February Essays

1

Every year several languages die out. Some people think that this is not important because life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

02

being a celebrity - such as a film star or sports personality - brings problems as well as benefits. Do you think that being a celebrity brings more benefits or more problems? 

03

Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest times of most people's lives. Others think that adult life brings more happiness. In spite of greater responsibilities. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. 

04

Some people think that parents should teach children how to be a good member of society. Others however believe that school is the place to learn this. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion

07

Now the ways many people interact with each other have changed because of technology.  In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships people make. Has this become a positive or negative development? 

08

Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree. What other measures do you think might be effective? 

09

In some countries, the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and fitness are decreasing. What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?

10

Today more people are travelling than ever before.

Why is this the case?

What are the benefits of travelling for travellers?

11

Some people think it is better to educate boys and girls in separate schools. Others however believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. 

14

It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for sports or music, and others are not. However, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

15

Some people believe that there should be fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

16

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing. What factors contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers? 

17

Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a  university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless the whether the course is useful to an employer. 

What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?

18

Some people prefer to live in a house, while others feel that there are more advantages to living in an apartment.

Are there more advantages than disadvantages that living in a house compared with living in an apartment?

20

Some people feel that entertainers (e.g. film stars, pop musicians, or sports stars) are paid too much money. Do you agree or disagree? Which type of job should be highly paid? 

21

Today, the high sale of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not the real needs of the society in which they are sold. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

22

Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think that it is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

23

Some people believe that visitors of other countries should follow local customs and behaviour. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

24

Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others however think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

27

Many people believe that media coverage of celebrities is having a negative effect on children. To what extent do you agree? 

28

Some people say that protecting the environment is the government’s responsibility. Others believe that every individual should be responsible for it. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 

Option 2

Some people think that the government should increase the cost of fuel for cars and other vehicles to solve environmental problems. Do you agree or disagree?  

Option 3

Family members and friends caring for elderly people find it hard to spend enough time looking after them. What are the causes of this problem? What solutions can you suggest? 

Option 4

Some people say that computer skills should be added to primary subjects in elementary school such as reading, writing and math. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?