Model Compositions
Level B2
TEST 1
Task 1
The growing tendency for people to become
vegans has become a subject of controversy.
In your opinion, what are the benefits and
drawbacks of becoming a vegan? Support your
views.
More and more, we hear about people becoming
vegans, both for practical and ethical reasons. To
my mind, despite some difficulties, veganism is
the only acceptable option for humans.
There is no denying that for a large proportion
of the population, giving up meat would be
inconceivable. Many Western diets are based on
hamburgers, steaks and cheese. It is also argued
that animal products contain vital minerals and
vitamins that cannot be found in a plant-based
diet. Finally, it cannot be denied that some vegan
foods are very unhealthy, as in an attempt to
make them taste like meat, they contain flavour
enhancers and artificial ingredients.
However, breeding and consuming animals is
impractical and immoral, especially if one examines
the conditions under which they are kept. There
are also many toxins such as hormones that are
used on the animals, which humans ultimately
consume. It is also undeniable that vegans have
a lower incidence of disease and heart attacks,
due to lower cholesterol levels and better health
in general. Finally, much of our planet is being
destroyed to accommodate cattle so that we can
eat meat. Entire jungles are being razed, with
disastrous consequences for our planet.
In conclusion, veganism is the only way for human
beings to be healthy, be fair to animals and to
protect the planet we live on. It is high time we
changed our habits and be humane to other living
creatures.
Task 2
Crime rates are rising in most urban areas
all over the world. In your opinion, why do
people become criminals and what are the
consequences of rising crime for society?
Support your views.
The increase in criminal activity is the focus of
much discussion, as it is a phenomenon that is
happening at a global level. There are various
factors which have led to this rise in crime and
many consequences which affect all of us.
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The reasons which push people into a life of crime
are varied. One major factor is unemployment and
poverty. When you cannot make ends meet or put
food on the table, it is not surprising that you will
do whatever it takes to survive. However, some
people, especially youths, turn to crime for other
reasons. Films and video games may present crime
as an easy or glamorous way to get wealthy, or they
may be influenced by their friends. Finally, in many
cases the inefficiency of law enforcement agencies
also leads to criminal rings getting stronger and
stronger, resulting in more crimes being committed.
Increasing crime affects society in countless ways.
First and foremost, citizens do not feel safe in their
own homes, or when moving around their towns.
This dramatically decreases the quality of life and
increases stress levels, especially in urban areas.
Of course, there are also financial repercussions.
Taxpayers must foot the bill of the ever-increasing
number of prisons, as well as larger police forces
and court expenses. Businesses also suffer as they
must cover the cost of property that is damaged
or goods that are stolen. Finally, worst of all is the
feeling that the law of the jungle is predominant,
and that violence becomes part and parcel of our
everyday lives.
In conclusion, it is clear that rising crime rates must
be dealt with if we wish to live higher quality lives.
Otherwise, we will continue to live in fear in a world
that is constantly becoming more dangerous.
Task 3
Nowadays, many children are encouraged
to start doing sports at a very young age.
In your opinion, what are the advantages
and disadvantages of starting sports young?
Support your views.
Most modern parents are keen to have their
children participate in athletic activities, both
for reasons of physical fitness and character
development. However, there is much discussion
surrounding at what age a child should start doing
sports.
On the one hand, it is widely believed that a child
is never too young to start doing sports. Anything
that involves physical movement is healthy, and
will keep them away from screen time. When very
young children do sports, it is usually more like
creative play that is fun and keeps them active.
In addition, team sports help children to develop
cooperation skills and learn the meaning of
sportsmanship. Finally, it is also true that in order
to become a professional athlete, a person must
start a sport at a very young age. Otherwise, this
will not be an option.
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At the other end of the spectrum, there are many
reasons why starting a sport at a young age is not
a wise choice. Firstly, children need to have time
in which they are free to play in their own way.
Studies have shown that feeling bored is actually
beneficial and we should not fill their schedules
with activities. This results in unnecessary pressure
which can be very stressful. Moreover, at a young
age, most children cannot discern if they actually
like a sport or not: they usually take it up because
their parents want them to.
Ultimately, it is up to an individual child’s skills,
talents and desires as to what age they start a sport.
What is most important is that they are not forced to
do anything and are not pushed into living out the
dreams and ambitions of their parents.
Task 4
Nuclear power plants exist all over the world
and power many major cities. In your opinion,
what are the benefits and drawbacks of nuclear
energy? Support your views.
It is common knowledge that we are running
out of viable energy resources. Some countries
depend heavily on the use of nuclear power,
but in my opinion, the drawbacks of this type of
energy outweigh the benefits.
Of course, there is no denying that there are
some advantages to nuclear energy. Perhaps most
important of all is that vast amounts of energy
are created at a relatively low cost. This is what
makes it so popular in developing countries such
as Bulgaria. It is also true that to an extent, fewer
greenhouse gases are emitted by nuclear power
plants as compared to coal burning plants. This is
a definite plus for the environment.
However, there are drawbacks to the production
of nuclear energy which cannot be ignored.
First and foremost, no matter how many safety
measures are taken, there is always a possibility
of an accident. If an accident were to occur, we
know from Chernobyl that the repercussions
are horrifying and extend over decades, if not
centuries. Furthermore, in producing nuclear
energy, radioactive waste is also produced as a
by-product. We are running out of places to store
this dangerous material. Finally, although energy
production may be more economical, the building
of a nuclear power plant is exorbitantly expensive,
especially if one wants to ensure that all safety
measures are implemented.
In conclusion, it is clear that nuclear energy
may have some advantages, but on the whole
it is better to concentrate on developing safer,
greener alternative energy sources.
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TEST 2
Task 1
Most students find examinations very stressful
and challenging. What steps can they take to
improve their performance in exams? Support
your views.
Examinations play a major role in every student’s
academic career, and doing well in them is vital if
a student wants to achieve high marks. In order
to do well, there are several strategies students
should follow, both in preparation for the exam
and on the day before actually sitting it.
First and foremost, students should understand
that they will perform better in an exam with less
effort if they have been good students all year
round. This entails paying proper attention in
class, making sure to attend all classes, catching
up if absent and taking hand-written notes during
lectures and talks. It is also a good idea to review
notes and summarise them in a way that makes
them more concise. The process of summarising
them in itself is a very effective study method.
Finally, at all costs, cramming on the eve of the
exam should be avoided, but if the aforesaid
procedures have been followed, there will be no
need to do so.
Concerning the day before the examination, it
is vital that no important revision is done. This
is because if new questions arise, they will only
create panic. It is also of utmost importance to get
a solid night’s sleep, so it would be best to take
a hot bath or do mediation so as to feel relaxed.
Finally, on the day of the exam, drinks containing
caffeine or energy drinks should be avoided, as
they cause a rush but then a drop in energy.
All in all, doing well in exams depends on putting
in effort during the academic year. Not only is this
the best way to achieve a high mark, it is also the
only way to truly absorb information and learn.
