News media

Some people think that newspapers are the best way to get
news. However, others believe that they can get news better
through another media platform.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Opinions diverge widely on the importance of different news sources. While some
people consider reading newspapers to be the most effective way to receive news,
I would argue that it is no longer the best way to get the news thanks to the
proliferation of online news sources.

On the one hand, there are good grounds for arguing that newspapers still hold the
most popular position among newsreaders even though we are living in a digital
world. Firstly, since newspapers have existed long before the introduction
of the internet, most senior citizens have developed a habit of reading a
newspaper every day, and they do not want to change this habit.(1)
Secondly, newspapers are considered a more reliable source of information
compared to other sources nowadays. This is because newspapers are usually
written by professional journalists, and are thoroughly checked, edited and
censored prior to their publication.

On the other hand, the Internet has become an increasingly dominant

news source these days due to the benefits it offers.(2) The first thing that
attracts people to reading news online is its easy access. With the widespread
presence of the Internet, people with portable devices, such as a smartphone,
can access a huge storage of news in just a few clicks. Furthermore, online
news channels have brought a greater reading experience to readers, thanks to
the constant advancement in technology, which has made it possible to
upload videos and audio recordings online. For instance, soccer fans these
days can re-watch their favourite matches whenever they want with only
a laptop connected to the Internet, which a mere newspaper cannot do.
(3)

In conclusion, although I do agree that printed newspapers are very popular

amongst certain groups of people, I disagree that it is the best way to receive the
news as more and more people are drawn to using the Internet.
 Success in Business
In most successful companies, some people think that
communication between employers and workers is the most
important factor, other people say that other factors are more
important.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that effective communication between managers and
subordinate employees is the most important feature of an organization’s success.
However, there are other contributing factors to an organization’s success that
may be more important. I will discuss both sides of this argument in this essay.

Managers make decisions about the direction of an organization and employees

implement those decisions. Consequently, it is important that, when a
decision is made, this decision can be communicated effectively to the
workers.(1) If the workers misinterpret a decision, the consequences could
range from a minor discrepancy, to a serious setback for the organization.
Effective communication and implementation of decisions will result in the
organization running as the managers want it to be run.

There are many other factors that contribute to a company’s success,

some of which could be considered more important than effective
communication.(2) For example, the competency of managers themselves
contributes significantly to success. It does not matter if a worker can
effectively employ a policy if the policy, created by the manager, is
useless or detrimental to the organization’s success.(3) Another
contributing factor to success is the reliability and availability of good
workers. An organization could have the best managers in the world, but if there
is not a skilled and reliable work force available to them, progress will be slow
and success difficult to come by. I believe that both of these factors are more
important than communication between managers and workers itself.

Communication between managers and workers is an important factor in an

organization’s success. However, in order for communication to be effective, an
organization needs competent managers and a reliable, skilled workforce.
 Entertainment
Some people think movies should only be for entertainment.
Others think that they should also have educational values.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
While some people consider films simply a source of entertainment, others
suggest that films should be educational. Personally, I believe that films can be
either, or both, entertaining and educational; however, it is up to each individual to
choose what films they like to watch and for what reasons they watch them.

These days, films and TV are extremely popular forms of entertainment.

Almost every household owns one or more televisions, and almost everybody loves
to watch a certain television program or type of film. After a long day at work or
school, many people simply want to come home and sit in front of the TV to relax
and be entertained. They may not have the energy or enthusiasm to sit and learn
about something. Furthermore, films and television programs are a part of the
entertainment industry. The purpose of this industry is for entertainment,
and it is a multibillion-dollar industry that creates jobs and generates a
lot of money in many countries.(1)

On the other hand, films and TV programs can have very strong effects on
the minds of audiences and therefore people should be careful about how
the content of the films that they watch affect them and their families.(2)
For example, many people’s morals and values are shaped by what they
watch on TV and in films. In addition, children can learn about right and wrong
through the cartoons they watch, while adults can also learn many important
lessons through watching films. For instance, watching a film about war may
cause people to have a strong sense of patriotism for their country which
could be seen as a positive educational effect.(3)

In conclusion, while educational films, such as documentaries, can also be

entertaining, and some films for entertainment can also have many educational
aspects, I believe it is not necessary that all films need to be educational.
 Shopping
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?
In many countries the world over, small shops in city centers cannot
compete with large stores that are based on the outskirts; therefore,
many of those small businesses are threatened with closure. This
leads to a number of consequences, including a rise in car usage
in these countries and access to large out-of-town stores
becoming limited for those without cars.(1) In my view, this change
does more harm than good.

