices of
goods in such supermarkets. As a result, people can shop with wholesale prices no matter how much they
buy.

In conclusion, although the tendency towards shopping at large out-of-town stores can result in some
employment and environmental problems, I am of the view that this trend will surely bring more
convenience to shoppers. (303 words).
[Link]: Some people who have been in prison become good citizens later. It is often argued that
these are the best people to talk to teenagers about the dangers of committing a crime. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?

It is true that some criminals, who have been imprisoned for long periods because of their illegal actions,
become law-abiding citizens after that. That’s why many believe that those are the most appropriate
individuals to talk to youngsters to discourage them from committing crimes. I completely support this
idea.

To begin with, I believe that ex offenders are the most effective individuals to persuade teenagers not to
follow in their footsteps. This is because they are more credible than other possibilities. Firstly, young
people are more likely to accept advice from someone speaking from his or her real-life experience,
because these accounts are more believable and engaging. For example, they can share the reasons why
they became criminals in the first place,., as well as helping youngsters to know in more detail about why
they were arrested and treated by the police, and how harsh the prison conditions were during their time
in prison. I believe that hearing a range of such ‘success stories’ from well chosen rehabilitated ex-cons
would strongly dissuade teenagers from engaging in illegal acts.

Despite the effectiveness of using ex-criminals, people have suggested using alternative methods. Firstly,
teenagers can learn the dangers of committing a crime or leading a life or crime by watching hollywood
movies or documentaries about real life crime and criminals. These films, however, are considered more
entertaining than educational and run the risk of glorifying these activities. Furthermore, teachers or better
still police officers could give students suitable information and tell cautionary tales. However, teenagers
may be less persuaded by stories from these people, and they are no substitute for a face to face meeting
with a real ex-offender, who is a clear authority on the topic.

To conclude, based on the arguments above, I believe that letting ex-prisoners talk to youngsters is the
best way to discourage them from committing crimes, because they are the most effective and
credibleHowever where this is not possible, schools should arrange for students to watch an filmed
interview with a reformed criminal. (336 words).
[Link]: Some people think that cultural traditions will be destroyed when they are used as money-
making machines aimed at tourists. Other people believe that it is the only way to save such conditions in
the world. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Currently, the issue of whether cultural traditions should be exploited as money-making machines
targeted at tourists is the subject of much debate. Although, commercialising these aspects of a culture
has its drawbacks, I am still of the opinion that it will be the foundation of the preservation of traditional
culture in the long-term.

It is generally agreed upon that cultural commercialisation can lead to the gradual loss of indigenous
[Link] in the developing world. In fact, to make any form of tradition more palatable for
tourists, local people make some small but nonetheless significant alterations to these activities and
customs ensuring that visitors may not encounter anything strange or scary. For example, Street Food
Festivals in Ho Chi Minh City, which invariably would sell traditional cuisine, are actually selling food
whose tastes and ingredients have been changed to satisfy the tourists’ appetites. As a result, many dishes
no longer have their original taste and are becoming increasingly westernised as food tourism develops.

On the other hand, few would dispute the fact that places rich in culture can become more financially
independent when cultural tourism prospers because it no longer relies on government funding or support
from non-profit organisations, which are usually working to tight budgets and limited resources. If these
areas could generate money from doing business through utilising their local cultures and customs, this
would largely ameliorate the current situation. An example of this is tailoring shops in Hoi An Ancient
Town. Tailors of the Ao Dai (the traditional Vietnamese ‘long dress’) are changing their style of making
these clothes to fit with the modern fashion trends, making them more fitted and shorter. tourists are
seemingly impressed as sales have increased.. These profits not only can help them to sustain their own
businesses but also keep the Ao Dai alive.

In conclusion, while turning cultural traditions purely into a money-making exercise could lead to the
disappearance or at least a dilution of some cultural features, I feel it is more important to allow cultural
traditions to evolve along with social changes. By doing this we can preserve the core values while
replacing the obsolete constituents. (352 words).
[Link]: In countries where there is high unemployment, most pupils should be offered only primary
education. There is no point in offering secondary education to those who will have no hope of finding a
job. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

There is a controversial suggestion that children should only be offered primary education if their
country has a high unemployment rate and therefore it is unnecessary to offer secondary education
because their chances of finding a job are is limited. I strongly believe this statement has many flaws such
as an undefined correlation between education and unemployment . Hence, I do not agree with it.

First of all, we need to understand the reasons behind the high unemployment rate. In many cases, a high
unemployment rate is due to the economic situation such as high inflation or the ability of a government
to run the economy. Those economic indicators represent the health of a country and likely correlated
with its job market. Barring pupils from secondary education does not contribute to the progression of an
economy but instead cuts its potential growth rate. For instance, secondary educated pupils should be able
to adapt to working environment better than merely primary-educated ones. Furthermore, people with
minimum education may seek jobs overseas in developed countries where there is always a need for
immigrant labourers. Singapore is a good example where there are a lot of low-educated people working
on construction sites and maids working in households. Those overseas jobs are great sources of foreign
currency for the home country.
 Moreover, the idea that people have no chance of finding a job even if they have completed secondary
education contains a major flaw. The Job market is defined by the demand and supply of skilled and
qualified labor, and the size of the job market is driven by economy and development. Therefore, people
with higher education are preferred, even if those jobs require no education at all and even if the size of
the job market is small, there will always be a need for labor for any industry. For example, the demand
for labor is always present in developing countries or rural areas. This idea not only doesn’t solve issues
with the economy but it also represents the weakness in the government.

To conclude, a high unemployment rate is an issue of any economy and providing workers with only
primary education is not the solution to that problem and doing so may limit the country’s potential
growth rate in future. (376 words).
[Link]: In some countries, criminal trials are shown on television for the public. Do the advantages
of this outweigh the disadvantages? (30/1/20)

Law-breakers in many countries face trials that are televised for the masses to observe. Although this
trend may be conducive to maintaining law and order, I still believe that the diminished likelihood of
offenders fitting back into society after their incarceration would be a significant drawback.

In terms of the merits of trials broadcast on TV, it is widely believed that judges are more likely to pass
impartial sentences when they acknowledge the sentiments of people outside the court. For example, in
Vietnam there was a case where a child molester could not get away with his crime through bribery and
connections with high level government officials owing to pressure from the public, due to it being
televised. Therefore the revelation of the offender’s guilt on TV proved to be a greatly effective deterrent
for wealthy and powerful people drawing on their abundant resources to save themselves, preempting a
foreseeable miscarriage of justice.

Despite the aforementioned advantages, I am still of the opinion that the exposure of criminals on TV can
impede their reintegration after discharge. Take thieves for example. If their names and faces are
recognised by many people, they will have a narrow window of opportunity to find a job, mingle with
their neighbours or make friends. The discrimination they face may trigger depression, ultimately leading
to suicidal thoughts since they no longer have a sense of belonging or feel needed by others. I believe,
except for felons such as murderers or drug traffickers whose sentences are commonly terminal, other less
hardened criminals deserve a chance to re-enter society and function as normal citizens again if they are
remorseful.

To conclude, while the broadcast of criminal trials on TV may do wonders for upholding the efficacy of
legislation and justice in court, the protection of a criminal’s identity is worth more consideration as a
way to show mercy. We all deserve a second chance, which televised trials may make difficult for petty
criminals. Therefore, criminal trials should not be televised as entertainment for the masses.
[Link]: Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages
together. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

It is believed by some people that music has an ability to bring people closer regardless of their cultures
and ages. While I agree that music can connect people from different countries/backgrounds, it fails to
bring people from different generations together.

On the one hand, it is justifiable to say that music can remove the geographical barriers between people.
As songs are the combination of lyrics and melody, people can still enjoy the songs without fully
understanding the message that the song conveys when they are exposed to that/the music. Take concerts
as an example. It is not uncommon to see thousands of young millennials from a diverse range of
countries to gather together at a gigantic stadium to enjoy a performance by chart-topping singers, such as
Taylor Swift or Adele. In these cases, the power of music to connect people is undeniable.

