1. Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn about news.
However,
others believe that they can learn news more effectively through other media. Discuss
both views and give your own opinion.
2. Nowadays, more and more people are influenced by powerful advertisements. In what
ways are people affected by advertisements? How can people be protected from their
negative influence?
3. In many countries, the government likes to spend more money on the arts. Some
people agree with this. However, others think the government should spend more on
health and education. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
4. Differences between countries become less evident each year. Nowadays, all over the
world, people share the same fashions, advertising, brands, eating habits, TV channels.
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
5. Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists and not local people.
Why is the case? What can be done to attract local people?
6. In many countries, a small number of people earn extremely high salaries. Some
people believe that this is good for the country, but others think that governments should
not allow salaries above a certain level. Discuss both these views and give your own
opinion.
7. Many companies sponsor sports as a way to advertise themselves. Some people think
this is good for the world of sports, while others think there are disadvantages of this.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
8. Older generations often hold some traditional ideas on the correct way of life, thought
and behaviour. Most people argue that these are not helpful for younger generations to
prepare for modern life. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
9. More and more people are using computers and electronic devices to access
information, and therefore there is no need for printed books, magazines, and
newspapers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10. Some people believe that children of all ages should have extra responsibilities (for
example, helping at home or at work). Others believe that, outside of school, children
should be free to enjoy their lives. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
1. Some school leavers travel or work for a period of time instead going directly to
university. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
2. Some countries achieve international success by building specialized facilities to train
top athletes instead of providing sports facilities that everyone can use. Do you think it is
a positive or negative development?
3. An increasing number of people are choosing to have cosmetic surgery in order to
improve their appearance. Why do people have operations to change the way they look?
Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
4. Human activities have a negative effect on plants and animals species. Some people
think that it is too late to do anything about this problem. Other people believe that
effective measures can be taken to improve this situation. Discuss both views and give
your opinion.
5. Some people think that individuals can make a significant contribution to solving
environmental problems, while others believe that only governments and large companies
can make a real difference. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
6. Museums and art galleries should concentrate on works that show history and culture
of their own country rather than the works of the other parts in the world. To what extent
do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
7. Many factors motivate people to work hard in the workplace. Some people think
money is the most important. Do you agree or disagree?
8. Some people think young people should follow the traditions of their society, while
others think that they should be free to behave as themselves. Discuss both views and
give your opinion.
9. 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?
10. Nowadays some employers think that formal academic qualifications are more
important than life experience or personal qualities when they look for new employees.
Why is this the case? Is it a positive or negative development?
11. There have been many inventions in human history, such as the wheel. Some people
think the most important thing is the Internet. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this opinion?