Increasing bankruptcies among small town-center shops are an

unfortunate situation that puts local people to great
inconvenience, with those who are not in possession of a car
standing most affected, because they now have to travel to a
distant place to shop.(2) The time used for such journeys could be
better spent on other activities that are of greater importance, be it work
or entertainment. The situation’s impacts are also far beyond individual
levels. It causes a significant loss for the economy of any city where
large numbers of such businesses are forced to shut down. This may inflict
unexpected damage on the national economy as a whole.

The rise in car usage caused by people’s demand for long distance travel
is also problematic. Traffic congestion will become worse due to the
higher number of vehicles on streets. Furthermore, the quantity of
pollutants emitted from car engines will rise, which heightens pollution
levels in those places and adversely affects human health.

However, this change in people’s shopping preference may encourage

them to move to out-of-town areas to live. Given the fact that modern
cities are faced with overpopulation and consequently ever-
growing pressure on housing supply systems, this could be
considered a start of relieving such pressure.(3)

In conclusion, the trend towards shopping in large stores located away

from city centers is having many negative impacts. Although it could
encourage some people to move to places where these stores are
established and help solving some population problems in modern cities, I
doubt that the trend could promise any significant outcome.

Food
In many countries, people like to eat a wider variety of
food than can be grown in their local area. As a result,
much of the food people eat today has to come from
other regions. Do you think the advantages of this
development outweigh disadvantages?
These days, it is quite common for people to eat foods that are not, or
cannot, be grown or produced where they live. As a consequence, large
quantities of food are either transported long distances within a country or
imported from other countries. This essay will review some of the
advantages and disadvantages of this trend.

Thanks to globalisation, the increase in efficient transportation between

and within countries, and a growing trend in food culture, people can
now enjoy a vast array of foods like never before. This trend has many
advantages. Firstly, having access to a wide variety of foods from
different regions can provide people with a highly nutritious diet
that can help to promote health and prevent disease.(1) For
example, some kinds of nutrient-rich berries that can only be grown in
Asia can now be enjoyed by people all over the world. Furthermore, with
such a growing interest in exotic foods and food culture, people can
experience a range of cuisine without leaving their own town or city.

However, this trend also comes with a number of disadvantages. For

example, some communities around the world where exotic and rare foods
are grown are losing their own access to their food sources. When
demand for a certain food increases, the price also increases, and
people in poorer countries where the food is grown can
sometimes not afford to buy it anymore.(2) Another problem with
this trend is that the constant transportation of foods over long
distances contributes to climate change due to the large amount
of carbon emissions produced by transportation.(3) And lastly,
many foods that are transported long distances need to be
treated with chemicals and preservatives which make them less
healthy to consume.(4)
Overall, although there are many benefits to having access to a
wide variety of foods, personally, I believe that the disadvantages
of this trend outweigh the advantages.

Architure
In many cities, there is little control on the design and
construction of new houses, so people can choose to
build houses in their own styles instead of building them
with the same style as the old houses in the local area.
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
In many cities around the world, people have little influence in the design
and construction of their houses. Many people believe it is better to allow
people to freely choose the style and construction of their new homes
rather than forcing everyone to follow the uniform style of the local area.
In my opinion, a diversity in housing styles can bring many more benefits
than drawbacks to an area.

To begin with, cities in Vietnam, such as Saigon, have very few, or

even no, regulations on local housing styles, which means that
residents in these areas are free to decide on the architecture for
their home.(1) The only disadvantage that may arise is the lack of
uniformity of houses, which can be a unique feature in certain places.
The houses in Hoi An, for instance, demonstrate a consistent style and
therefore have made the city a popular tourist destination. If the house
owners in this city change the style and break this uniformity, the
number of tourists visiting the area is likely to decrease.

