There are 14 general topics that come up reasons?

What are the effects on society and

more often than all of the rest put together. family life?
They are:
Children are facing more pressures
1. EDUCATION nowadays from academic, social and
2. TRANSPORT commercial perspectives. What are the
3. FAMILY & CHILDREN causes of these pressures and what measures
4. LANGUAGE should be taken to reduce these pressures?
5. WORK/ CAREER Certain parents give their children
6. ENVIRONMENT everything they ask for. Is it good for
7. GOVERNMENT SPENDING children? What are the consequences when
8. TRAVEL & TOURISM they grow up?
9. TECHNOLOGY
10. SOCIETY/ GLOBAL ISSUES
Nowadays a lot of parents believe that
11. HEALTH
children’s usage of tablets or computers
12. MEDIA (TV/ ADVERTISING)
would be good for their future academic
13. FOOD
career. What are the advantages and
14. CRIME
disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer
15. SPORT
and include any relevant examples from
your knowledge or experience.

In recent years, the family structure has

Sport  changed, as well as family roles. What types
2020 :
Today, TV channels provide man’s sports
show more than women’s sports show.
Why? Should TV channel give equal time to
women’s sport and men’s sport?
Family & Children
2015 :
Nowadays, a lot of families have working
parents. Some working parents believe other
family members like grandparents can take
care of their children, while others think
childcare centers provide the best care.
Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.
Nowadays, more and more people decide to
have children later in their life. What are the
of changes are occurring? Do you think
these changes are positive and negative?
Studies have suggested that nowadays
children watch much more television than
they did in the past and spend less time on
active or creative things. What are the
reasons and what measures should be taken
to encourage children to spend more time on
active or creative things?
It is more important for school children to
learn about local history than world history.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people believe that schools should
teach children to become good citizens and
workers rather than independent individuals.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give your own opinion and relevant
examples.
Some people say that computer games are
bad for children, by all means, others believe
that these games are contributing to
children’s development. Discuss both views
and give your own opinion.
New parents should attend parenting classes
to learn how to bring up their children well.
To what extent do you agree or disagree
with the statement? Give your opinion,
supported by examples from your own
experience.
Language
2017 :
Some schools start teaching a foreign
language in primary school years. Do the
advantages of teaching languages to young
children outweigh the disadvantages? Give
your own opinion and examples.
On one side of the argument, there are
people who argue that the benefits of
practising a foreign language at primary
school considerably outweigh its
disadvantages. The main reason for
believing this is that the children have
the golden age period when they are at
elementary school. One good illustration of
this is some developed countries have
been implementing the bilingual language
in the primary school’s curriculum for
decades, and most of the children can speak
the second language as well as their native
language.  Another reason is that children
are much more enthusiastic about exploring
and learning new things at a young age. The
timetable for them should allow more
frequent, shorter sessions for maintaining
learner’s enthusiasm and progress.
Opponents reckon that the students at
secondary school are better prepared than
at primary school for acquiring a new
language. However, there is no actual
evidence to support this view and children at
their early ages (ranging from 5 to 10) can
even learn faster and are better at
pronunciation.  For example, my second
daughter had started to learn English when
she was five years old and can speak English
more fluently compared to her older sister,
who just learnt English when she attended
secondary school.
In my opinion, both arguments have their
merits. On balance, however, I tend to
believe that learning a second language at an
earlier age will have a more positive
impact on most of the children around the
world.
Scientists say that in the future all of
humanity will speak the same language. Do
you think this is a positive or negative social
development?
Traffic/ Transport
2015 :
The best way for governments to solve the
problem of traffic congestion is by providing
free public transport in 24 hours per day, and
seven days a week. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
Traffic and accommodation problems are
increasing and the government should
encourage some businesses to move from
cities to rural areas. Does advantage
outweigh the disadvantages?
In the past, factories were often built close to
city areas as the lack of transportation
forbade people to do otherwise. However,
this is not exactly the case today, when
industries and businesses are moving from
municipal and into countryside areas in
flocks. This essay will elaborate on both
positive and negative effects of this trend.
On the positive side, firstly, this movement
makes perfect environmental sense. Due to
industrial activities, residents of many cities
around the world are still breathing in air
and consume water dirty enough to cause
numerous health diseases. Therefore,
moving businesses out of the cities will rid
human and other species of pollution. A
further advantage of this trend is reducing
the gap between the rich and the poor in a
country, as countryside dwellers can opt to
work in factories with higher pay, rather
than agricultural work. This will eventually
bring about peace and harmony to society.