However, it seems to me that it is impossible for music to bridge generational differences. The reason for
this is that people’s choice of music is based on their life experience and personality, which deeply differ
when people enter different stages of life. While children are interested in songs with catchy tunes and
animated visuals, senior citizens prefer songs which can arouse melancholy feelings and trigger memories
of the past. When the taste in music of the young and the old is not in harmony, it is difficult to bring
them together to enjoy the same songs together, but not impossible as some limited common ground can
be achieved, for example songs sung at Christmas, or traditional songs updated by current pop stars

In conclusion, despite the fact that people from different cultures can become closer thanks to music, I am
of the opinion that music cannot connect people of different ages because of the stark differences in their
music tastes. Given this situation, the kind of music played for a diverse age range should be carefully
chosen to catch people’s interest and avoid potential offence. (332 words).
[Link]: Many young people today know more about international pop and movie stars than about
famous people in history in their country. Why is this? What can be done to increase young people's
interest in famous people in the history of their country.

It is claimed that the current young generations are likely to be hugely aware and knowledgeable about
pop culture, while their historical knowledge is severely limited. In this essay, I will be discussing the
causes of this problem, which are a lack of engagement in the classroom. Furthermore I suggest making
full use of technology in order to generate more interest in historical figures.

It is an undisrupted fact that youngsters all over the world have little fascination for history because of
lacklustre teaching methods. Firstly, despite the development of advanced technological visual aids, the
uptake of this in the classroom is poor because teachers are either inflexible or lack the skills to utilise it
effectively. This is compounded by the fact that History often requires students to learn facts rather than
try to relate it to modern life. These issues therefore result in low student engagement in both history and
historical figures. Celebrities, meanwhile, attract a huge amount of attention from the public thanks to
their skilful use of social media aided by their media managers to maximise the effect. The use of the
latest technological advances which are used in music videos and hollywood blockbusters including the
3-D effect and holograms.

Improving teaching methods are a practical method for tackling this problem. Technology should be
taken fully advantage of to make history lessons more tempting. For example, teachers can show
historical animations during lessons or supplement the learning process with interactive computer games.
Another measure is to make sure students can relate to these individuals, allowing them to make
meaningful connections between these important figures, their achievements or struggles and the students'
own lives.

In conclusion, the major reason behind this issue is the teaching method so
teachers should make it more engaging by using up to date technology and making lessons more relevant
to the learners. This change could be considered a long term approach but it should allow young people to
recognise the importance of eminent people in history. (333 words).
[Link]: Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not
the real needs of the society in which they are sold. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In our modern society, purchases of popular consumer products are at record levels. Some people say that
it is due to the influence of advertising. While I agree that advertising has a role to play in boosting these
sales, I would further argue that people do need the items that they buy.
On the one hand, saying that advertisements are the first step of promoting sales is justifiable to some
extent. People who live in major metropolises, such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are surrounded by
shopping malls which are often covered in advertising slogans and imagery which triggers increased
levels of consumerism. In other words, advertisements gradually pique consumers’ interest in these
products. leading to an increased volume of sales. Therefore, it seems sensible to say that advertising is
one of the factors which helps to improve sales.

However, I would argue that consumers also need these products. As the population is on the rise, there is
obviously a greater demand for products in order to satisfy people’s needs, leading to a rise in sales of
these consumer items such as food and clothing As well as this, this trend can be attributable to a higher
standard of living. This is primarily because when people are wealthier, they tend to have a higher
expectation for products. This would mean they are likely to replace their existing products with new ones
if the latest versions offer improved features or performance. This rings true among electronic products
such as mobile phones, with updated features such as finger or face recognition software

In conclusion, it makes sense to say that consumption of consumer goods has experienced an increase
thanks in part due to advertising campaigns, but it seems to me that these high levels of purchases also
reflect the needs of people wanting to enjoy a better quality of life and the demands of a country’s
increasing population. Given the economic benefits it is likely that governments will be happy to
encourage further rises in the future. (336 words).
[Link]: Some people think the best way to reduce the crime rate is to educate criminals while in jail.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

People hold different views about how best to reduce the rate of crime. While some people claim that the
best way is to provide them with proper education in jail, I would say that there are better ways to tackle
the issue, including better education in schools and stricter punishments.

On the one hand, educating criminals when they are in jail is justifiable to some extent. Studies in
Vietnam have shown that the motivation to commit crime boils down mainly to people’s lack of proper
education, leading to their inability to land a good job. As a result, they may struggle to make ends meet
and a proportion of those in the right circumstances could resort to committing crimes in order to provide
for themselves and their families. By receiving some appropriate vocational training which equips them
with crucial skills, they can stand a higher chance of finding a decent job. It can also afford ex-offenders
the opportunity of rehabilitation in order to lead normal lives after they leave prison and integrate back
into society.

However, I am of the opinion that other more effective measures can be taken to deal with the problem.
The first thing that we can do is to launch some educational programs for teenagers in schools as a
significant percentage of juvenile crime stems from insufficient awareness of the consequences of a life of
crime. When adolescents are fully aware of the outcomes of their misdeeds they may face, they may be
less likely to break the laws. Following on to another idea, I believe that stricter punishments should be
introduced, to act as a deterrent to those considering criminal activity. As many criminals are not first-
time offenders, and if education alone does not work for them, then in this case, punishing wrongdoers
more severely could discourage them from repeating offences as they are fully aware of the serious
consequences of continuing to commit crimes.

In conclusion, despite the benefits of vocational training in jail, I firmly believe that other actions such as
education in school and severe punishments can be implemented to prevent and reduce crimes more
effectively. No doubt a multi-pronged approach can transform a significant number of lives by keeping
them out of prison. (373 words).
[Link]: Some people say that class size affects language teaching, while others feel that big classes
do not matter. Discuss both view and give your opinion.

People hold differing views about the effects of the size of a class on the quality of language lessons.
Although the number of students is not a major concern in some cases such as receptive skills, I believe
that for the majority of language classes including productive skills, class size can be pivotal.

To begin with, I would suggest that when teaching listening or reading skills, teachers should not worry
about the class size. Since the main purpose of such courses is to equip learners with basic techniques,
teachers can deliver a lecture to a large group of students and afterwards check their understanding by
giving them exercises and answers. There are, of course, occasions when some learners lag behind their
peers, but this can be solved by giving these individuals further reading at home and extra homework. In
fact some studies in Vietnam have shown that there is no significant impact on progress of increasing
class size.

However, I am of the opinion that the number of students in a class is an important consideration because
a small-size class promises better interaction between learners and their teachers. This holds true for
many aspects of language learning, some of which are pronunciation, speaking and writing skills. In such
lessons, the instructor provides tailored advice and correction to each student as their mistakes vary from
person to person. A student may struggle with putting their thoughts on paper, while another has
difficulty in word choice and punctuation. If there are too many students, the instructor cannot allocate
time to each of them, and the overall outcomes of the lesson will ultimately not be realised/reached.

To conclude, class size does not matter in a few aspects of language teaching, but in my opinion, for
other aspects this is a highly influential factor. Language school and teachers should, therefore, take the
size of their classes into consideration to increase the teaching quality where appropriate. (339 words).
[Link]: Several languages are in danger of extinction because they are spoken by a very small
number of people. Some people say that governments should spend public money on saving these
languages, while others believe that would be a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your
opinion?

It has been pointed out that some minority languages are now on the brink of vanishing, and some
suggest that funding should be poured into saving these. While this may involve significant financial
investment, I feel that the cultural and social benefits are more important.

On the one hand, some claim that preventing less commonly-used languages from disappearing would be
a waste of money and resources. Firstly, language preservation requires governments to invest large sums
in research and education projects, including possible expeditions by linguists and anthropologists to
remote areas. Instead, this money could be channelled into public services such as building hospitals or
schools benefiting more people in the community. In addition, rare languages are not able to bring in
economic benefits. In fact, some widely-spoken languages such as Chinese and English have had a
significant role in accelerating international trade and facilitating cultural connections/ties, whereas
minority languages are unable to offer the same social and economic gains.