However, the advantages brought about by a diversity in housing styles

are more worthy of consideration. Firstly, buildings reflecting a
variety of architectural designs can make a city more attractive and
appealing to people of different cultures. For example, the buildings in
the centre of Ho Chi Minh city are designed in both European and
Asian styles, which has eventually given the city a more
cosmopolitan atmosphere, with residents coming from many
different countries.(2) Secondly, the freedom of choice in housing
styles can allow local people to be more creative, as they can design their
homes in a unique way.

In conclusion, though potentially making some areas less attractive by

losing a part of their character, a diversity in architectural styles should be
widely encouraged, as it can beautify a city and allow residents to be
more creative.

Tourism
International tourism has brought enormous benefit to
many places. At the same time, there is concern about
its impact on local inhabitants and the environment. Do
the disadvantages of international tourism outweigh the
advantages?
These days, many poorer countries are focusing their efforts on
developing and promoting their tourism industries. There are some
reasons for this, and I believe this can be a positive development, despite
numerous drawbacks that can arise.

Personally, I believe that the primay reason for developing tourism in a

country is due to the economic benefits that it brings. A well-developed
tourism industry creates a lot of new businesses and jobs for local
people, and an influx of money from foreign tourists. In addition to this,
promoting international tourism can help to improve international
relations with other countries, and to share a country’s customs
and culture with people all around the world. Many people these days
are interested in learning about different cultures and ways of living, and
tourism helps to facilitate this experience.

However, there are a number of drawbacks that arise from the expansion
of a country’s tourism industry. For example, in many countries in South
East Asia, tourism has been a major cause of environmental pollution
and destruction. For example, most tourists generally drink
bottled water when on holiday, and this creates mountains of
plastic waste every year. Many developing countries do not have
appropriate recycling facilities and do not know how to deal with the
waste, and therefore, it commonly ends up littered throughout the
countryside, rivers, seas, beaches and oceans. Furthermore, the
invasion of tourists into certain places can disrupt the local
wildlife and ecosystems, causing further environmental damage.

In conclusion, I would have to say that expanding the tourism industry in a

country is a positive development if it is properly managed, and the
environmental and cultural impacts are closely monitored and
minimised.

Zoos
Some people think that zoos are all cruel and should be
closed down. Others however believe that zoos can be
useful in protecting wild animals. Discuss both opinions
and give your own opinion.
While some people believe that zoos play an important role in
protecting wild animals, others feel that keeping animals locked up in such
places is cruel and unnecessary. Personally, I agree with the idea that
animals should not be kept in zoos and that zoos should be shut down.

On the one hand, many people feel that zoos are useful in some regards.
Firstly, zoos can help to preserve endangered animals by keeping
them safe from poachers and other threats, such as habitat
destruction and the spread of urbanisation. Some zoos also run
breeding programs in order to try and increase the numbers of some
endangered species to avoid them becoming extinct. Secondly, by
keeping animals in zoos, people can learn and understand more about
them and this can help to raise awareness amongst the public in
order to help preserve certain species.

However, while the abovementioned ideas may be true to a certain

extent, I believe that zoos are unnecessary for the following reasons. To
begin with, zoos can only hold small numbers of animals and therefore
cannot protect the large majority of species from being hunted or their
habitats from being destroyed. I believe it is the responsibility of each
government to create and fund conservation programs that help to
stop the destruction of the habitats of endangered species so that animals
can live in their natural state rather than be locked up in cages for
their entire life. Furthermore, in many zoos, animals are being
mistreated as they are often provided with insufficient food and medical
care, which has so far caused many animals in zoos to die because of
starvation and diseases.

In conclusion, though some zoos may have some positive impacts on the
conservation of some certain animal species, overall, I think they are cruel
places and do more harm than good.

Packaging
Some people feel that manufacturers and supermarkets
have the responsibility to reduce the amount of
packaging of goods. Others argue that customers should
avoid buying goods with a lot of packaging.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
While some people think that it is the responsibility of producers and
suppliers to reduce product packaging, others feel that the responsibility
lies with consumers. This essay will analyse both sides of the argument.