On the negative side, doing business in the
countryside also represents some notable
drawbacks. To begin with, skilled workers
are a rarity in rural areas. Most people living
in small towns and villages do not receive
sufficient education to undertake intellectual
jobs. What is also disadvantageous is based
in regional areas, companies risk distancing
themselves further from their customers,
their suppliers and other partners in their
business transactions, which can weaken
their profitability.
In conclusion, moving business from cities
to rural areas can be a smart decision.
However, there are disadvantages that
should be weighed carefully against the
advantages.
Some people believe the government should
spend money on building trains and subway
lines to reduce traffic congestion. Others
think that building more and wider roads is a
better way to reduce traffic congestion.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Traffic congestion has become the bane of
citizens in many parts of the world. In order
to mitigate this problem, some suggest that
public transportation, such as trains and
subway lines should be constructed.
Meanwhile, others are firm in their belief
that building wider roads makes more sense.
Both of these methods will be analysed
below.
On the one hand, building trains is an
effective method to improve traffic
condition. There is compelling evidence to
support investment in public transportation.
In countries where subway systems are up to
standard, the number of private vehicles that
participate in traffic is small, and city
dwellers can save hours of delay and also
thousands of dollars on travel expenses. That
is not to mention a significant number of
gallons of fuel saved, which means slowing
down the exploitation of natural resources.
There are, however, others who express
doubts on this approach. Their suggestion is
that a better way to alleviate traffic jam is to
make bigger road systems. The undeniable
fact is that in many developing countries
today, roads are narrow and in a desperate
state of disrepair, which greatly obstructs the
travels to their destinations. Someone’s
small accidents, a flat tyre, for example, can
bring traffic to a halt, which is a commonly-
seen problem in roads that have only two
lanes.
To conclude, both methods discussed above
provide sustained relief on our roadways;
however, it is my opinion that the method to
build trains and subway makes more sense in
terms of environmental protection.
2017 :
Not so many people use a bicycle although it
has many benefits. Why? How do you
encourage people to use bicycles more
often?
In some cities, people are choosing cars
instead of bicycles, while in other cities
riding bikes are replacing cars. Why is this
the case? Which development do you think
is better?
Cycling is more environmentally friendly
than other forms of transport. Why is it not
popular in many places? And how to
increase its popularity?
Although riding a bicycle is clearly a better
way to protect the environment than using
other types of vehicles, not many people
worldwide prefer this means of transport.
There are several causes of this
unpopularity, and some solutions could be
proposed to promote the usage of bicycles.
To begin with, there are several reasons why
few people use bicycles to travel regularly.
Firstly, since modern life is getting much
busier than in the past, individuals nowadays
want to spend as little time on transport as
possible. Therefore, they prefer to use other
vehicles, such as motorbikes or cars, which
would take less time. Secondly, cycling is
more physically demanding than riding a
motorbike or driving a car. This tends to
discourage people from choosing this
method, especially on a hot and sunny day or
when they have to travel a long distance.
Several actions can be taken to increase the
popularity of bicycles. The first solution
would be to make it more costly to own a
motorbike or a car. This can be done by
increasing the price of petrol or raising the
tax on these vehicles. As a result, more
people would choose bicycles as their
primary means of transport. Additionally,
more lanes should be built to serve only
cyclists, which would make it much faster to
travel with bicycles. The final solution is to
launch campaigns to raise citizens’
awareness of the harmful effects of
motorbikes and cars on the environment,
encouraging people to cycle more often.
In conclusion, there are some reasons why
bicycles are becoming less common in
today’s world, and solutions should be
produced early to promote this
environmentally friendly means of transport.
2018 :
Some people think that strict punishments
for driving offence are the key to reducing
traffic accidents. Others, however, believe
that other measures would be more effective
in improving road safety. Discuss both these
views and give your own opinion.
The government should provide 27/4 free
public transportation to reduce traffic
congestion. Do you agree or disagree?
Education, Students & Young
People
2013 :
Nowadays, not enough students choose
science subjects at university in many
countries. What are the reasons for this
problem? What are the effects on society?
2014 :
Many students find it difficult to concentrate
or pay attention at school. What are the
reasons? What could be done?
Children’s education is expensive. In some
countries, the government pays some or all
of the costs. Do the advantages outweigh its
disadvantages?
Some people say that all young people
should have a full-time education until they
are 18 years old. To what extent do you
agree or disagree with this opinion?
Some people think the main purpose of
education is to make individuals useful to
society; others say education helps them to
achieve personal ambitions. Discuss both
views and give your opinion.