Task 2
Being popular and social is very important for
most people, especially with the growth of
social media. However, others prefer to spend
time alone. In your opinion, is it better to be
outgoing or introverted? Support your views.
Most people can be classified as either
extroverted or introverted, depending on how
outgoing they are and what their character is
generally like. Although it is not usually a matter
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of choice, I would say that nowadays, up to a
certain extent it is better to be extroverted.
In order to survive in the modern world, we need to
be able to get along with fellow human beings. This
is only possible if we are able to connect with them
and form relationships. If we are able to connect to
many people, we will never be lonely and there will
be many people in our lives to assist us when we
are in need. It will also add colour and feeling to
our lives, as there is nothing more frightening than
feeling lonely and having no one to talk to.
However, there also some positive aspects to being
introverted. It is vital that we spend some time
alone, meditating or just enjoying our own company.
It enables us to evaluate our lives and not just
listen to others. In addition to this, many modern
friendships lack substance. They are simply a means
to spend time and feel better about ourselves.
Finally, it is preferable to have a few genuine
friendships than hundreds of virtual ones, as is the
case for many young people on social media.
In conclusion, although I believe that being
outgoing is a necessary trait to survive in
modern times, one must always strive to strike a
balance and always search for more meaningful
connections with others.
Task 3
Many teens keep up with world news while
others are indifferent. Do you think it is a good
idea for young people to follow current events
or not? Support your views.
Nowadays, young people are constantly being
bombarded by the news, be it on the Internet, the
television or radio. The question is, should they
stay abreast of current events or is it better to
ignore the news?
On the one hand, it seems ridiculous to try to
insulate the young from the events happening
around them. Political events, natural disasters,
wars and other things that occur have a direct
impact on their lives and their future. Young
people are the ones who can and must make a
difference since we are talking about what will
happen in their lives. If they do not follow current
events, they will not be informed and cannot
become active participants in their own fate.
However, the above is only true if young people
are not negatively affected by the current events
they learn about. Often the media can be very
pessimistic and sensationalist. In other words,
the main purpose of news shows is often to
frighten and disturb viewers. Adults have formed
their own personalities and have strong opinions
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already, whereas a large proportion of young
people lack the critical judgment to discern what
is true and what is exaggeration. This can lead to
them panicking or losing hope, believing that the
world is a hostile place which has no chance of
improving. Instead of activating them, it can lead
to despair.
To my mind, young people need to be taught to
discern the truth in what they hear and read. In
this endeavour, it is in the hands of parents, adults
and educators to discuss current events with them
so that they are aware of what happens around
them without drowning in misinformation.
Task 4
Some people prefer living in busy urban centres
while others move out to the suburbs. In your
opinion, what are the advantages of living in
the centre and the advantages of living in the
suburbs? Support your views.
Choosing where you will live is always a big
decision, be it the city centre or the suburbs.
Although your decision will largely depend on
employment, family and other factors, to my mind,
the suburbs tend to offer more pleasant living
conditions.
On the one hand, there is no denying that living
in the city centre offers many conveniences and
advantages. First and foremost, you are in the
heart of everything and many things are within
easy walking distance. This is of great importance
for many young people, who spend a larger
proportion of their time going out, attending
events and hanging out together. It is also true
that it is much easier to find people to spend time
with, as the city centre is densely populated.
On the other hand, I would choose to live in the
suburbs because of the quality of life it offers.
As suburbs generally accommodate families,
there are more parks and greenery in general.
Houses tend to have gardens, making the area
healthier to live in and more aesthetically pleasing.
It also means that there is less pollution and
there are more areas to play in, jog and athletic
centres. Personally, since most of my friends live
in the suburbs, I would have no problem finding
company to hang out with.
In the final analysis, whether a person decides to
live in the city centre or the suburbs is a personal
choice, as both offer benefits and drawbacks. In
my opinion, the advantages of either location
depend on what phase of your life you are in,
whether you have children not, and what your
priorities are.
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TEST 3
Task 1
Not everyone is cut out to be a good leader.
What do you consider to be the qualities of a
good leader? Support your views.
Leadership qualities have been widely discussed
lately, as it is thought that we all need them in order
to get ahead in life. However, what are the qualities
one needs in order to become a strong leader?
First and foremost, a good leader needs both
courage and humility. Although these may sound like
contrasting qualities, in reality they can complement
one another. Without courage, a person will never
take risks or try to go further than others. But
without humility, they will not consider the real
needs of others or what the circumstances demand.
Sometimes doing the right thing can be difficult.
In this case, it demands the humility to recognise
what the right thing is, and the courage to execute
it. Humility also enables a person to admit they are
wrong and correct their mistakes. No one is perfect,
and a good leader will realise this.
However, integrity is also a key trait of a truly good
leader. As a leader, be it politician or business
person, there will always be opportunities to take
advantage of situations and try to make money
or gain benefits illegally. Once a person does
this, they cannot be considered trustworthy or
even worthy of leading others. One of the main
problems our world is facing is a lack of integrity,
especially in those who should be setting examples
for the rest of the population.
Finally, ambition and vision are very important
qualities that all leaders need. The purpose of a
leader is to lead, and without the ability to imagine
a better world, to improve conditions and to help
people move forward, a person cannot do so.
To conclude, although not everyone is cut out to
lead masses of people, the qualities of courage,
humility, integrity, ambition and vision are ones
which can enrich the lives of us all.
Task 2
Although owning a business is many people’s
dream, there are risks that you have to take.
In your opinion, what are the advantages and
disadvantages of owning your own business?
Support your views.
It is a common dream to own a business, regardless
of whether it is a café or multinational corporation.
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However, being the owner of a business has
both positive and negative points that should be
considered.
To begin with, there are clear advantages to
owning your own business. One of the most
appealing ones is the potential for great wealth.
No one ever became fantastically rich as a simple
employee and those who dream of financial
freedom often believe that owning a business
is their only hope. Others dream of opening up
their own business to have the freedom to work
the hours they choose to, and to make important
decisions without having to be accountable to a
boss that may know less than they do.
However, there are undeniable dangers to taking
on the entire responsibility of being a business
owner. First of all, it is a huge risk, which you take
completely upon your own shoulders. Bills must
be paid, employees and suppliers must be paid,
and all obligations met regardless of whether your
business makes a profit or not. Furthermore, you
may have the ability to arrange your own hours,
but on average, entrepreneurs work much longer
hours than employees do. This makes sense since
it is their own livelihood that depends on it, but it
also means many sacrifices must be made in one’s
private life.
In the end, as with everything in life, owning your
own business has both advantages and drawbacks.
However, every large decision requires risk, and to
my mind, it would be better to have the freedom
to do what you love in the way you think is best,
no matter what the cost.
Task 3
Many teenagers today are suffering from
depression. In your opinion, what is the reason
for teenage depression and what are the
consequences of it? Support your views.
Lately, much can be heard about the rising
incidence of depression, especially amongst young
people. As a teenager, I feel it is worth examining
the factors which lead to this increase and what the
consequences are.