On the other hand, I strongly believe that these endangered languages should be rejuvenated for socio-
cultural reasons. Culturally, languages can be considered the soul of a culture, meaning that saving them
may help a community to maintain their origins and cultural values, helping cultural patterns pass from
generation to generation. In a social context, facilitating linguistic diversity would effectively create
equality in society as every language would be appreciated, whether it was spoken by certain tribes or the
majority of the population. Therefore minority languages speakers could cohabit peacefully with others
and contribute to a more integrated nation, which would further eliminate potential social unrest.
In conclusion, while there are convincing economic arguments against preserving endangered languages,
letting these languages die out would be a non-optimal choice in terms of cultural preservation and social
inclusion. Governments should issue financial grants to encourage research and education programmes,
especially in remote areas as they would benefit the most from this support. (319 words).
[Link]: In many countries, more and more people buy a wide range of household goods like
televisions, microwave ovens and rice cookers. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

It is the norm that an increasing number of people purchase a variety of household appliances such as
TVs, microwaves and rice cookers. Despite the benefits it brings, such as saving time and boosting
employment, I would argue that the drawbacks, including the impact on the environment are much more
considerable.
On the one hand, there are some grounds to suggest that the trend of buying more household goods is
beneficial in terms of convenience and the economy. Chief among them is that it allows people to have
more time to relax. This is primarily because people no longer have to spend a large amount of time
performing household tasks . When most domestic duties are handled by these electronic gadgets, people
are more likely to spend time on their hobbies and interests, and allow them more time to spend with
family and friends. This is turn can have positive effects for their mental health and their quality of life.
Another benefit is that as more people want to own appliances, the demand for these products will be on
the rise, leading to a greater need for production of these products which ultimately leads to an increase in
demand for employees to meet this demand. This, consequently, boosts the economy and can help to
tackle the issue of unemployment in that country.

However, it seems to me that the benefits mentioned above are outweighed by the effect on the
environment.. When people want to replace their old goods with the new ones, the used appliances will be
disposed of. Currently, Many countries, including Vietnam, are struggling to come up with ways to deal
with the problem of excessive amount of rubbish in large landfills, and consequently, the more appliances
are bought, the bigger this problem becomes. As well as this, when people are heavily reliant on
household goods, they may find it hard to live without these gadgets. For example, many young
millennials have no choice but to eat fast food when the rice cooker stops working or take clothes to the
laundry when their washing machines breaks down. This will become an increasing problem in the future
as people become more and more dependent on these 1in their homes.

In conclusion, equipping homes with a wide range of household can improve the quality of people’s lives
and boosting the economy to some extent, but I am of the opinion that it detrimental to the environment
and encourages dependency in the long term To tackle the first issue. I suggest that manufacturers come
up with ways for these products to be disposed of in an eco-friendly way. (436 words).
[Link]: Many countries aim to improve their living standards by economic development, but some
important social values are lost as a result. Do you think the advantages of economic development
outweigh disadvantages?

In an attempt to raise people's well-being, the debate about whether the government is giving too much
attention to economic aspects that they neglect social ones has attracted much attention. From my
standpoint, although it is undeniable that such a bias is not without drawbacks, I believe the benefits of
financial stability are more significant.

On the one hand, a strong economy will lay a foundation for improved living standards because it
provides individuals with ample job opportunities. When there is an increasing demand for jobs as a result
of a dynamic economy, people are more likely to enjoy better financial security, which is a basis for a
better life. Therefore, they would have more money at their disposal, and thus be more willing to invest in
education, entertainment and health care for themselves and their children. This rise in spending habits
would inevitably support the economy to grow in return.

On the other hand, there is a possibility that some crucial social values may be lost at the expense of a
sole focus on economic development. One example is the loss of social cohesion. This is because when a
country grows too fast, the wealth gap among its citizens is inevitably widened. Such inequality in wealth
distribution may lead to problems such as social unrest. In addition, economic growth can lead to a rise in
living costs, which can lead to work becoming more demanding. This means employees often have to
compromise family time for their work commitments, which explains why the fracture of family bonds
has become a common issue in today’s world, especially when both parents feel compelled to work full
time, which is a recent trend in big cities across Vietnam.

In conclusion, notwithstanding the possible threats that an excessive focus on economic development may
pose to social inclusiveness as a whole and healthy relationships within families, I believe that such a
decision made by the government is wise since it offers financial means for its people, and thus paves
way for further development. However, I would recommend the authorities pay attention to improving the
living conditions of those in deprived regions so that everybody is given the equal chance to a better life.
(368 words)
[Link]: It is better if an extended family (for example, aunts, uncles, grandparents) are involved in a
child’s upbringing than just parents alone. Do you agree or disagree?

Family structures have always played a key role in the development of a child. Some people argue that
the engagement of other immediate relatives in the process of child-rearing is more likely to bring about
more benefits than just the parents. I agree with the statement due to the financial and emotional support
parents can receive, although some conflicts may arise.

To begin with, It is true that too many people being involved in educating and nurturing a child may
engender disagreements. In other words, family members from different generations may have different
views about the most appropriate methods to raise a kid, which may result in clashes. As the phrase goes,
‘too many cooks spoil the broth’. For example, older Vietnamese women tend to adopt traditional
remedies gained from word-of-mouth, for ailments such as a cold while modern ones are more inclined to
follow/use scientifically-proven methods. Therefore, if the child grows up in an inharmonious
environment, he or she may suffer from stress.

Having said that, raising a child in a larger family can help to alleviate financial burdens on new parents.
It stands to reason that monthly bills such as rent and food can be commonly shared with other family
members. The parents; as a result, would save more money to provide better education and entertainment
for their children. Moreover, busy parents can actually take advantage of the available childcare support
from grandparents or aunts and uncles. In that way, they can not only fulfil their work commitments but
also ensure a safe environment for their offspring to develop. Furthermore, senior members of the family
can be a great source of inspiration and advice for small children, and close contact with them can enrich
the child's perspective.

In conclusion, the positive effects of raising children in a family with more than two generations
outweigh its downsides thanks to the rich input for the child and an ease of economic burden on the
parents. This kind of family structure can be ideal for busy and financially unstable parents; however, for
those with more economic mobility, they may consider other options. (352 words)
[Link]: Society is based on rules and laws. It could not function if individuals were free to do
whatever they wanted to do. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people contend that laws and regulations are indispensable for keeping society in order. I totally
agree with this opinion.

It is true that the legal system is an effective means to maintain order in any society. Firstly, the law plays
an integral role in restoring the delicate balance in society and guaranteeing people can live together in
peace and harmony. For example, it provides a formal means to resolve disputes which are unavoidable in
any society. Moreover, rules and laws also act as a deterrent which prevents people from engaging in any
wrongdoings, especially serious crimes. It is strict laws which discourage potential criminals by laying
out acceptable behaviour and prescribing consequences for these actions in the form of punishments

On the other hand, people may suggest that human beings are superior to other animals so they are
especially entitled to rights of freedom. For example, it is essential for the development of any country
that its citizens can voice their opinions freely, to ensure that democracy is highly respected and power is
not solely in the hands of powerful figures. However, this should not be extended to freedom in all cases
as I believe that the rights of individuals should still be limited to a certain extent, by laws and
regulations. Sticking with the example of freedom of speech, we can say this is pivotal, but it doesn’t
mean that a person can say whatever they want, especially encouraging racism, sexism and other forms of
hatred towards others. Therefore, even civil rights need to be regulated.

In conclusion, I completely consent that it is essential for any society to have a comprehensive law
system which maintains order but regulates the freedoms that we all enjoy. It is good to bear in mind that
without laws, any society is likely to be thrown into total chaos. (307 words)
[Link]: Governments should make laws about people’s nutrition and food choice. Others argue that
it is their choice. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (Test Date: 28/11/20)

Many people suggest governments issue laws that regulate citizens’ selection of food as a vehicle to
combat poor eating habits. I am strongly opposed to this idea with respect to personal preferences.

