Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Essay Ideas
Essay Ideas
Essay Ideas
Innate Learned
Imagination and creativity are inborn Some very talented people are lazy
qualities necessary for success. and do not achieve anything in life.
Being naturally gifted makes you We can learn a lot from our mistakes.
successful earlier in life, and success Success results from determination
breeds success. and hard work.
Some people are born with talent, Giftedness is not a guarantee for
which gives them a head start in life. success later in life.
There are many examples of child The more effort we put in, the more
prodigies. Mozart could compose we practise a skill, the better we
music at the age of five. become.
It is undeniable that some people have
natural abilities that make them
successful.
Agree Disagree
Innate Learned
Some people are born with a Assertiveness to stand up for what you
charismatic personality. believe in can be learned through
Having a powerful presence is not training and practice.
something that can be learned. Some people only become leaders
Being articulate and having good later in life.
oratory skills to influence people Life experience is important for
through words is essential for a leader. leaders to learn essential skills.
People cannot learn to be positive, Leadership requires confidence, which
inspiring or enthusiastic. can be developed and learned over
Some people are genetically time.
predisposed to become leaders. Leadership consists of several skills
which can be learned and developed.
Crime
Causes Solutions
A lack of police on the streets can Government should increase social
result in more opportunistic crime. benefits/ welfare to alleviate poverty:
All too often, criminals get off reduce tax, interests for the needy (needy
very lightly. people / disadvantaged/ impoverished/
Poverty encourages some people deprived); implement/ introduce policies.
to turn to crime in order to pay Campaigns (virtual, social), contests to
bills and meet family raise awareness of law.
responsibilities. Juveniles: age limit/restrictions on violent
Unemployment can lead people to games, films
crime due to financial pressure and Parents must be their role models, set
also lack of structure in their daily good examples for their child;
lives. oversee/monitor/observe/supervise/advise;
Young people can easily turn to corporal punishment.
crime from peer pressure or lack Harsher/heavier/stricter sentence/penalty/
of parental guidance. punishment can deter people from crime
Offering training programmes (vocational
courses) can stimulate employment, bring
hope and give structure to people's lives.
Schools and parents should teach young
people to shun criminal and anti-social
behaviour.
Seeing more police officers on the beat
might put people off criminal behaviour.
Model Answer:
Crime is an issue of increasing concern around the world, and more money than ever before is
being spent on the detection and punishment of criminal activity. The reasons why people
commit crime are countless, but drugs and alcohol, social problems and poverty play a major
role. To solve these problems, governments can either focus on draconian punishments, or
improve employment opportunities, invest in good housing projects and tackle drug and alcohol
abuse.
One of the main causes of criminality is the use, sale and trafficking of narcotics. For example,
the sale of drugs is organised by armed criminal gangs who illegally traffic drugs and control
their business with extreme violence. Drug-related crime does not end there; drug users often
steal to fund their habit, resulting in further acts of petty crime. The social problems connected
with crime are said to be the result of single-parent families, absent role models and bad living
conditions. The children from these broken families often become criminals because they feel
alienated from society. Poverty is also a reason behind crime. When unskilled jobs pay so little
and prices are so high, it’s easy to see why some turn to crime for an income.
Crime can of, course, be dealt with by toughening criminal laws and introducing longer custodial
sentences for persistent criminals, but some of the best ways to deal with crime may be to deal
with the social causes. Increasing employment opportunities in poorer areas would improve
living standards, which would mean access to affordable housing and education. Government
funding for drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes would help reduce dependency on
stimulants and the need for the criminal activity that surrounds them.
In conclusion, crime is a major issue, but cracking down on offenders with a harsh penal system
is not the only way. These problems can be solved through the government providing jobs and
funding which should raise living standards and dramatically reduce crime levels.
Pros Cons
real life experience: prison life, harsh They don’t have correct moral
punishments, consequences of the behaviour => not role model for
crime, wrongdoings => act as a
deterrent/ deter young people from young people.
committing crime. have misconception about severity of
Raise awareness of the difficulties in crimes, punishments and the
reintegrating /back into society. => a consequences.
way to show that they repent of/ for require teaching methodologies,
their sins. comprehensive knowledge of law
systems
Superficial (adj) alternative methods to educate young
people: documents, police, prison
guards.