There are many reasons which cause teenagers to be
depressed in this modern world. First and foremost,
life for people of all ages has become more stressful.
The demands made on our children today are far
greater in number and intensity than in the past. Most
teens spend countless hours at their desks, revising
and reading, and no matter how hard they try, they are
made to feel inadequate. However, it is also true that
many teens are spoiled. Since everything has come to
them so easily, nothing has any value, and they are not
taught the importance of friendship or contribution
to society, both of which combat depression. Finally,
modern demands on parents also mean they many
teenagers lack guidance and support from them,
leading to a sense of worthlessness.
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The effects of teenage depression are evident
everywhere one looks. First of all, believing that they
will never meet the academic demands placed on
them, teens may give up completely. Their marks
may suffer, leading to even further depression. In
addition, a depressed person will not make friends
easily, and generally will lack social skills. This will
be an obstacle in their lives. In extreme cases,
depression can culminate in serious life-threatening
disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
To sum up, depression is always a serious condition,
but is especially detrimental when it affects the
younger members of our society. It is up to adults and
educators to try to provide the necessary tools and
psychological support in order to help them overcome
these problems before their futures are destroyed.
Task 4
Many students nowadays enrol in distance learning
courses and complete their degrees online. In your
opinion, what are the benefits and drawbacks of
online learning? Support your views.
One of the most significant developments in
education is e-learning, or in other words, distance
learning courses. There are both advantages and
disadvantages to e-learning to be considered before
one makes a decision to get an education this way.
On the one hand, there are many benefits to
using the internet instead of attending a class.
First and foremost, it is incredibly convenient, as
students do not have to leave the comfort of their
own homes. This means that no time is wasted in
commuting, and in some cases, where students
live too far away, it enables them to gain access
to an education they would otherwise not be able
to have. In addition, since there is no limit to the
number of students that can attend a course, a
larger group of people can be taught through
an online course. This means that classes can be
offered at a lower cost. Finally, e-learning allows
students to have access to the best and most
appropriate professors and courses that it might
otherwise be impossible for them to attend.
However, the drawbacks of e-learning are also
significant. Firstly, students and professors miss
out on the opportunity to socialise with one
another because they lack personal contact. This
is especially disadvantageous for students, since
they do not learn important social skills and it is
impossible for professors to have a real sense of
who their students are. It should also be considered
that it is easier for students to cheat, as it is difficult
to prove the originality of their work.
All in all, distance learning should be preferred
when it is impossible for lessons to take place in
person. Otherwise, the social aspect of being in a
real classroom with fellow students is an important
experience as it is also a vital part of a person’s
education.
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TEST 4
Task 1
Some people are completely against online
gaming, while others say that it can be
beneficial. What is your opinion of online
gaming? Support your views.
Playing games online has become very popular,
especially amongst the young. Despite the
excitement and pleasure it seems to offer, there
are many who say it is not a positive trend.
Those who devote much of their time to online
gaming cite many reasons to defend their hobby.
Firstly, they claim that they form friendships online
and games like Fortnite allow them to play in
teams with real or virtual friends. There has also
been research which supports that some of the
techniques and strategies required by complex
games help children to develop concentration
and reading skills, as well as assisting in the
development of a higher thought process. The
more difficult the game, the more skills the players
will learn. Two valuable skills for example, are the
ability to make quick decisions and to plan ahead.
However, the evidence of the dangers of online
gaming is very damning. Playing online games for
hours takes a definite toll on the body. Children
who spend too much time in front of a screen will
certainly damage their eyes, be in worse physical
shape than children who play sports and often
develop unhealthy eating habits. What is even
worse is the effect on their psychological state.
Since many of the popular games encourage
violence, players subconsciously adopt violent ways
of thinking. It is also true that many games are
created to be addictive, causing players to become
depressed or nervous when they are not playing.
All in all, it is impossible to avoid technological
developments and protect young people from the
harm they can cause. However, it is in the best
interest of every individual to play as few online
games as possible and spend time more creatively
and productively.
Task 2
Taking a year off between high school and
university, or after university before entering
the workforce, has become very popular. In
your opinion, why do students take a gap
year and what benefits does doing this offer?
Support your views.
After the pressures of their studies, many
students choose to take a year off before entering
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university or starting a job. There are several
reasons why they choose to do so, and many
benefits which they can enjoy as a result.
To begin with, let us examine why many students
opt to take a year off. In order to graduate either
from high school or college, intensive and extensive
work is required, especially in the final year. As
a result, most students are completely burnt out
and not in any state to move on to even greater
challenges. They also consider that taking an entire
year to travel may be impossible in the future and
they will probably not be able to travel economically,
stay at youth hostels or enjoy youth discounts.
There are many positive outcomes for people who
are able to take a gap year. First and foremost,
they learn more about themselves, especially about
their strengths, their identity and sense of self. This
allows them to develop and become more capable
and independent and will most certainly affect their
future decisions in positive ways. Finally, it is widely
accepted that travelling is the greatest form of
education, one which complements the theoretical
knowledge they have gained. The experience of
new cultures and mentalities will broaden their
minds in the way studies cannot.
In conclusion, it is evident that taking a gap year
is an excellent opportunity for young people to
acquire new experiences, enjoy new cultures and
explore their own capabilities.
Task 3
Lately, in many countries unemployment is on
the rise. In your opinion, why is this so and what
solutions can be proposed? Support your views.
One of the most pressing problems we hear about
nowadays is rising unemployment and politicians
are always trying to find ways to alleviate it.
However, before solutions can be proposed, it
is worth examining factors which have led to
growing joblessness.
There are three main reasons for the increase in
unemployment. Without doubt, the most significant
factor is rapidly developing technology, which
allows machines and computers to do the jobs of
humans more effectively and economically. As result,
there are fewer jobs in sectors such as banking and
accounting. In some countries, overpopulation plays
a large role, as there are too many people and not
enough jobs. It is also true that people are retiring
at older ages, meaning that they are occupying their
positions for more years. Finally, there has been a
recent trend for manufacturing to be done in less
developed countries, causing factories in Western
countries to close down.
In order to confront the unemployment crisis,
citizens and the government must take certain
measures. First of all, education must be focused
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on teaching students to think creatively so that they
can meet the new demands of our technological
world. The world is constantly changing and
students need abilities and skills to adjust to them.
The government should also initiate programmes
to help increase employment, as ultimately, the
economy will improve if joblessness decreases.
Finally, we should all do our part and support
domestically manufactured goods, thus assisting
fellow citizens to stay employed.
Although the problem of growing unemployment
is a complex one, we all need to combat it as
best as possible for the greater good. Otherwise,
society will continue to deteriorate and the quality
of life will decrease rapidly.
Task 4
Digital piracy means downloading films and
music illegally. In your opinion, is downloading
films and music a crime or should it be legal?
Support your views.