On the one hand, legislation detailing food consumption could help promote a healthier diet. Indeed,
lawmakers might set a standard intake of essential nutrition as advised by nutritionists as well as
completely remove unhealthy dishes such as heavily processed foods from a list of possible options in
shops and restaurants. Anyone who does not follow the guidelines could face a small monetary fine while
companies that sell unlisted products could be banned from operating. Thanks to these measures, citizens
are more likely to adopt a balanced diet which is scientifically proven to be the key to overall well-being.

On the other hand, a law that regulates people’s consumption of foods is unlikely to accommodate
everyone’s needs. In fact, a person’s choice of dishes for his meal depends on various personal reasons
ranging from taste preferences, and nutritional demands to financial constraints. Some choose to sit down
at a McDonald’s for a Big Mac possibly because they are fans of cheesy beef patties or it might be the
only lunch set they can afford if they are on special offer. Furthermore I don’t believe it is the role of the
state to prevent people from enjoying their guilty pleasures on rare occasions. That is why, in my opinion,
asking everyone to follow strict guidelines is simply unethical, failing to address the needs and rights of
each individual in a society.

In conclusion, although governmental control of one’s consumption might be of help to a more science-
based diet, I believe people must be allowed to consume whatever they desire. As an alternative to
decrees, ministries of health should run nationwide healthy eating campaigns. (299 words)
[Link]: It is a waste of time for high school students to study literature (e.g. novels and poetry). To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is believed by some that the inclusion of literature, such as poetry and novels, in the high school
curriculum is unnecessary. However, I disagree with this statement because it seems to me that this
subject is of paramount importance for creating well-rounded and expressive individuals.

Opponents of the idea of teaching literature to high school students claim that in this modern world, it is
better for students to pay more attention to science. These subjects may arm them with fundamental
knowledge, which makes them become the driving force for their country’s development. However, I
would say that this is a short-sighted view. In fact many of the world’s most famous scientists were also
talented writers or artists, such as Leonardo DaVinci, Carl Jung or more recently British physicist Brian
Cox. Therefore governments should aspire to create polymaths rather than those excelling in single
subjects.

In addition to this, learning literature is also pivotal for the development of students’ mindsets. Firstly,
they may become open-minded. To be more specific, by exposing themselves to different genres and
works by notable authors from various backgrounds and cultures, students will learn to look at life from
different perspectives and accept new outlooks. This plays a key role if they want to establish new
relationships with people from all walks of life. What is more, the subject of literature in Vietnam also
requires students to voice their opinions on current social affairs, such as environment, social corruption
and moral degradation among young adults. Students may be taught how to express their thoughts and
feelings in writing, which is a crucial skill for their future careers because many companies now prefer
candidates with critical thinking and competent writing skills.

In conclusion, while some people argue that it is pointless studying literature at high school, I contend
that this subject is instrumental in helping students to be versatile, multi-talented as well as possessing an
open minded but critical mindset. Given these arguments, this subject should be an essential component
of any high school curriculum and considered as important as any other subject. (345 words)
[Link]: Most of the world’s problems are caused by overpopulation. Do you agree or disagree?

It is widely thought that the majority of the world’s issues stem from an overpopulated planet. However, I
tend to disagree with this viewpoint as I believe that the recent population explosion merely exacerbates
the inherent problems humans have endured for centuries.

To begin with, many of the most serious difficulties facing people today, namely war, racism and poverty,
have undeniably existed for a long period. During the course of history, greed and acquisitiveness have
urged powerful nations to conquer and exploit, exerting their influence to take natural resources or gain
economic benefits, thereby accumulating wealth for their own people. In addition, racism and poverty
also date back to thousands of years ago, which can be evidenced by slavery by Western countries and
countless historical accounts of the downtrodden people in dependent colonies.

Although overpopulation does not cause those problems, I believe it does exacerbate them. The
uncontrollable population rise in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, greatly
contributes to the scarcity of food, fuel, drinking water and even living space. As a result, many people
are driven to resort to violence towards each other to sustain their basic needs. In addition, the gap
between the rich and poor has been widening due to the fact that families choose to raise too many
children in traditional communities, but cannot provide a high standard of living for them and
governments fail to invest in education and healthcare in order to allow these future generations to escape
poverty. (This situation is particularly acute in countries ravaged by war such as Yemen or Syria, where
large numbers of refugees have fled into neighbouring countries and beyond, in search of sanctuary.)

In conclusion, overpopulation is not to blame for many problems worldwide as human nature or lack of
investment is the underlying cause. Nevertheless, population rise is a contributing factor so reducing the
birth rate should be prioritised in many developing countries to deal with pressing social problems and
improve citizens’ standard of living. (301/332 words)
[Link]: Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters
(such as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think
about their own wishes. Other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions about
matters that affect them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

People have different views about whether children should be given the privilege of making their own
decisions. While giving them absolute freedom to make choices in daily life is likely to encourage
selfishness, I tend to agree with the idea that independent decision-making is of paramount importance
for adulthood.

A common criticism of giving children too much freedom is that they would become narrow-minded and
self-centred. Allowing children to always choose the things they want and not have to follow the advice
of others may lead them to be too independently minded. This character trait may be a hindrance in later
life, in terms of cooperating with other people in a team and especially when leading an organisation. In
these situations listening to and considering the ideas and opinions of others is of great importance. Take,
for example, a group presentation in which a team has to work together, meaning a lot of decisions have
to be made. Each group member will have to point out the pros and cons of their own ideas and learn to
be tolerant and accept other viewpoints at the same time.

However, the possibility of becoming uncooperative does not necessarily mean children’s rights to make
decisions should be restricted. Firstly, overprotective parents, who always intervene and dictate every
aspect of their children’s lives, would definitely create bad habits for children, making them dependent
and even losing the ability to manage their own lives in the future. This is evidenced by the fact that in
many fields employers wouldn’t hire employees who couldn't think for themselves and show initiative.
Secondly, effective decision-making skills, which are difficult and involve various steps, such as
evaluating situations and considering alternatives need prolonged, consistent practice over a long period
to master. That is why giving children opportunities to make their own choices is so beneficial.

In conclusion, the advantages of encouraging independent decision making during childhood are more
significant than the possibility of children growing up to be selfish. This includes effective team working
skills and being tolerant of others’ opinions. Parents should therefore give up strict control over their
children’s choices and play their part in guiding and advising children to make their own informed
decisions. (370 words)
[Link]: Nowadays animal experiments are widely used to develop new medicines and to test the
safety of other products. Some people argue that these experiments should be banned because it is
morally wrong to cause animals to suffer, while others are in favour of them because of their benefits to
humanity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Opinions are divided on whether a complete ban should be imposed on animal testing on moral grounds
or whether it should be maintained due to its roles in the development of new therapeutic agents or testing
potentially dangerous products. This essay will discuss both views and give reasons why such a ban
would be not sensible given the current lack of a realistic alternative.

Those who argue that experiments on animals should be prohibited may point to the suffering they
experience. Animal rights activists believe that such testing would do nothing but cause harm and distress
to animal subjects, which cannot be justified by any possible benefits to society. A good illustration of
this is allergy skin testing in which rabbits can be subject to severe swelling and inflammation. This
exploitation by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, nevertheless, could be mitigated by
implementing a set of ethical principles, including refining experimental procedures to minimise any
possible discomfort that animals have to experience.

Despite the aforementioned arguments, I am in favour of animal research partly because of the concrete
evidence it offers and partly because of a lack of alternatives. With regard to the former, these studies
provide information on the effectiveness and safety profile of a candidate drug, serving as a foundation
for its trials on human subjects. Such data can assist scientists in calculating the dose which should be
used for patients. As far as the second idea is concerned, although some advances in computer modelling
have been made, these options still have not demonstrated enough reliability and therefore, studies
conducted on live animals are still irreplaceable, for now at least.

To summarise, I believe that the use of animals for drug and product testing, although causing intense
suffering to the subjects, is essential and incomparable. However greater investment in computer
modelling is needed for the long term. (312 words).
[Link]: Some people think zoos are cruel and all of the zoos should be closed. However, some
people think zoos are useful to protect rare animals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Nowadays, people have different views regarding the usefulness and role of zoos in society. While some
support an elimination of these wildlife parks for ethical reasons, I feel they should be maintained for the
resulting educational values and a diverse ecosystem.