3. The crime rate will fall as advances in technology make it easier to detect and
prevent crimes. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Canada, 28/8/2021)
Pros Cons
Criminals or criminal groups can be Many low-tech crimes are still being
tracked by electronic surveillance committed.
(CCTV) some crimes are spur of the moment/
plans for crime could be uncovered spontaneous decision, and cannot be
online. tracked beforehand.
former prisoners: tracked, supervised The Internet is too vast to effectively
after release to prevent re-offense: control or monitor.
ankle monitors/bracelets. Hackers/ criminals may have more
Bystanders can record crimes using sophisticated and advanced
mobile phones. equipment, and could identify flaws
in security system => take advantages
of them to commit crimes.
4. The best way to reduce youth crimes is to educate their parents with parental skills.
To what extent you agree or disagree? (30/9/2017)
Parental skills:
=> strengthen/ cultivate the relationship/bonds// develop the rapport with…/ have close ties
with..
Beneficial for first-time parents who are inexperienced and need support => prevent
problems in child-rearing + knowledge of laws => consult their children.
Spend a significant part of their time at school: more likely to be influenced by peers,
teachers => educating children is the joint efforts between teachers and parents.
Especially, teachers who are well-trained have more efficient methods to educate
children. Teachers can also raise awareness of laws and punishment in their lessons.
Some parents are busy/ occupied with their work to support their children financially//
back their children// give financial backing.
Impact of social media, surrounding environment: violence in games and films, peers,
neighbours => knowledge, self-control, self-discipline: more crucial.
5. In some cases, people who break the law should be warned instead of receiving
punishment. Do you agree or disagree? (Asia, 28/8/2021)
6. In many countries imprisonment is the most common solution to crimes. However,
some people believe that better education will be a more effective solution. To what
extent do you agree or disagree? (7/11/2019)
Education Imprisonment
Juveniles: re-education/ treatment Those commit atrocious crime:
program: commit petty crimes removed from society.
(ignorance about law and deter persistent/hardened
punishment, from disadvantaged criminals by giving longer prison
background) sentences.
not mature enough to accept the education: criminals are not aware
consequences. of the severity of their actions and
adversely affected by the time in crime => re-offending.
prison, criminal record could violent nature/ innate/ inborn
harm their career in the future => personality
difficulties in re-integrating =>
ruin prospects, future.
Refute: Commit crime deliberately
despite knowledge of criminal activities
and consequence.
For Against
8. Society is based on rules and laws. It could not function if individuals were free to
do whatever they wanted to do. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
(12/11/2020)
Law and order
The importance of law
- It set the boundaries and criteria which force residents to work and behave more morally and
legally
- Establish safeguards and social order to secure/guarantee the safety and well-being of citizens.
- results of sacrifice for thousand years to fight against slavery, gender discrimination, racism,
unfair treatment
- malicious/ abusive people to claim power => harm others for their gains (get away from
murder…)
- people (the privileged) can easily take advantages of freedom for their personal benefits
People need to know what behaviour People would be able to hurt others
is acceptable and what behaviour is with impunity.
not. There would be no safety in
Individuals and society can function communities.
better when given guidelines. Children would grow up not knowing
Rules and punishment deter people right from wrong.
from committing crime. Society would be thrown into
Rules protect vulnerable people and complete disarray.
keep everyone safe. A society without rules is no longer a
society.
Family
Reasons Effects
Working women prefer to focus on The child, as a young adult, may feel
building their career and climbing the the burden of taking care of elderly
career ladder. parents.
Some couples prefer having financial The age gap is bigger between parent
stability before having and raising a and child which can lead to difficulties
child. relating to each other.
The increase in divorce can affect Older parents get tired more easily
when a woman decides to have which can restrict their enjoyment and
children. participation in parenthood.
Advances in technology, such as IVF, There is an increased chance of health
help older women become pregnant. complications with the baby.
For Against
Children do not need two parents to The financial strain is sometimes
have a stable upbringing. placed on only one parent.