With the rise of computer ownership and easy
access to the Internet, downloading and streaming
music and films illegally has become a widespread
phenomenon. There are both pros and cons to
this which will be discussed below.
On the one hand, there are many reasons why
digital piracy is considered to be a crime. Stealing
does not only involve property or goods; one can
also steal the creations of another. When artists,
actors, producers and others put so much time
and work into their music or films, they deserve
to be paid for their efforts. It is also true that
producing and releasing music and films is a very
expensive endeavour. When people share these
things online illegally, people and corporations
are not receiving the profits they deserve. This
argument is especially valid in cases where
struggling artists barely make enough to survive
and depend on selling their work.
However, there are reasons which support the
legalisation of digital piracy that should also be
taken into account. First of all, most films and
songs still bring in large profits for the people
producing them, and in some cases, profits go into
the millions. Others also believe that artist creations
should be public property and no one has the right
to deny access to another to fantastic music or
great films. Finally, there are many cases in which a
film or song may not be shown or sold in a certain
area and people have no choice but to find a
downloadable source, be it legal or not.
To sum up, although digital piracy is a form of
theft and should not happen, there are cases
in which I do not feel it is unethical. Ultimately,
it depends on each individual situation and the
circumstances of the person who is downloading
the song or film.
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TEST 5
Task 1
With the development of plastic surgery, many
people’s lives have been improved. However,
we are reaching the point where more harm is
being done than good. What is your opinion of
plastic surgery? Support your views.
One field in medicine which has witnessed great
advances is that of plastic surgery. Although in
some cases, it is absolutely necessary and can
even be life-saving, in others patients go too far
and it can become destructive.
There are many cases in which plastic surgery is
beneficial. In some cases, it is essential to help patients
restore bodily functions or have tumours removed
successfully. Plastic surgery can give certain people
the chance to feel better about their appearance
and gain more self-confidence, thus improving their
psychological state of mind. This is especially true in
cases of people born with deformities which have a
devastating impact on their lives. In addition, after
an accident or injury, a patient who would have been
scarred for life can live normally.
However, there is an ever-growing number of cases
in which people take plastic surgery to an extreme,
thus ending up doing more harm than good. We
live in a society obsessed with appearance, beauty
and youth and many procedures are performed
in an effort to unnecessarily beautify a person or
to keep them looking unnaturally young. Often,
patients become addicted to having surgeries and
continue until they are permanently scarred or their
appearance is destroyed. This can lead to greater
dissatisfaction and depression. In some cases,
plastic surgery can be life threatening, especially
considering that general anaesthetic in itself is a
dangerous procedure.
In an ideal world, appearance would not play
such a dominant role in people’s priorities and
happiness would have more to do with one’s
internal qualities. In all things, including plastic
surgery, people must learn to strike a balance
between what is necessary and beneficial, and
what is extreme and ultimately detrimental.
Task 2
In some situations, people feel obliged to tell
white lies. In your opinion, are these type of
lies justified? Support your views.
Although it is often said that honesty is the best
policy, there are some cases in which people prefer
to tell a white lie. The question is, can we ever
justify dishonesty, even if the lie is a small one?
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On the one hand, sometimes you may feel that
it is necessary to tell a white lie. First of all, you
can avoid hurting other people’s feelings. If you
do not approve of your best friend’s new tattoo,
you would only be hurting her feelings by telling
her that you thought it to be unattractive. It may
also be argued that some white lies are so small
that they are not really lies, just a slight twist of
the truth. Finally, some claim it is impossible for a
person to be completely honest in everything they
say or do.
On the other hand, telling one lie often leads to
the necessity of telling another, which can lead to
disaster and more feelings being hurt than if the
truth were just told from the start. I also feel that if
we truly care about another person, they deserve
our complete honesty, no matter how painful it
may be at first. There is always the chance that the
lie will be discovered, and then the person who
was lied to will feel betrayed.
For these reasons, I am of the opinion that all lies,
regardless of size, should be avoided. Dishonesty
is dishonesty, regardless of the ‘size’ of the lie,
and will usually lead to more complications and
heartache.
Task 3
Many people choose to continue living at home
even after they finish high school or university.
In your opinion, is this a good decision?
Support your views.
Because of the increasing cost of living, many
young people choose to live at home even after
completing their education. Although this trend
may seem to offer some benefits, I am convinced
that in the long run, it is detrimental both to
parents and their children.
There is no denying that there are some practical
advantages to living at home after completing
an education. First and foremost, you can save a
lot of money. This applies both to children and
parents, insofar as the former contribute financially
to latter. In some cases, parents may be elderly
and appreciate the assistance and presence of
their children at home and certainly, most young
adults love the convenience of being taken care
of. It is also true that some families have close
relationships and continue living together because
they genuinely enjoy one another’s company.
However, I feel that young adults need to start
their own lives and take on responsibilities. They
can only do so if they make a home of their own
and learn to take care of themselves. Supporting
older children can also be very tiring and costly for
parents, who finally yearn to live their lives more
freely.
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In conclusion, although in my country it is quite
common for children to continue living with their
parents until they get married, I believe this is not
beneficial for either party. After an education is
completed, it is time for young adults to move on
to the next stage of life and this can only be done
if they are living on their own.
Task 4
In the near future, single-use plastic will be
banned all over the world. In your opinion, why
shouldn’t single-use plastic be used and what
can be used instead? Support your views.
After almost a century of mindlessly producing
and disposing of single-use plastic, we have finally
reached the point where we know the situation
cannot continue. For many reasons, we must
ban the use of such materials and find other
alternatives to cover our needs.
The situation has become quite desperate
concerning the disposal of single-use plastic.
Our oceans are drowning in plastic particles and
marine life is being wiped out. Most litter on
the streets is also the result of plastic cups and
straws that people carelessly discard. The reasons
why plastic is so harmful is that it takes centuries
to biodegrade, if it even is biodegradable. This
means that it will exist indefinitely and eventually
find its way back into our systems, leading to
disease and death.
Many people argue that we will never be able
to come up with a replacement for single-use
plastic but I disagree. First of all, many cafes
have made it policy to sell permanent cups and
charge clients less for their coffee or beverage
if they use them. Plastic shopping bags are also
being replaced by cloth ones which can be reused
countless times. This has had a positive impact
on the environment, as bags comprised a large
proportion of plastic waste, but there is still room
for improvement. Finally, we should choose fruit
and vegetables that are sold loose, not in plastic
packaging which we simply throw out as soon as
we bring our groceries home. Paper packaging is
also far less harmful to the environment.
To conclude, it is high time we completely banned
the use of single-use plastic and continued
to develop more environmentally-friendly
alternatives. One can only hope that we are not
too late and that our habits change as soon as
possible.
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TEST 6
Task 1
What are the difficulties that senior citizens
face in the modern world, and in what ways
could they be considered valuable members of
our society? Support your views.
As the proportion of the elderly population increases
in most developed countries, it is vital to consider
the issues they face as they age and to always bear
in mind that senior citizens should be considered a
valuable resource rather than a burden.