On the one hand, keeping animals in confined areas may raise ethical concerns, which conflicts with the
ideals of a humane society. For example, when a cub is separated from his or her parents and raised in an
artificial environment, he or she could suffer depression. The fact that newly-born animals cannot live
freely could lead to serious physical and mental developmental issues It is also worth noting that while
some world class parks might be able to provide huge enclosures, most zoos cannot.

Despite the moral considerations, I believe that zoos are essential for protecting rare species and the
environment. Quite different from the perception that zoos are brutal, zoos can play a significant role in
the diversity of our ecosystem, providing shelter for endangered flora and fauna, saving them from illegal
poaching or natural disasters, and helping them to breed and restore their population before being released
into their natural setting. Pandas in China are a good example of this. In addition, zoos offer people
opportunities to see rare and wild animals first hand, which they only know via media and entertainment.
Being close to them, people may enrich their knowledge about many creatures, urging them to be more
responsible for conserving the environment.

In conclusion, many people propose shutting operations of all zoos for ethical issues, but these are
eclipsed by their conservation value. However, governments should work together to agree legally-
binding minimum standards for zoos and animal parks worldwide. (284 words)
[Link]: The housing shortage has become a serious problem. Some people think the only solution is
government action. Do you agree or disagree?

It has been pointed out that the demand for accommodation, especially in big cities is going up at an
alarming rate, and some believe that it is solely the government’s responsibility to tackle the problem.
Although commercial investment may help to deal with this, I feel governments should play the most
vital role thanks to their ability to control people and the market.

On the one hand, I strongly believe solutions such as controlling the birth rate and intervening in the
housing market would have the biggest impact. The chief cause of housing scarcity is the growing
overpopulation in urban areas, which authorities can manage through demographic measures such as
limiting the number of children for every family. In this way, metropolitan areas would be less dense over
time, weakening the thirst for houses. Moreover, given the rocketing house prices, governments should
enact laws to counter market manipulation. For example, they can impose higher taxes on those
possessing properties without habitation to keep real estate prices affordable, relieving this financial
burden for potential tenants, especially those on minimum wage.

On the other hand, businesses working alongside governments can be tremendously effective. To
illustrate, private companies, backed by governments via reduced tax liabilities, may choose to invest in
new construction schemes in satellite cities. This would subsequently increase the availability of houses
on the market and offer buyers more choices. Subsequently, workers themselves may opt to work in these
new economic hubs instead of settling down in highly-populated neighbourhoods. By doing so, they can
save more while still having a better standard of accommodation, which would in turn lead to a reduced
demand for housing in downtown areas.

In conclusion, combating housing shortages needs the engagement of different economic sectors, but
plenty of evidence has suggested that the government’s actions to constrain population growth rate and
implementing higher tax rates on empty properties are more significant. Authorities should wisely
combine appropriate resolutions to benefit their citizens the most, particularly those surviving on a low-
income. (333 words).
[Link]: As the number of cars increases, more money has to be spent on road systems. Some people
think the government should pay for this. Others, however, think that the user should cover the costs.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

People have different views on who should be responsible for road building and maintenance costs owing
to the increasing number of cars. While it can be argued that car users should shoulder these costs, I
maintain that wealthy governments must be charged.

On the one hand, commuters could be asked to pay for road construction projects as they would be the
chief [Link] is because their journeys would be faster and more comfortable due to the
expansion and enhancement of road conditions / infrastructure. For example, the new highway that
connects Hanoi and Ha Long saves drivers about two hours each way, allowing them to enjoy a smooth
road surface that has been upgraded to meet European standards.

Despite the above, I contend that only the government is financially capable of covering the huge
expenses involved in road systems. It is important to note that this involves the costs of land clearance,
construction, supervision and operation, which appear to be far beyond the income received through fees
and tolls. If we rely only on these contributions from individual commuters, these important projects will
be delayed considerably. Therefore, they should be funded by national budgets which have billions of
dollars originating from taxes, profits of state companies, and state services.

In conclusion, although road users who directly benefit from these improvements might be asked to bear
the cost, I believe that governments should be ultimately responsible due to their enormous financial
capability. In my opinion, governments must also act urgently, speeding up the road construction projects
to alleviate the perennial problem of traffic jams and road accidents. (266 words).
[Link]: The best way to solve the world's environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel. Do
you agree or disagree with this view?

Many people argue that an increase in fuel prices will solve the problem of the environment. While this
idea could help reduce the amount of harmful fumes in the atmosphere, I maintain that a global awareness
campaign is the most feasible option.
On the one hand this policy might help cut down emissions from private vehicles which pollute the air in
big cities. Indeed, as the cost per kilometre increases, people would have to consider reducing the distance
and the frequency at which they travel on the roads. If there is a need to travel, commuters might also turn
to more cost-effective and greener means of transportation such as buses or electric bikes. In both of these
cases, the total amount of noxious fumes that cause air pollution is limited.

However, an increase in fuel prices can only solve a limited part of these complex environmental issues.
In fact, causes of pollution are diverse, involving the use of plastic bags in shopping, or chemicals in both
agriculture and industry which contaminate both water and land. Therefore, the most effective solution
would be running a world-wide campaign that raises consumer awareness about the environmental cost
of their shopping habits, and presses companies to reduce the consumption of noxious chemicals, and
resolve to adopt greener farming and manufacturing methods.

In conclusion, while increasing fuel costs can partly solve environmental problems by discouraging
private vehicle usage , the ideal solution would be making the public and corporations acutely aware of
the issue. I am also convinced that once resolute action is taken, humans can reverse the effect of climate
change and other environmental problems. (270 words)
[Link] 2 Question: Despite a large number of gyms, a sedentary lifestyle is gaining popularity in the
contemporary world. What problems are associated with this? What solutions can you suggest?

It is true that although a growing number of fitness centres have opened, people’s inactivity has become a
pressing issue in modern society. This lifestyle can have detrimental impacts on physical and mental
health, but measures can be taken in schools and offices to address future problems.

One dangerous example of sedentary behaviour is excessive sitting. The most crucial issue is that people
who spend most of their time sitting are more vulnerable to chronic illnesses., This is due to their blood
pressure increasing, failing to filter and discharge fats, sugar or noxious substances, which can heighten
the risks of diseases such as obesity and diabetes. In addition, prolonged periods of inactivity can also
lead to poorer mental health. Studies have suggested that these individuals can suffer from elevated levels
of stress, anxiety or depression. According to recent research, the likelihood of depression among office
workers who sit for hours is 20% higher than labourers.

However, I believe that awareness raising and workplace opportunities can discourage a sedentary
lifestyle. Firstly, the government can run campaigns to raise students’ awareness of the harmful effects of
inactivity. These workshops should be carried out in schools and universities by being incorporated into
health sessions in the curriculum. Secondly, businesses should encourage their employees to exercise
regularly by incentivising them. For example, Honda Vietnam organises a daily Physical Education
session in the morning, and the most physically active employee of the month will receive a monetary
award. This is the perfect exemplification of helping people maintain a healthy lifestyle at the workplace.

In conclusion, while not staying active can exert serious effects on people’s mentality and physicality
these can be combated with youth education and company-led activities. This is a joint effort by both the
government and businesses which can hopefully address this problem and avert a future public health
crisis. (307 words).
[Link] 2 Question: Some universities offer online courses as an alternative to classes delivered on
campus. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

The Internet has become increasingly prevalent in education. Many universities are now offering online
courses instead of traditional classrooms. From my perspective, I would contend that any potential
advantages of this off-campus learning are outweighed by its significant disadvantages.
First and foremost, communication skills might suffer due to less direct interaction with teachers and
classmates. Distance learning, as opposed to physical classes, is operated through the Internet resulting in
students and teachers not having face-to-face conversations, which deprives students of opportunities to
develop their communicative ability. In addition, without regular face to face contact, they may struggle
to forge strong bonds with their teachers and peers. As a result, they may hesitate to reach out when they
experience difficulties. In the long run, this may lead to loneliness and hinder students from
demonstrating higher academic performance.