Children benefit from a loving The children might miss the influence
environment provided by one parent. of having parents of each gender
Single parent families are preferable to around.
a dysfunctional marriage. Children are not given a role model
Children from dysfunctional marriages for a healthy adult relationship.
can suffer emotional distress. Children are not able to grow up
Children may have more understanding adult relationships.
responsibilities in the house, which Children are not able to witness how
helps their development. adults work through difficulties and
disagreements.
Children have no other parent to turn
to for comfort or support.
For Against
Elderly people thrive better when Elderly people have paid taxes which
cared for by people who love them. should be used for their care.
Family should support one another If both adults work, there may be no
whatever the situation. one at home to provide the necessary
Family understand the needs of the support.
elderly best. Nursing homes and retirement homes
Grandparents have looked after their are structured to provide the right
child in the past, now the children support and care.
should look after them. Some families do not have the extra
Retirement homes provide support but finances available.
not the love that the elderly person Some elderly people require
needs. specialised care that the family cannot
The elderly should be surrounded by provide.
familiar objects and people. The family are not trained to take care
of elderly people.
For Against
Finding out about ancestors is a type It is better for people to focus on
of self-discovery. present family members rather than
Knowing about their ancestors helps those in the past.
people feel part of a larger family. Unpleasant information might be
Family history can reveal hereditary unearthed.
medical conditions which might be A past member of the family might
prevalent among the current have been an embarrassment which is
generation. best forgotten.
Knowing if cancer, for example, is People might discover secrets that are
common in their family can help damaging to family members today.
people take the necessary preventive The past is best left in the past.
measures. Hereditary diseases do not necessarily
Researching family history can show reoccur and may cause undue stress
cultural history. and worry.
There might be common skills to
discover within a family’s history.
Language
For Against
For Against
Agree Disagree
Traditional lifestyles often contain valuable knowledge of the natural world that must not
be lost.
Unique perspectives of the world around us and our place in it are part of many
traditional lifestyles.
Traditional values such as patience, selflessness respect for elders, loyalty and humility
are still important in today’s world.
Traditional lifestyles are a direct link to our past and our cultural heritage.
Many countries rely on attracting tourists by offering traditional cultural experiences.
We can gain useful insight into natural remedies that can help us deal with illness today
by studying some traditional ways of life.
Should the modern world crash, we will need to fall back on the traditional ways of life.
Causes Solutions
For Against
Aid could be given by funding the Governments are answerable to their
development of hospitals and medical citizens for how they spend the tax
training and giving free medicine to payers’ money.
ensure good health care. If a poor country has continual
Aid could be given in the form of political unrest, aid will not have a
teacher training and educational long-term impact and may not be
facilities rather than just financial aid. effective.
Helping poor countries reduces the Poor countries may develop a
animosity between wealthy countries dependency on aid rather than solve
and poorer ones, which will help their own national problems.
promote international peace. Poor countries need to be trained how
In some poor countries, conditions to tackle their own domestic problems
have created a humanitarian crisis rather than be given aid.
which cannot be ignored by rich Rich countries have a responsibility to
countries. their own people before helping
Refusing to give aid to poor countries others.
could result in hundreds of thousands The money from rich countries comes
of unnecessary deaths. from tax payers and should be used to
Rich countries have the extra money benefit tax payers in terms of support
social services, health care and
to help others as well as themselves. education.
Supporting the economic growth of a There are not enough rich countries in
poorer country can open up new the world to give enough aid to all the
markets for richer countries. poor countries to achieve the desired
There should be a moral obligation for results.
people with money to help those There is no guarantee that financial
without. aid will be effective if corruption
exists within the poor country.
Causes Solutions
Corruption in some countries affects Offer free education, which will allow
the distribution of wealth. people the chance to escape the
The poverty circle in some countries poverty cycle.
cannot be broken due to lack of free Ensure that all countries have a
education and limited job minimum wage that is sufficient for a
opportunities. good standard of living.
While developed and developing Increase taxes for people with higher
countries have growing markets, salaries and make sure they are paying
underdeveloped countries are still them, then use the money to fund free
tackling basic human necessities such education and free health care for all
as clean water, shelter, political people.
stability and food production. Put a ceiling on the higher salaries to
Effective collection of taxes in rich ensure a more equal distribution of
countries means they have money for wealth in society.
the development of the country. Narrow the gap between the salaries
of blue-collar and white-collar
workers.