When people retire or pass the age of sixty-five,
they must inevitably confront many difficulties,
most of which are a direct result of how society
treats them. First and foremost, because of
the importance of money, older people may
be considered inferior since they are no longer
earning a salary. In many cases, their pensions
are not sufficient to support their basic needs
and they may need assistance from their family.
Another priority in modern society is physical
beauty, which inevitably fades as one ages. Seen
as less attractive, older people are often treated
as being less interesting.
However, the elderly are not a different race
of people; they are us in a few decades. The
pensions they earn are a direct result of the taxes
or other money they have paid into the pension
system of each country, not a hand-out from the
government. In general, we should also bear in
mind how senior citizens have contributed all
their lives. They have raised children, some have
fought in wars, and all of them have been active
members of the society they live in. There is also
great potential to exploit their knowledge and
experience, such as in positions such as judges
and teachers, or even as babysitters to help
parents with their young.
In conclusion, the way in which elderly people
are treated is a sad reflection of our society’s
weaknesses and it is high time we changed our
mentality and appreciated all that they have done
and can still do.
Task 2
It seems that nowadays students have less and
less free time. In your opinion, why is this so and
what are the consequences? Support your views.
As the pace of life is constantly increasing, so are
the demands made on young people. This being
the case, they have less free time in their lives,
leading to many difficulties.
There are many reasons why students nowadays
have fewer leisure hours than they did in the
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past. To begin with, in response to the demands
of the modern job market, the school curriculum
is becoming more complex and requires more
hours of study. It is often the case that extra
lessons are needed or foreign languages must be
learned. This means that after school, instead of
resting and entertaining themselves, they continue
studying and attending lessons. In addition, many
teens are pressured into doing extra-curricular
activities or sports that also take up their time
after school. Although in some cases, this is a
source of entertainment or letting off steam, in
others it is an added pressure.
There are several harmful effects of the
demanding schedule that most young people
follow. First of all, their health can be negatively
affected, both physically and mentally. Lack of
sleep, which the majority of students suffer from,
can be extremely detrimental to one’s physical
condition and also makes a person’s brain less
capable of functioning. Less free time also leads
to feelings of stress, and the sense that one is
inefficient or incapable. It is also the case that
young people do not have time to develop real
friendships and miss out on activities suitable for
their age.
In conclusion, the pressures put on youths to
achieve more and more from a young age are
ultimately doing more harm than good. Students
may enter into better universities or have higher
qualifications, but they will have missed out on
the experience of being young, which can lead to
deeper unhappiness in their future.
Task 3
Most people love travelling and have taken
trips to foreign countries. In your opinion, what
are the advantages and disadvantages of global
tourism? Support your views.
With advances in technology, especially in the
field of transportation, international travel has
become both affordable and convenient. However,
the increase in travel brings with it both positive
and negative aspects.
It cannot be denied that much can be gained
through international travel, both for the travellers
and the local economies. Firstly, people’s minds
are broadened as they learn more about other
cultures and mentalities. This can lead to a
strengthening of international relations, as people
see that, at heart, we all belong to the same
human race. In addition, locals who live in the
host country receive a valuable boost in their
economies, since job positions open up and
foreign currency enters their country.
However, there are also negative consequences
of global tourism that cannot be ignored. To
a considerable extent, pollution caused by
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aeroplanes is one of the most damaging types of
contamination of the atmosphere. In addition, it
is often the case that tourists do not gain any real
insights into the country they visit, and instead,
only reconfirm their own biases and stereotypes.
Finally, in some cases areas of natural beauty
are destroyed or polluted and locals become
corrupted as they lose their own culture and
become seduced by Western values.
All in all, in order for global tourism to be a positive
development, it must take place with the utmost
respect of travellers both for the locals and the
environment. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.
Task 4
Fewer people are watching television
nowadays, as they prefer to watch their
favourite videos online. In your opinion, which
is preferable: television or online videos?
Support your views.
In the past, parents used to lament the endless
hours their children spent in front of the television.
Nowadays, although the screen is still the issue,
most youngsters are watching their favourite
videos online. To my mind, the latter is a far more
enjoyable activity.
Of course, there are some ways in which television
is preferable to online videos. To begin with, it
requires less thought as the programmes are
chosen for you. There is also better control of
quality and content, since the shows have been
carefully selected by the stations. Unlike videos
online, one can also be sure there will be no
inappropriate language or extreme violence.
Finally, the television industry supports many
artists, producers, etc., without whom many of the
videos online would not exist in the first place.
Despite these advantages of television, my
personal preference is to watch online videos. First
and foremost, I want to be able to select exactly
what I want to watch, not to be a passive observer
following the schedule and notions of other
people. My interest is in football, so I am keen
to watch any video that is to do with players and
matches. Online videos also offer a much wider
selection of what I can watch. I can easily switch
from sports videos to cartoons, depending on my
mood. Finally, I am very frustrated by the long
commercial breaks that disrupt television shows.
Apart from short online ads, watching internet
videos is far less annoying.
For these reasons, I am an avid fan of online
videos. I enjoy the variety, flexibility and fewer
ads when I watch them, and since my free time is
very valuable, I want to spend it as pleasantly as
possible.
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TEST 7
Task 1
As environmental problems continue to worsen,
it has become clear that recycling alone is not a
viable solution. Why is this so, and what alternative
measures can we take? Support your views.
Although many support the benefits of recycling,
it has become clear that in itself, it is not enough
to confront the problem of waste. Since this is the
case, other measures must be taken to deal with
the situation.
Recycling is insufficient for a variety of reasons.
To begin with, the process itself requires the use
of vast quantities of water, as well as harmful
chemicals such as bleach which do untold damage
to the environment. In addition, many materials
are not recyclable and even when they are, they
are not biodegradable so at some point, they will
end up polluting the environment. Finally, there
is a huge problem concerning what can be done
with the materials that we recycle. Until recently,
countries in Asia were accepting the recycled
waste of Western countries but they are no longer
doing so. As a result, there is nowhere to dump
this new form of waste.
This being the case, new mentalities must be
developed. To begin with, at the heart of the
problem is over-consumption. We simply buy
too many things, and ultimately have nowhere to
dispose of products or items we do not need any
more. We should also be wiser in our purchases
and how we shop, avoiding single-use plastic as
much as possible. It is also beneficial if we buy
locally, as local products are less damaging to
the environment and do not require as much
packaging. Finally, we need to learn to reuse and
repair items, in this way reducing the need to
manufacture more and create more waste.
Although none of the aforementioned solutions
is easy to implement, it is up to the individual to
realise that saving the world depends on each one
of us and we must change our habits if there is to
be a clean world for our children to inhabit.
Task 2
Many schools are making it mandatory for
students to volunteer in the community as part of
their education. In your opinion, should all schools
implement this policy? Support your views.
Volunteering to assist the community you live in
has become more common in recent times, due
to the increasing needs of the less fortunate. To
my mind, young people should be encouraged
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to take part in volunteer work by making it a
compulsory part of their school education.