Worse still, online learning can encourage student procrastination, contributing to lower academic
performance. Without strict supervision from teachers, students may neglect their studies and lack
discipline. Therefore, this kind of learning is often associated with low student motivation, resulting in
low academic productivity. Online courses during COVID19 pandemic perfectly exemplify this
drawback. After months of online learning, the Ministry of Education has had to simplify the tests as the
quality of e-learning is not guaranteed. This is a testament to how online courses can affect overall
student outcomes.

In conclusion, I am convinced that online courses can exert a more negative effect on students than a
positive one, including impaired communication skills, procrastination and lower academic performance.
Given the likelihood of more not less online learning in the future, the government should carry out
extensive research to determine how to mitigate its many shortcomings. (280 words)
[Link]: Some people think that children should obey rules or do what their parents and teachers
want them to do, but others think that children controlled too much cannot deal with problems well by
themselves. Discuss both views and give your own opinion?

Nowadays, people have different opinions about whether children should follow the advice of their
teachers or parents. While this may be beneficial to children’s safety, I feel allowing them to develop their
independent problem solving skills is more significant.

On the one hand, the shortage of practical experience suggests that children should comply with these
instructions. Firstly, young children are not sufficiently mentally and physically developed, meaning that
letting them do things without supervision could be dangerous. For example, kids may practice cooking
after watching a cookery show TV without understanding the danger of using knives or fire. In this case,
parents’ restrictions on using kitchen appliances are vital as these may help their offspring avoid injuries.
A further example of children’s inability to take care of themselves is the point that many are addicted to
video games and choose to play games endlessly rather than study or do exercise. This requires careful
control from parents and in extreme cases counselling is needed to help these children to escape their
addiction.

On the other hand, children working out issues by themselves would be overwhelmingly helpful
concerning their ability to solve problems, critical-thinking. Primarily, relying on those closest to them
may discourage a child’s ability to cope with issues by themselves. For instance, if children are taught at
school in an overly strict and controlling way, they may satisfy their teachers but this can destroy their
potential to think ‘out of the box’ and come up with creative solutions. In addition, without the right to act
freely, children may lack interpersonal skills essential for their future career. In fact, Asian couples tend
to ban kids’ participation in social activities such as garbage pickups for fear of injuries. Therefore, these
children cannot have a chance to collaborate with their young peers to tackle unexpected problems such
as interpersonal conflicts or unforeseen obstacles, which could be a huge disadvantage when applying for
jobs in the future.

In conclusion, children’s welfare is the main reason why teachers and parents often control a child’s
behaviors. However, plenty of evidence has shown that enabling kids to do things with a suitable degree
of control may help them become outstanding young adults who can think critically and handle problems
effectively. The government should educate parents and teachers about the dangers of being overly
controlling. (387 words)
[Link]: In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships that people make? Has this
been a positive or negative development?

In recent decades, new technologies have significantly influenced the kinds of relationships that exist
between people, both in education and social interaction. Despite some drawbacks, I feel this has been an
overwhelmingly positive trend.

To begin with, technology has facilitated new relationships through online teaching and on social media.
The development of smartphones and the internet have created the possibility for people to communicate
with one another regardless of geographical distances. For example, a student can now use video
conferencing software such as zoom to take an online course with a teacher living in a different city or
country replacing face-to-face interactions in traditional classes. Furthermore, there has been a growing
tendency towards using social networks, such as Facebook to make new friends and find people who
share common interests or debate their political viewpoints, paving the way for new relationships and
online communities.

There are clear educational and social benefits of these kinds of new relationships. Firstly, students now
have the ability to study with the best teachers from around the globe at a time that suits their potentially
hectic schedules. This could mean access to high quality of teaching, with a more supportive, accessible
and flexible teacher. Meanwhile, social media relationships may be tremendously beneficial. For example
Facebook allows for students of the same class to form an online group where they can ask questions,
share ideas, thereby supporting and motivating each other. This could over time turn into long-lasting
friendships.

In conclusion, video technology and social media are facilitating new relationships between teachers and
students. This is clearly a beneficial phenomena as it can improve access to high quality teaching and
allow students to support each other more effectively. Governments should ensure this kind of technology
is available to remote communities who would benefit the most from it. (301 words).
[Link]: Many people nowadays spend a large part of their free time using a smartphone. What do
you think are the reasons for this? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Recently smartphones inarguably play a crucial role in everyday human activities. Nevertheless, their
overuse and even abuse gives rise to a growing concern for the whole society. While many people see this
as a negative trend. I believe we are taking advantages to the benefits that smartphones bring to and using
it more effectively.

The main reason for the exponential growth in smartphone use in people’s free time is their convenience
and functionality. These devices offer a great variety of extended features besides text messaging and
phone calls. They provides us with dozens of work and social media apps and engaging entertainment
such as high-resolution videos and games. For example apps such as google for business mean people can
work directly on their smartphones even in their free time, and important tasks completed with just a few
taps. Therefore, these technological miracles are a must-have for overworked managers on the go.
Furthermore, unlike PC or console games, smartphone games are much easier to play and require little
brain activity, so they are good for stress relief. Good examples include candy crush and subway surfer.

In addition to the benefits mentioned earlier, smartphones are also the best way to keep us up to date with
the latest news. The recent outbreak of Coronavirus shows the power of technology to assist people in
taking preventative measures and stay safe by getting the latest news updates instantly without needing to
rely on newspapers or TV. It is not surprising to say that smartphones are sometimes considered life-
savers. However we cannot say that these devices are without their concerns. Recent research has shown
that the overuse of smartphones can be disruptive and lead to addictive behaviour both at home and at
work. In fact many apps, such as Facebook are designed to be addictive, making you return to your phone
every 5 mins to check for notifications, which often leads to users being sucked in by engaging content
for extended periods of time. Similarly the addictive nature of games or videos on YouTube could lead to
serious distractions and cause people to lose focus on more important priorities.

In conclusion, the rise in phone use in people’s leisure time is due to the extreme convenience but also the
addictive nature of social media apps, videos and games. However while many people are at risk of
abusing their phones, I believe that this is outweighed by the benefits. In fact, living in this modern era
people deserve to have the latest technology at their fingertips and make the most out of what it can
provide. (431 words)
[Link]: The development of tourism contributed to English becoming the most prominent language
in the world. Some people think this will lead to English becoming the only language to be spoken
globally. What are the advantages and disadvantages to having one language in the world?

Thanks to the recent boom in travel and tourism, English has developed into the world’s most dominant
language , leading some to suggest that it might become the only lingua franca in existence. I believe that
although this trend might help facilitate more efficient access to knowledge, it could lead to the death of
cultural diversity.
On the one hand, the collective pool of knowledge would be more accessible than ever once English was
globally accepted as the only language. Indeed, an academic paper would be instantly available to
students in all continents without having to be translated into other languages in a process which might
take weeks to complete. Similarly, a Vietnamese farmer could learn how to cultivate more fruitful crops
by following the rich source of advice on Youtube, while an Arabic student might be eligible to enrol in a
prestigious university in Vietnam with no obligation to study a second language.

On the other hand, a mass disappearance of languages is highly likely to bring an end to cultural richness.
Anthropologists have shown that a mother tongue is at the core of every culture as its unique features
represent the belief and history of the culture. For example, the word “politician” in Chinese is a
combination of three “mouths”, implying a common idea that politicians are generally greedy and self-
interested. Meanwhile, the similarity between Chinese and Vietnamese pronunciation is a relic of China's
attempt to occupy Vietnam over the course of centuries.

In summary, the idea of one global language might foster knowledge exchange, albeit at the expense of
cultural loss. Looking forward, I can predict with certainty that countries will refuse to give up their
national tongues while still encouraging their citizens to acquire English proficiency for the thirst of
knowledge and collaboration. (296 words).
[Link]: Foreign visitors should pay more than local visitors for cultural and historical attractions. To
what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

With advances in transportation and the growing trend towards globalisation, international tourism in
most countries has become a huge global business in the 21st century. It is certainly true that some
countries charge international travellers more than locals for access to local tourist attractions. I totally
disagree with this way of doing business.