On one hand, I believe that companies do have a significant responsibility

to limit the amount of packaging that they package their products in. One
reason for this is that many consumers have very little awareness about
the negative impacts that the excessive amounts of product packaging
are having on the environment; therefore, manufacturers and
supermarkets need to minimise the amount of plastic packaging that is
used to store and sell their products, or preferably use only
biodegradable, recyclable, or environmentally friendly materials.
In addition, many people cannot afford to be selective about which
products they buy, which is a further reason why all companies need to be
more responsible.
On the other hand, individuals also have a responsibility to protect the
environment from further destruction and pollution by limiting their
consumption of products that are packaged in non-biodegradable
materials. By boycotting certain products from companies who are
not being environmentally responsible, consumers can put pressure on
these companies to change their attitude towards the materials that they
use to package their products. As a result, companies will be forced to act
more environmentally responsible by changing and reducing product
packaging. Consumers have the power to bring about change, but must
act together in order for it to happen.

In conclusion, companies and individuals both need to take responsibility

for the amount of packaging that is used to package goods. The
government also needs to play a significant role in this issue by creating
and enforcing laws that companies must adhere to with regards to
plastic packaging, and by educating individuals about the environmental
destruction and pollution caused by packaging waste.

Tourism
Some people say cultural traditions are destroyed when
they are used as money-making attractions aimed at
tourists. Others say this is the only way to save such
traditions. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people feel that cultural traditions are ruined when people use them
to make money from tourists. Others claim that using these traditions as
money-making ventures is the only way to save them. In my opinion, both
views are true to a certain extent.

To begin with, many traditional customs are modified for

commercialization, and eventually lose their originality and value. For
example, Vietnamese traditional dances such as the lion dance, which
were traditionally performed only by martial artists during special
occasions, are now often poorly performed by amateurs at tourist sites
across the country. Such changes not only give foreign visitors a false
impression, but can also make the dance less meaningful to the local
people. Also, many traditionally sacred sites are heavily damaged by the
irresponsible behaviors of tourists. For instance, a well-known Youtuber
named Logan Paul visited Japan and filmed himself dumping a bag of
coins into a sacred well, where people often drop coins for luck, and did
permanent damage to one of Japan’s most famous iconic traditions.

On the other hand, there are several reasons why making money from
cultural traditions is the only way to protect them. Firstly, the revenue
could be used for the preservation of such traditions. For example, many
people in Bat Trang village in Vietnam make their living from selling
traditional ceramic products, and thus are able to continue one of the
oldest traditions in Vietnam. Secondly, by putting cultural tradtions on
public display, the government could heighten people’s awareness of
preserving these traditions. For instance, the Vietnamese government has
built several museums around the country that solely exhibit examples of
ethnic minority cultures in an attempt to protect cultural values without
affecting the lives of these ethnic people, yet successfully gathering
much public attention and support.

In conclusion, using cultural traditions as money-making attractions has

both positive and negative impacts on the preservation of such traditions.

Travel
International travel is becoming cheaper, and countries
are opening their doors to more and more tourists. Do
the advantages of increased tourism outweigh
disadvantages?
Travelling abroad is becoming more affordable than ever before, and
many nations are implementing new approaches to attract more tourists.
Although there are still drawbacks of international travel, I think its values
are more significant.

On the one hand, the downsides of welcoming foreign visitors are varied.
First, the local environment can be adversely affected due to facility and
infrastructural development. For example, in Vietnam, many tourism
companies are permitted to chop down a great area of forests to construct
modern commodities such as hotels and golf courses, exerting dire
consequences on natural habitats. As for the countries that play host
to international tourists, the rise in costs of living may lay much
pressure on local people and be a detriment to domestic travel.
This is because the growth in the number of tourists from abroad would
encourage costs of hotel rooms and other services to increase.
People in the neighborhood and domestic visitors would suffer in
comparison.

On the other hand, I suppose the benefits of international travel would

eclipse those analyzed disadvantages. First, the regional economy can
enormously benefit from the burgeoning tourism industry as more
occupations will be created to accommodate the needs of tourists. Local
people can have more job opportunities in hotels or restaurants and
therefore earn more money to improve their living standards. Second, the
increased number of foreign people coming to visit another country would
evidently enhance tourism industries, contributing greatly to the
wealth of that country. If tourists enjoy their trips, they will recommend
the destination to their friends or perhaps they will come back in the
future.

In conclusion, it appears to me that the merits of international tourism are

more notable than its drawbacks.