Education is not simply about acquiring
knowledge and skills, it is also about enabling
students to grow into more responsible and
caring citizens. The best way to do so would be
to let them participate in the improvement of
their community and get to know people in need
who live around them. Programmes could include
helping elderly people who are lonely in senior
citizen homes, participating in environmental
projects to better the area they live in or
helping out the homeless or refugees. In such
programmes, students not only acquire valuable
experience of helping others, they may also
develop strong bonds with the people they assist
and in this way, enrich their lives.
Of course, there are some who argue that
volunteer work should not be mandatory. They
feel that students are already stressed enough
with their curriculum, and do not need extra
activities added to it. They also argue that you
cannot force people to care about others, as it
may have the opposite effect. Finally, some feel
that students are too young to face the harsh
realities of people less fortunate than them.
Despite these arguments, I still strongly feel that
volunteer work is the best way to educate children
about the world they live in and make them better
able to deal with present realities. We need to
care about the plight of our fellow humans, and
this lesson should be taught from a young age.
Task 3
Despite advances in medicine, many people
today are suffering from health problems. In
your opinion, are people healthier today than
they were in the past? Support your views.
Developments in medicine have enabled people
to recover from more diseases and live longer
than ever before. However, does this mean than
people today are healthier than their ancestors?
On the one hand, it is difficult to deny that since
living conditions have improved significantly
over the past and knowledge of the human body
is much more advanced, people are generally
healthier than they ever were. Modern hospitals
and medicines can deal with virtually any illness
or injury. Individuals themselves also have a
deeper awareness as to how to stay healthy. In the
past, for example, smoking was not considered
dangerous. Last but not least, many people are
better informed about the importance of working
out and eating healthily so they correct their
lifestyles. This means people can live longer and
happier lives, with less stress.
Unfortunately, to a large extent the above
arguments have not really resulted in better
overall health for the general public. In the past,
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people ate far more natural foods than they
do today. Ingesting chemicals and hormones is
unavoidable in modern times, leading to new
health problems and rising incidences of diseases
such as cancer. Increasing stress levels at school
and in the workplace also lead to people being
less healthy today. Many serious illnesses have
been linked to stress. Finally, technology has
advanced so much that most of us spend hours in
front of a screen instead of getting fresh air and
exercise. This has definitely contributed to lower
stamina and more frequent illness.
To sum up, although some aspects of modern life
have led to improvements in human health, on the
whole I believe that we were healthier in the past,
as life was more natural and less stressful.
Task 4
Retirement is a major step in anyone’s life.
In your opinion, should people be allowed to
choose when they retire or should there be a
mandatory retirement age? Support your views.
As the elderly population is growing in many countries,
the idea of retirement is a topic of great debate. On
the one hand, some support the enforcement of
a mandatory retirement age, while others say that
retirement should be a personal decision.
There are some valid arguments to support
compulsory retirement. Firstly, if people do not
retire, positions are not vacated and opportunities
are not given to younger people. This contributes
to a rise in unemployment, which is detrimental to
society as a whole. It is also true that some jobs
require physical stamina or acumen that people
lose as they age. After a certain age, therefore,
people cannot fulfil their obligations in these
positions. Finally, if there is no law enforcing the
age of retirement, some companies may force
employees to continue working, even if they wish
to live out their golden years peacefully.
On the other hand, there are many reasons to
refute a compulsory age of retirement. To begin
with, when one works, one usually enjoys a better
quality of life. This is not simply because of a
higher income, but also because society treats
people who are working with more respect. Thus,
each person should make their own decision as to
whether they wish to continue working or not. In
addition, many jobs, such as that of a professor or
judge, are better done by those with experience
behind them. Finally, fewer retired people will
relieve the state of the burden to pay out so many
pensions, thus leaving more funds to allocate for
other needs of society.
All in all, I am in favour of allowing people to
choose at what age they wish to retire, not only
for the practical benefits it offers to society
but also because I believe in free will and the
individual’s right to make decisions about his or
her own life.
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TEST 8
Task 1
Although modern medicine is continually
advancing, more and more people are getting
sick and, as a result, many are turning to
alternative medicine. What are the advantages
and disadvantages of alternative medicine?
Support your views.
Lately alternative medicine has been the focus of
great attention and is becoming more common
in many countries. There are both benefits and
drawbacks to be considered before one turns to
alternative therapies, however.
Many conventional doctors claim that alternative
medicine is not only ineffective, it may be
dangerous. That is largely because many forms of
alternative medicine are not supported by a body
of scientific research. They fear that some patients
may reject essential medicines when they reject
the advice of their doctors. It should also be taken
into consideration that some alternative therapies
are very costly, as they are ongoing and offered
only by so-called specialists.
However, there are many positive aspects to
alternative therapies. First and foremost, in
order to have won over such a large following,
they are clearly effective in a large percentage
of cases. Since the remedies are derived from
natural ingredients or use energy for healing, as
in the case of Reiki, alternative medicine is far
less damaging to a patient than chemicals and
medicines. Finally, alternative therapies consider
individuals as a whole. They do not only examine
specific symptoms, but take into account all
aspects of a person, thus having a better chance
at healing a person.
In conclusion, although I realise that to a certain
extent, conventional medicine is necessary, there
are many cases in which alternative therapies are
not only less harmful, they are also more effective.
Task 2
Advertisements are everywhere: on the
Internet, in magazines, and on TV and
billboards. In your opinion, what are the
positive and negative aspects of modern
advertisements? Support your views.
In this modern world of mass media and electronic
entertainment, advertisements play a fundamental
role, as the revenue they provide often enables
shows and programmes to exist. However,
advertisements also have negative aspects that
affect society at large.
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Of course, there is no denying that commercials
and advertisements are necessary. Without them,
magazines, newspapers, shows and videos would
not have the money to exist. They also create
employment for the people involved in their
creation. In addition, many consumers find them
informative, as through ads they learn about new
products and the latest gadgets. Finally, some
advertisements are very entertaining and others
pass on important social messages. I am a fan of
the Nike commercials, which encourage people to
dream and strive to achieve their dreams.
However, advertisements also have many negative
effects on those who view or read them. First of
all, they create a need for products that we may
not need. This encourages people to consume
more, spend more and leads to the need to
work more and be even further stressed about
one’s life. Commercials and ads also portray an
idealised world, where women are 50 kilos and
all families are happy and live in harmony. This
can cause great dissatisfaction in people as they
compare their own lives to these ideals and come
up short. Finally, ads can be very damaging to
young children, who lack the critical judgment to
understand that they are being manipulated by
companies whose only aim is to sell their product.
In conclusion, although I realise that
advertisements are part and parcel of our modern
life, it is up to consumers to limit the negative
impact they can have on their spending habits and
their psychological state in general.
Task 3
Students do their best to achieve the highest
marks so they can have a better future. In your
opinion, are marks the best way to evaluate
students? Are there other ways to evaluate
them that might be better? Support your ideas.