Some may argue that foreign visitors tend to be more well-off since the standards of living are higher
where they come from. This incorrect assumption leads local residents to believe these travellers are
perfectly willing to cover the higher costs for entry into these places and consequently they should be
charged a higher price. This view is totally unjustified because such transactions are downright unfair,
especially for those who are travelling on a tight budget. Furthermore, the price of entry should be
determined by the forces of supply and demand of the market as well as the value and quality it can
provide, rather than the nationality of its customers. If foreign visitors realise they are being overcharged,
unhappiness and frustration could naturally result which could definitely leaves a bad taste in their
mouths. This is by no means desirable in today’s modern world due to the power of the words of mouth,
as negative reviews can easily discourage prospective travellers from visiting that country, thereby
damaging the local tourism industry.

Another argument in favour of why people from countries should pay more is related to damage that is
caused by their lack of local knowledge or bad manners. In some extreme cases, they may cause real
physical damage to structures of great historical value such as statues of war heroes or ancient sculptures,
which can sometimes be irreversible. Even though there is a significant amount of evidence to back this
up, it is unjust to say that the damage is solely caused by foreign visitors as a whole. Now that we are
living in the information age, visitors are fully capable of equipping themselves with the appropriate
knowledge about the dos and don’ts regarding places they plan to visit. For that reason, if a person, local
or foreign, chooses not to get clued up and damages an exhibit he or she is fully to blame individually.
All foreign visitors should not be punished for the mistakes of just a few individuals who behave
irresponsibly.

In conclusion, from my perspective, a foreigner should not be treated unfairly when visiting local tourist
attractions as as this could have ramifications for the local tourism economy and its unfair to punish the
many for the sins of the few. It is also worth mentioning that these attractions could consider employing
sufficient numbers of staff in order to properly supervise visitors and therefore avoid expensive accidents.
(456 words).
[Link]: Nowadays, international tourism is the biggest industry in the world. Unfortunately,
international tourism creates tension rather than understanding between people from different cultures. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?-NK

The unbridled popularity of international Tourism has left some people wondering whether this trend has
created tension rather than understanding. I disagree, as although catering to foreign tourists can cause
some frustration, this is outweighed by the opportunity for mutual appreciation.

Some suggest that large numbers of overseas visitors can dilute the native culture and annoy local
residents. Firstly, businesses such as restaurants or tour companies often cater to the needs of foreign
tourists by offering them a watered down version of local cuisine, or whistle-stop tours of historically
important landmarks. This may not only anger the indigenous population, but also rob visitors of
authentic experiences. Furthermore, a significant number of tourists are looking to let off steam, enjoying
themselves noisily until the early hours, often with the help of cheap alcohol. Ultimately this may cause a
disturbance to locals, and create an unwanted distraction for police.

Despite these issues, I believe travelling to other countries is the best way to gain a deep understanding.
Of course there are a myriad of ways to learn, from national geographic to youtube vlogs. But this cannot
compare to the direct personal experience which is gained from visiting yourself. Not only do you have
countless chances to ‘break bread’ with locals and experience the culture firsthand, but most likely you
will have researched beforehand, and got familiar with the local lingo and customs. This inevitably can
remove deeply-rooted stereotypes. For example, before visiting Vietnam, many Americans view the
country only in terms of the war between its nations, and are pleasantly surprised to learn about
Vietnam’s diverse culture and welcoming people.

To sum up, the potential risk of rising tensions cannot compare to the level of cultural awareness that
comes from firsthand, personal experience. Personally, I look forward to the day when affordable low-
carbon transport methods can allow everyone to enjoy international travel without a catastrophic impact
on the environment. (316 words).
[Link]: Some people believe that it is a good idea that older people continue to work if it is possible
for them to do. Do you agree or disagree?

One school of thought holds the belief that we should raise the voluntary age of retirement and therefore
give older people the freedom to continue their work as long as they desire. I completely agree with this
statement for the sake of the economy and well-being.

Firstly, if large swathes of employees retired while still in their prime it could have detrimental effects on
a country’s economic prosperity. In some European countries, such as France and Germany, older people
are incentivised to stay a part of the workforce for as long as possible to keep the economy afloat. On a
societal level, this is based on the notion that if more older people remained employed, they would retain
higher disposable incomes, which is a plus for both individuals and the governments. Meanwhile, within
a business context, the complimentary skill sets of older and younger workers’ skill sets have been
shown to facilitate higher productivity.

Furthermore, if seniors stayed working, it would be synonymous with improved well-being. For example,
work enables the brain to keep functioning actively, which leads to a lower risk of developing brain
illnesses such as Alzheimers. studies have indicated that the longer this ‘golden’ generation can stay
productive members of the workforce , the better their physical and mental health would be. This has a
clear knock on effect for governments as the budget allocated for pensions, nursing homes, and a range
of social and healthcare services, would be significantly reduced.

In conclusion, the world’s population might be on an unstoppable course toward old age, but this
demographic transformation does not have to come with dire economic ramifications; instead, we can
view it as an opportunity for economic gains and a reduction in the strain on social welfare systems. I
think the government should provide workers who are nearing retirement age with access to re-skilling
programmes to allow them to stay healthy and economically productive. (317 words)
[Link]: Scientists believe that computers will become more intelligent than human beings. Some
people find it is positive while others think it is a negative development. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion.

Computer or artificial intelligence is considered one the most transformative technologies developed by
human engineering. Although many are concerned that adoption of AI will result in mass unemployment,
I believe that the advantages, which include increased productivity and innovation can eclipse any
perceived drawbacks.

On the one hand, as the power and potential of computer intelligence continues to progress, many predict
that it will inevitably take over large sectors of the workforce, resulting in the human worker's eventual
obsolescence, For example, Huge swathes of blue-collar workers that form the backbone of supply chain,
logistics, and manufacturing industries are expected to be replaced by a wave of automation. Worse still,
if governments failed to anticipate this through such policies as re-skilling, and a universal basic income,
we could end up with unmanageable levels of unemployment, accompanied by increased poverty and a
mental health crisis.

On the other hand, the continued development of computers will lead to unprecedented rises in
productivity and innovation. Grocery stores, such as Walmart, have taken advantage of using drones to
deliver orders and handle surging demand during the Covid-19 pandemic, reducing pressure on store
workers and increasing efficiency. Furthermore, as AI proliferates, it can take on complex and
challenging projects such as establishing new civilisations. In this brave new world space exploration and
land terraforming of other planets, could largely be performed by AI-enabled machines, to maximise
efficiency and precision, and minimise risk to human life.

In conclusion, although we should recognise that computer advancements give rise to concerns about
mass unemployment, these pale into insignificance when compared with the opportunities to improve
productivity and aim for the the moon, literally! It’s important to note that all technologies carry a certain
degree of risk, but if we had adopted a fearful mindset toward human innovation, much of the progress
made in the past 200 years would never have occurred. (312 words)
[Link]: Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others
believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Opinion is divided on whether children should be encouraged to develop a sense of cooperation or a

competitive spirit. In this essay, I will look at the rationale behind both camps before giving my support
to the former.

On the one hand, some argue that instilling a sense of rivalry in children can motivate them to strive for
higher accomplishments. For instance, a competitive spirit could motivate students to work harder in
order to achieve the top spot in their class rankings. This might assist them to develop their organisational
skills and work ethic in order to win over other students. This also serves as good training for their future
working lives, which will be filled with intense competition. For instance, technology behemoths such as
Apple, Google, and Facebook encourage a competitive spirit and frequently promote individual bonuses
and promotions to their employees in the interest of innovation and profitability.

Despite this, I would argue that learning how to cooperate plays a pivotal role in achieving a groups’
common goals. Team sports are a perfect illustration of this. For example, football strikers know they are
more likely to achieve success if they rely on each other during a game, rather than selfishly seeking
moments of personal glory. When youngsters are taught how to behave in this manner, they are more
likely to apply it in their professional careers when they reach the labor market. Although employees may
navigate towards working independently in many situations, a business is much more likely to prosper if
team members interact and work towards shared goals. Successful companies never encourage
competition at the expense of cooperation, and if anything try to create a synergy of the two.