Many young people who leave school hold a
negative attitude towards learning. Why
does this happen? What are the solutions?
Some countries achieve international sports
by building specialized facilities to train top
athletes, instead of providing sports facilities
that everyone can use. Do you think this is a
positive or negative development?
Government funding in university should
only be provided for a scholarship for the
best student. All other funding can be from
student fees and private organizations. To
what extend do you agree or disagree?
Some people think painting and drawing are
as important as other subjects, and that they
should be compulsory in high school
education.
2015 :
Some students take one year off between
finishing school and going to university, in
order to travel or to work. Do you think the
advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
It is true these days that many high school
leavers choose to start their work or take a
trip before going to university. While a gap
year can bring some immediate drawbacks, I
am convinced that it is more likely to have
long-term benefits for their lives. On the one
hand, young students are very likely to
encounter several difficulties when delaying
their university study. One of these problems
is the delay in academic progress caused by
spending one year off school. It is
understandably almost impossible for young
people to enjoy their experiences in doing a
job or travelling to a new place but still
arrange a certain amount of time for
revision. As a result, gap-year takers may
have to face the challenge of becoming
familiar with the knowledge at school again,
receiving more pressure of catching up with
their peers. Besides, the life outside the
university campus may prove to be mentally
and physically overwhelming for
inexperienced school leavers. They, for
instance, may be at risk of being exploited in
an exhausting job or face potential dangers
on their trips to a new country. If not well
prepared for such possible obstacles, young
high school graduates can suffer from
unintended consequences. On the other
hand, I would argue that these disadvantages
are outweighed by the positive effects. A
gap year is an ideal opportunity for students
to learn about what is not taught at
university. Working with other people who
are experts in a particular field can give
these newcomers not only an understanding
of the job but also valuable practical lessons
to help them become more mature. When it
comes to applying for a position in a
company, employers tend to favourably
consider applicants who possess extensive
experience in life and the occupation.
Furthermore, in terms of recreation, having a
year to relax can be advantageous as
students can have a chance to relieve stress
in study. With a comfortable and willing
attitude, undergraduates can acquire
knowledge more effectively in comparison
with those who go to university right away.
In conclusion, despite some negative
aspects, it seems to me that the benefits of a
gap year are more significant for the reasons
mentioned.
Many people argue that in order to improve
educational quality, high school students
should be encouraged to make comments or
even criticism on their teachers. Others think Some people think that schools should
it will lead to loss of respect and discipline reward students who show the best academic
in the classroom. Discuss both views and results, while others believe that it is more
give your own opinion. Finding ways to important to reward students who show
improve educational quality is often one of improvements. Discuss both views and give
the top priorities in every education system. your own opinion.
In some cultures, high school students are
Many people go to university for academic
encouraged to give their opinions about
study. Do you think that more people should
teachers, but I believe that this can also give
rise to a lack of respect and discipline in the be encouraged to do vocational training as
classroom. On the one hand, it is true that there is a lack of qualified workers such as
feedback from learners may contribute to an electricians and plumbers?
improvement in educational quality. In many
cases, the level of comprehension of students ob/ Work
relies very much, not on the content of the
lesson but on the way teachers conduct it. If, 2014 :
for example, the class is slow, it will be
ineffective for teachers to teach too fast so Some people think success in life comes
that most students fail to retain the from hard work and determination. Others
information. Without the comments of think money and appearance are more
students, it would be difficult to know important. Discuss both sides and give your
whether the speed of the lesson is opinion
appropriate for the class, which may
eventually impair the quality of the lesson. An increasing number of people change their
However, there are several drawbacks of career and place of residence several times
allowing students to make comments and during their lifetime. Is this a positive or
criticism on their teachers. Firstly, teachers negative development?
can be vulnerable to the negative words of
Some people believe that job satisfaction is
students. Many will feel that their efforts in
important while other people believe that a
delivering the lesson deserve praise rather
stable job is more important. Discuss both
than criticism or any form of feedback. This
views and give your opinion.
idea is commonly shared by teachers in the
education systems of many Asian countries.
It is better for people to be unemployed than
Secondly, the classroom may be in chaos
people to be employed but they do not enjoy.
due to the massive numbers of comments.
Do you agree or disagree?
Opinions vary from students to students, and
it would be impractical for teachers to work
2015 :
out a way of teaching that can satisfy all
students. Leaders and directors in organizations are
often older people. Some people say that
In conclusion, it seems to me that
younger people could be leaders. Do you
encouraging high school students to
agree or disagree?
comment about their teachers does not
necessarily mean an improvement in
education quality.