One of the greatest source of stress for students has
always been what marks they will receive, as they
often feel their whole sense of self-worth depends
on them. Although there may be a necessity for
some type of system of evaluation, I am of the
opinion that other methods may be more effective.
Since schools first opened, marks have always
been used to allow parents to see how their
children are doing and to motivate students to
do their best. Marking work makes students
more conscientious and is a straight-forward and
objective way for them to understand how well
they are doing in a subject.
However, often marks become more than an
indication of how well someone is performing
and instead becomes the goal itself. Some
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students prefer to do better on their report card
than to actually learn anything, thus defeating
the purpose. This is why other methods should
be introduced to complement or even supplant
the current marking system. To begin with, since
effort is the most important strategy for success,
it must be rewarded. They say you only fail when
you stop trying, but if children receive low marks,
they are often so discouraged that they do stop
trying. This is why I believe half of all marks
should be awarded for how much effort was
put into something, not just on the end result.
Another idea is to simply put pass or fail, and end
competition among students. Finally, it has also
been proposed that each student has their own
measure of progress that is based on individual
growth and not compared to others.
Although such proposals may seem difficult to
implement, it is time the school marking system was
changed so that young people could understand the
true value of learning and education.
Task 4
Hospitals are advancing in many countries, but for
some people, hospital care has become unaffordable.
In your opinion, should hospital care be free? What
are the advantages and disadvantages of free
hospital care? Support your ideas.
One of the areas that has experienced the most
growth is that of medical care. However, in some
countries it is so expensive that many people
cannot afford it. This is why free medical care has
been proposed the world over, but there are still
many who disagree with the idea.
Those who are against free medical care say
that it will lead to healthy people paying for sick
people, since it would be funded by taxes. This is
especially unfair in cases where people’s illnesses
were brought on by unhealthy life choices such
as smoking or overeating. Additionally, they add
that taxes would be exorbitantly high for the
average person to cover the expenses of free
hospitalisation. Finally, there is a fear that the
quality of healthcare will decrease, since it will
have to be so widespread.
However, I believe that decent healthcare is one
of the basic tenets of any civilized society. I find
it inconceivable that in countries of great wealth,
such as the United States, people who cannot
afford hospitalisation may actually die. We have an
obligation to care for every member of our society,
especially those in need. It is also true that people
would be stronger and, hence, society itself would
be stronger. There would be fewer sick days at
work and perhaps even lower crime rates.
All in all, free healthcare is a basic right of every
citizen in a civilised country and I am proud that in
my country, it is offered to everyone.
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TEST 9
Task 1
It is clear that one of the most pressing
problems we are now facing is global warming.
In your opinion, what are the causes and effects
of global warming? Support your views.
Much is being said about global warming
nowadays and the catastrophic repercussions it
can have on our planet. In order to understand
the extent of the problem, both the causes and
effects of global warming should be examined.
There are many factors which have caused the rise
in global temperatures. First and foremost is the
rising level of carbon dioxide and other harmful
chemicals in our atmosphere due to factories and
transportation means such as aeroplanes and cars.
Ozone depletion is also another factor, as the
destruction of the ozone layers allows more of the
sun’s radiation to enter the earth’s atmosphere
and warm up its surface more. Deforestation is
also a major contributing factor to global warming
as there are fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide.
Finally, overpopulation is the third and most
devastating factor, as the more human activity
there is, the worse the greenhouse effect, once
again leading to higher temperatures.
The consequences of global warming are serious.
To begin with, the polar caps are melting, which
leads to sea levels rising. Entire cities may soon
be immersed in water and flooding has become
a common phenomenon. In addition, the climate
is becoming more unstable all over the world,
and natural disasters such as hurricanes are
occurring with greater frequency. This leads to the
migration of human and animal species, and in
many cases, the extinction of some species which
cannot successfully migrate. Marine species are
also endangered as oceans acidify, due to higher
carbon dioxide levels.
For all of the above reasons, it is evident that
human beings must make drastic changes in their
lifestyle and politicians and world leaders must
take measures to protect the planet we live on
before it is too late.
Task 2
We live in a society in which many people are
constantly buying the latest technological gadgets
and products. In your opinion, what makes people
so consumerist and what are the consequences of
consumerism? Support your views.
The overconsumption of goods in modern society
has led to a host of problems with far-reaching
consequences. In order to understand the issue
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properly, it is worth examining what its causes and
effects are.
To begin with, it is human nature to always strive
for improvement, and many people believe
that their lives will be enhanced with the latest
gadgets, cars, fashionable clothes, and so on.
This leads them to want to buy as much as they
can, regardless of whether the goods they buy
actually fulfil a genuine need. There is also an
underlying belief that these possessions will bring
them greater happiness, despite evidence to the
contrary. Finally, the role of advertisements is to
convince us that we should all keep abreast of the
latest trends. As a result, we buy more and more.
However, consumerism has had devastating
consequences both on people’s personal lives
and on the planet we live on. First of all, what
many people fail to take into account is that in
order to buy these goods, they need to spend
more of their time working and in the end, much
of our valuable time is wasted trying to make the
money to consume endlessly. Then, when one
owns so much and is still not happy, depression
and hopelessness can ensue. Last but not least,
both the manufacturing of new products and
the disposal of the old take a terrible toll on the
environment. We are running out of places to
dump our waste, and polluting the planet.
In conclusion, it is clear that we must examine
our motives and real needs before we mindlessly
fall into the trap of buying. When we realise that
human happiness does not depend on what we
have but who we are, perhaps we will finally
reduce our need for material goods.
Task 3
Nowadays, fewer people smoke than in the
past, as they are more aware of the health
risks. However, there are still people who are
addicted to smoking. In your opinion, should
smoking be allowed or should it be made
illegal? Support your views.
Despite all of the information available about the
dangers of smoking, many people continue to
do so. For this reason, it has been argued that
it should be made illegal, just as narcotics are.
However, this is an issue that has two sides, both
of which should be examined.
On the one hand, there is no denying that
thousands of deaths every year can be attributed
to smoking. Smoking is especially dangerous as
it has been proven that not only do the smokers
suffer, but those around them who inhale the
fumes are affected as well. Since when people are
addicted to a substance, they cannot control their
use of it, it is claimed that the government must
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step in and not allow the sale of cigarettes or
tobacco. Only in this way will smoking finally stop.
However, it is highly likely that this will not
happen. First of all, the government receives large
revenues from tobacco companies so the money
they would lose would have to be made up for
by taxpayers. In addition, many people claim they
only smoke lightly and they derive great pleasure
from it. Finally, whether people should be allowed
to harm themselves, be it by smoking or playing
too many video games, is ultimately a matter of
free choice and it is not right for the government
to step in and control our lives in this way.
In the end, smoking, like all bad habits, should be
curbed but not made illegal. Otherwise, people’s
rights will be infringed upon and a dangerous
precedent will be set.