Space Exploration
For Against
For Against
Technology
For Against
Most public areas have free phones As public phone booths seem to be on
the verge of extinction, it would be
that can be used in case of emergency. irresponsible to ban mobile phone use.
Mobile phones can be used to take Mobile phones save lives as
photos and videos and so violate other emergency services can easily locate
people's privacy. you when you call.
They are intrusive and have an Instead of imposing a ban, it would be
adverse effect on the environment of more practical to have designated
other people. areas for cell phone users.
In hospitals and airplanes, they can Many people think that a ban would
interfere with sensitive equipment. curtail their personal freedom.
They are a permanent distraction when Cell phones are a relatively recent
they are allowed in the classroom. invention and people just need a little
more time to learn how to use them
properly in public.
Agree Disagree
Tourism
Causes Solutions
- Many buildings were not built to - Increasing the entry fees means that
accommodate the large number of more money/ budget will be available
tourists/ vast hordes of people. (built for restoration and conservation.
long time ago). - The number of people entering any
- An influx/inundation of tourists flood historical building should be
into historical buildings will inevitably restricted/ limited/ curbed (put a
cause erosion/ damage. curb on sth).
- Some people who visit historical - Put on signs/warnings + harsh
buildings are not respectful and punishment + guards around
purposely/intentionally/deliberatly historical buildings to prevent
cause damages intentional damage.
Group Individually
- Group travel creates bonds between - The solo travellers do not depend on
the people involved in the anyone and takes all decisions on their
experience // develop a good rapport own.
with other people - Travelling on one’s own is a great
- Reduces safety concerns, stress of opportunity to develop one’s self-
having to struggle in a foreign confidence and other survival skills.
language and culture. - Solo travellers are more inclined to
- They can support you financially or in be more open, meet new people and
some unexpected circumstances. make new friends.
Negatives: Negatives:
- Travelling always involves making a - Travelling solo can be more expensive
lot of decisions/ reaching a as you cannot benefit from group
consensus, which can be time- discounts on transport, food or
consuming. accommodation.
- It may cause disputes in the group - No one support you or cheer you up
when somebody is dissatisfied with - A solo traveller can be an easy target
the decisions, or task assignment. for someone with bad intentions/ an
- You are less open to people outside victim of crimes
the group.
3. Ecotourism
For Against
- It is an easy way of getting actively - When indigenous cultures are
involved in caring for our regularly exposed to masses of
environment. // raise awareness of the tourists, their traditional cultural
importance of the ecosystem. practices change or disappear.
- It enables tourists to learn about the - Local people sometimes revive
flora and fauna, culture of a specific ancient traditions only to provide
place. photo opportunities.
- It boosts local economies. - Local communities are sometimes
- It helps preserve local traditions and displaced to make way for new
creates jobs for local people. hotels and tourist attractions.
- Local communities that depend
excessively on ecotourism risk being
shattered if there is a global
economic crisis, or pandemic.
Transport
1. Congestion in Cities
Causes Solutions
There has been an increase in the Raise the tax on privately owned
number of people owning a vehicle. vehicles to limit ownership.
Fewer people are choosing to travel Improve the efficiency, reliability and
using public transport in favour of comfort of public transport.
private transport.
The same opening and closing times Stagger opening and closing times to
of business, services and shops cause control traffic flow at peak times.
mass rush-hour traffic.
Work
Public sector doctors and teachers Showbiz and sports celebrities are a
provide indispensable services. source of national pride.
Health and education should be the Celebrities salaries are not shouldered
top priorities of any government. by the taxpayer.
Doctors and teachers have spent a Stars often have to pay exorbitant
great deal of money on their studies agent fees.
and then often attend expensive A professional athlete's career usually
professional training seminars. ends when they are in their mid-
Health care professionals deal with thirties.
matters of life and death on a regular Their generous salaries partly
basis. compensate for what they sacrifice
Teachers shape the future for millions and all the training they have to
of children all over the world. undergo.