In conclusion, while encouraging children to compete against each other can lead to transformative
personal success, the achievements of teams of people gained through cooperation are unequivocally
more likely. Therefore Children should learn the value of individual success but also the indispensable
nature of teamwork when utilised by communities and organisations. (333 words)

Band 8+ Sample Answer v2 (supporting competition)

Opinion is divided on whether children should be encouraged to develop a sense of cooperation or a
competitive spirit. In this essay, I will look at the rationale behind both camps before giving my support
to the latter

On the one hand, some argue that learning how to cooperate plays a pivotal role in achieving a groups’
common goals. Team sports are a perfect illustration of this. For example, football strikers know they are
more likely to achieve success if they rely on each other during a game, rather than selfishly seeking
moments of personal glory. When youngsters are taught how to behave in this manner, they are more
likely to apply it in their professional careers when they reach the labor market. Although employees may
navigate towards working independently in many situations, a business is less likely to prosper if team
members fail to interact and work towards shared goals.
Despite this, I would contend that instilling a sense of rivalry in children can motivate them to strive for
higher accomplishments. For instance, a competitive spirit would likely motivate students to work harder
in order to achieve the top spot in their class rankings. This might assist them to develop their
organisational skills and work ethic in order to win over other students. This also serves as good training
for their future working lives, which will be filled with intense competition. For instance, technology
behemoths such as Apple, Google, and Facebook encourage a competitive spirit and frequently promote
individual bonuses and promotions to their employees in the interest of innovation and profitability.

In conclusion, while teaching children how to cooperate with others is unequivocally conducive to a
groups’ shared aims, I would suggest that preparing them with a sense of competition can safeguard their
individual success better. It is important to realise that successful teams are made up of successful
individuals. However children should learn how to compete fairly and be equipped with the soft skills
necessary to achieve these victories. (332 words)
[Link]: Whether or not someone achieves their aims is mostly by a question of luck. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?

Many people believe that luck plays a key role in helping people reach their targets. Although it is true
that luck is a contributor to a person’s success, I would argue that hard work and patience are far more
crucial factors in terms of deciding whether or not people accomplish their goals.

On the one hand, I acknowledge that luck does have an important role to play in helping people become
successful. To begin with, since some people are fortunate enough to be born into a wealthy family, they
have the opportunity to gain access to better education, which helps them land a promising career.
Therefore, people coming from moneyed backgrounds tend to have higher chances of success than those
who do not. Furthermore, a successful business venture is often considered a matter of luck. For example,
a person starting a business right before an unexpected economic downturn or working with an
unscrupulous dealer is more likely to face failure, whereas those who are lucky to meet the right people at
the right time tend to succeed in their investment.

Nevertheless, on the path to success, I strongly believe that hard work and patience matter most. Firstly,
in order to achieve something great, people need to work really hard and devote a great deal of energy
and effort to their goals. For instance, prior to becoming one of the greatest basketball players in the
world, Michael Jordan had to spend summers taking hundreds of jump shots a day. Secondly, there is no
such thing as overnight success and all goals require a certain amount of time to be reached. Thomas
Edison, for example, failed 1000 times before successfully creating the first light bulb that changed the
world. If he had placed his trust in luck rather than patience, he might not have become such an eminent
inventor in the history of mankind.

In conclusion, it is undeniable that the role that luck plays in success cannot be downplayed. However, I
am still of the opinion that hard work and patience are much more important when it comes to attaining a
person’s goals. Therefore anyone starting a business should be aware that despite all their hard work and
best laid plans, success is not guaranteed, as fate may have other ideas.
[Link]: Some people believe that studying at a university or college is the best route to a successful
career. Do you agree or disagree?

The question of whether tertiary education is the best path to reach success in one’s profession is the
subject of much debate. While I accept that there are clear advantages of pursuing higher education for
some young people, I also believe that there is no single route to success.

Undeniably, graduating from a university or college is beneficial for job applicants. Firstly, an academic
qualification is a minimum requirement in some specific fields. For example, it is virtually impossible to
become a doctor or a teacher if a job seeker does not have the relevant qualifications since the
fundamentals taught at university. Secondly, in today’s increasingly competitive job market, having a
university degree can set these candidates apart from those who only possess lesser qualifications, and
therefore increase the chance of getting a job with a lucrative income and good career prospects.

Despite these powerful arguments, I would contend that there are many alternative and equally effective
options. One option is vocational training institutions where learners have the chance to acquire first-hand
experience and become skilled in a well-paid career such as an engineer, plumber or electrician. This
would be an ideal choice for school leavers who lack an academic mindset. Another option is to become
an entrepreneur by starting their own business. For example it has become trendy for young people in
Vietnam who fail their university entrance exams to turn their attention to developing a business selling
food or other products online through social media groups or shopping platforms.

In conclusion, although I agree that higher education can bring competitive advantages when job hunting,
I believe that it is not the best way for everyone, as vocational courses and start ups gain provide
invaluable skills and experience that can be the foundation of a flourishing career. High school graduates
should assess their on their own circumstances and abilities to choose the most appropriate path. (316
words)
[Link]: Many foods are shipped from far away. Some people think that eating local food is more
environmentally and economically beneficial. Do you think the advantages outweigh its disadvantages?

Many people argue that consuming locally grown produce is beneficial in terms of the environment and
economy. Although I agree that these outweigh the potential drawbacks of using local food, we need to
maintain a cautious approach.

Some people may point out the environmental and economic risks of over-relying on local food. Firstly,
in some countries, local farmers use some techniques to grow out-of-season crops, which might be more
detrimental to the environment than importing them from overseas. This is because growing unseasonal
crops usually requires extra pesticides and herbicides which can contaminate the air, soil and water.
Secondly, a move to consume more local food may pose an economic challenge for some underdeveloped
countries whose economies mainly depend on exporting agricultural products.

Despite this, the economic and environmental credentials of eating domestic food are clear.
Environmentally, choosing local food is more likely to reduce food miles, which saves energy and
declines the amount of poisonous exhaust fumes released into the atmosphere, which also contribute to
climate change. Economically, the purchase of domestically-produced food creates more stable
employment opportunities for the indigenous population, thereby increasing living conditions and
disposable incomes, which in turn stimulate consumer spending. This are all crucial factors for economic
growth.

In conclusion, although eating more local produce is hugely beneficial, we need to be ensure local food is
produced sustainably throughout the year and protect fragile economies that rely on exports. (235 words)
[Link]: Some people believe that it is important for young children to go to school as soon as
possible. Others, however, believe that children should begin at at least 7 years old. Discuss both views
and give your opinions.

One school of thought holds the belief that the earlier children enter school, the more success they will
have in their academic endeavours. However I am much more inclined to support the opposing idea that
formal education should start no younger than seven years old. This essay will propose rationales for each
of these arguments.
Prominent proponents of early education may argue that this is very conducive to children achieving
academic achievements. This is because the earlier children can acquire a foundation of skills and
knowledge in this information-rich digital world, the more advantageous a position they will gain later. A
prominent illustration of this is the eagerness with which many Asian parents enrol their children in
school at an early age in the belief that their children will quickly acquire reading, numeracy, and
language skills. They assert that children's brains are like sponges, meaning that they are able to absorb
this knowledge effortlessly, and thus getting a competitive edge when they reach higher education and
subsequently enter the labor market.

Despite this, I believe that delaying the commencement of school benefits children's physical and mental
development. Numerous scientific studies indicate that youngsters who are severely pressed to study too
early are prone to mental disorders such as brain exhaustion, hyperactivity, and attention deficiency.
Additionally, their physique may suffer as a result of the stress associated with doing too much homework
at this formative age rather than engaging in physical activities with other youngsters. In the end, These
adverse repercussions, , can be counterintuitive, hampering the growth of a child.

In conclusion, while many advocate for children to begin school as soon as possible for the underlying
reason that it promotes academic success, I believe this is an unwelcome trend, as parents should base
their children's education on solid scientific evidence to avoid the dire consequences of poor mental and
physical development, but also be aware that the science is continually evolving. (322 words)
74.