Task 4
In most high schools, students do not have
much of a choice as to what subjects they take.
In your opinion, should students choose the
subjects they take or should they follow one
curriculum? Support your views.
Recently, it has become a matter of discussion as to
how much choice high-school students should have
concerning the choice of subjects they study. While
some argue that they are old enough to choose what
they do and do not want to study, others argue that
at this level, there should be one basic curriculum.
At one end of the spectrum, it is claimed that
high-school students are not old enough to be
able to judge what subjects are necessary for
them. This being the case, they may opt out of
important courses simply because they dislike
them or because they are more challenging.
Which brings us to a basic point, that certain
subjects offer important general knowledge that
all students need, regardless of what field they
wish to enter after high school. This includes
maths, basic sciences and language skills.
However, there are also arguments to support at
least a partial choice in what subjects students
should take, especially in the last years of high
school. By the time they are 16 or 17, most people
know where their strengths lie and can rule out
areas of study that do not interest them. This being
the case, it is a waste of time to take specialised
subjects, such as algebra, when they already know
that their talents lie elsewhere. A curriculum tailored
to each student would be far more interesting for
them and would provide more motivation.
In the final analysis, I strongly feel that high school
students should have some choice concerning
which subjects they take so that what they learn is
relevant and interesting. Only in that way will their
education prepare them for life after high school.
206 Model Compositions
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TEST 10
Task 1
In the past, children used to do a fair share of
the housework, but this no longer happens. Why
have they stopped doing chores and what are the
potential benefits of household chores for children?
Gone are the days when children used to help
their families with housework and other chores.
Instead, these duties are usually fulfilled solely by
parents or paid housekeepers. There are many
reasons why young people have stopped doing
chores, but there are many benefits that they miss
out on because of this.
To begin with, nowadays most children are under
too much pressure to have time to do chores.
They have so much homework and so many
extracurricular activities that their schedules are
full. There is also the belief that it is wrong to make
children do work, since they are so young, or that
they might not do their chores very efficiently.
Finally, children nowadays are very spoiled and
would rather spend time playing electronic games
rather than cleaning or helping out.
However, there are many benefits for children
if they learn responsibilities from a young age.
First of all, they will certainly gain confidence
in themselves as they become more and more
capable of doing ‘grown-up’ work. They will also
learn how to cooperate with their siblings and
parents to get things done, such as when setting
the table for dinner all together. In addition,
chores teach children to be more responsible, as
there are repercussions if they slack off, and in
this way they learn accountability. These are all
valuable life lessons and skills that will help them
mature and make their lives easier in the future,
when they live on their own.
In conclusion, I strongly feel that families should
start including children in household chores, as
it will help build strength of character and be
beneficial for them in the future.
Task 2
Nowadays, we can find information about
almost anything online. However, most online
articles are not checked or controlled in any
way. Do you think the government should
censor online information or should people post
information freely? Support your views.
Although freedom of speech is thought to be a
basic tenet of democracy, many are demanding
stricter control over what is published online. I
am of the opinion that there should be a limited
degree of censorship.
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 Model Compositions
There is no denying that it is important for people
to be able to express themselves freely, within
limits. When articles that criticise the government
or the wealthy are banned, democracy dies and
all of society suffers. There is always the danger
that the government will take complete control
of the country, as no one could speak out against
them. It is also argued that if something untrue
is published, then another article should be
published disputing it. In that way, everyone will
be free to form their own opinion.
However, there is no way that I could support
complete freedom of speech. First of all, many
children are online and they lack critical judgment,
so if untrue articles are put online, they will
probably believe them. There have been cases
of spreading games which involved self-harm,
and some children even committed suicide
playing them. It is also wrong to allow scenes of
extreme violence online, as there is no knowing
how people will be affected. Finally, dangerous
information, such as how to build a perfect bomb,
should most certainly be censored.
All in all, we do not live in a perfect world but we
have an obligation to try to shield the younger
and more gullible members of our society from
dangerous and false information. This is why I feel
there must be a limited degree of online censorship.
Task 3
It has become common to hear about professional
athletes using performance enhancing drugs. In
your opinion, why do they do so and what can be
done to discourage them? Support your views.
The competition and potential rewards in the world
of professional sports often results in athletes using
illegal substances to improve their performance.
However, this must be discouraged in any way
possible, as it is dangerous for the athletes and
defeats the whole purpose of competition.
Before examining ways to end the use of
performance enhancing drugs, it is crucial to
examine the factors that push athletes to turn
to them. First and foremost, they are under
incredible pressure to play their best and to win.
When we are discussing professional football or
Olympic sports, millions of pounds are at stake,
not just for the athlete but for the entire team. In
many cases, athletes are pushed into using these
substances by team coaches, while in others, they
are afraid of losing their position in a club. Finally,
there is the sense that since other athletes are
using illegal drugs, they need to do so in order to
balance the scales.
However, the use of performance enhancing drugs
must be put to an end. More frequent checks and
blood tests should take place for all professional
athletes, without any warnings. If any athlete is
caught using drugs, there should be no leniency
12_LRN_C2_Model_essays.indd 207
LRN
and complete disqualification should be enforced.
However, I also believe that coaches and teams
must be penalised as well. It is difficult to believe
that a coach did not encourage or at least
condone the use of these substances; in many
cases, the athletes are the victims and not the
perpetrators of the crime.
The ideals of sportsmanship and competition
are positive ones, but if illegal drugs are used
to increase one’s chances of winning, then the
point of sports becomes only to win at all costs,
including sometimes the death of the athletes. It is
high time we put a stop to such practices.
Task 4
Social media has become an important part
of many people’s lives, while others avoid
it completely. In your opinion, what are the
reasons for using or avoiding social media?
Support your views.
Most people have a social media account of some
sort, but there are still a minority who refuse to
open one. Although social media users enjoy
many benefits, I also understand why some people
would want to avoid it completely.
People who are avid social media fans say that their
lives are enriched by it. They find it an excellent
way to connect with their friends and even make
new ones. It is enjoyable for them to exchange
comments with one another and gives them the
ability to communicate with dozens of people at
the same time. Social media users also find it gives
them a way to learn about what is happening in
their community, school or even in other countries.
Finally, there is no denying that many posts and
pictures are amusing and entertaining. Some
people scroll through their walls, watching videos
and reading articles just to pass time pleasantly.
However, there are still people who have resisted
the power of social media, preferring to remain
anonymous. They argue that using social media can
become very addictive while at the same it fails to
offer any genuine connection with fellow human
beings. They cite cases of people who have over
25,000 friends, none of whom they have actually met.
Is there any real interaction or relationship with these
people? They also know that much of what people
post is unreliable, especially pictures that have been
photo-shopped. Last but not least, they have no
desire to publicise their every move or thought. They
prefer to live their lives in peace and privacy.
Although there are many reasons why most of
us use social media, I feel that we overdo it and
essentially waste too much time on a meaningless
activity. Personally, I much prefer to meet people
in person than have a collection of friends who do
not know me.
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