Some experts believe that when a country is already rich, any additional increase in economic wealth does not make its citizens any more satisfied. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think the government funding should not be used for supporting art and culture, while others think supporting cultural activities may be beneficial for the population and the culture.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people think that cultural traditions may be destroyed when they are used as money-making
attractions aimed at tourists. Others believe it is the only way to save these traditions. Discuss on
both sides and give your opinion.
Some people feel that young people should follow the traditions of their society. Others, however,
believe that young people should be free to behave as individuals. Discuss both these views and
give your own opinion.
Some people believe that the best way to encourage children that have a healthy diet at school and
some people believe that parents should teach them to have a healthy diet. Discuss both views and
give your opinion?
Some people think that hosting an international sports event is good for the country, while some
people think it is bad. Discuss both views and state your opinion.
Some people focus on news in their country, while others think it is more important to be aware of
international news. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people say that arts can be made by everyone whereas others believe that it can be only made
by those with special abilities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Nowadays, more and more women decide to have children later in their life? Why? Do the
advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Today, TV channels broadcast men’s sport shows more than women’s sport shows. Why? Should TV
channels give equal showtime for women’s sport and men’s sport?
Throughout history, people have dreamed of living in a perfect society, but most of the time fail to
make this happen. What is your opinion about an ideal society? How can we create an ideal society?
(What, in your opinion, would be the most important element of a perfect society? What can people
do to help create an ideal society?)
An increasing number of people are choosing plastic surgery. Why do people have operations to
change the way they look? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Young people today spend too much money and time following fashion trends (clothing, tech). What
is the reason? Is it a positive or negative development?
Nowadays, more and more women decide to have children later in their life? Why? Does the
advantage or disadvantage?
Some children can learn more efficiently by watching TV. Therefore, children should watch TV
regularly both in school and at home. Do you agree or disagree?
For schoolchildren, their teachers have more influence on their intelligence and social development than their parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In recent years, the family structure has changed, as well as family roles. What types of changes are
occuring? Do you think these changes are positive and negative?
In many countries, people now wear western-style dress such as suits and jeans rather than
traditional clothing. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?
More and more people want to buy clothes, cars and other items with famous brands. What are the
reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
All over the world, people watch foreign films much more than locally produced films. Why? Should
the government provide financial support to local film industries?
Many developing countries are expanding their tourist industries. Why is this? Is this a positive
development?
Some people think painting and drawing are as important as other subjects, they should be
compulsory in the high school education. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
The government should lower the budget on the arts in order to allocate more money to education.
To what extent do you agree?
Some people believe that it is more important to teach children the literature of their own country
than other countries. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that the governments should give financial support to artists, musicians and
poets. Others think that it is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some think that quality art can be made by anyone while others think that it requires special talent
and ability. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
In many countries, visitors to art galleries has been declining steadily. What are the reasons for this?
What could be done to improve this development?
Many people believe that film is a less important art than other forms such as literature and painting.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In many schools and universities today, women have a tendency to study the humanities (such as
the arts and languages) while men more often major in science related subjects. Some believe this
tendency should be changed. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In today’s world of advanced science and technology, many still greatly value artists such as
musicians, painters and writers. What can the arts tell us about life that science cannot?
Some people think that governments should give financial support to creative artists such as
painters and musicians. Others believe that artists should be funded by alternative sources. Discuss
both views and give your own opinion.
Government funding should be used to support sports and the arts in school rather than
professional sports and arts for the general public. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In today's world of advanced science and technology, we still greatly value our artists such as
musicians, painters and writers. What can arts tell us about life that science and technology cannot?
Traditional arts civilized a nation. Do you think government should subsidize musicians, artists,
actors or drama companies? What should the government do?
In some countries, there are fewer young people who listen to or play classical music these days.
Why is this? Should young people be encouraged to play or perform classical music?"
Many people believe that music is just a form of entertainment, while others believe that music has
a much larger impact on society today. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think that the most important function of music is to help people relax. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that the most important function of music is to help people relax. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?
Some people claim that public museums and art galleries will not be needed because people can
see historical objects and works of art by using a computer. Do you agree or disagree with this
opinion?
Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists but not local people. Why is this
the case and what can be done to attract more local people to visit these places?
Museums and art galleries should concentrate on works that show history and culture of their own
country rather than works of the other parts in the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that studying from the past teaches us nothing about today's life. Others argue
that the history is a value source of information. Discuss both views and give your opinion
It is more important for schoolchildren to learn about local history than world history. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
Museums and art galleries should show local history and culture instead of work from different
countries. Discuss both views and give opinion.
Historical objects should be brought back to their country of origin. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Some believe that history has little to teach us about today while others think that the study of the
past helps us to understand the present. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many museums charge for admission while others are free. Do you think the advantages of charging
people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages?
Many museums and historical sites are not visited by local people. What are the causes of this and
what can be done about it?
Some people believe it is a good idea that older people continue to work if it is possible for them to do so. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that in modern society individuals are becoming more dependent on each other. Others believe people have become more independent.
In many parts of the world, famous people are regarded as role models and they have an increasing influence on the young. Is this a positive or negative development?
People living in the 21st century have a better quality of life than people who lived in previous centuries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Fewer and fewer people today write by hand using a pen, a pencil, or brush. What are the reasons for this? Is the decline in writing by hand a positive or negative development?
In some countries today, many people decide to have their first child when they are older. What are the reasons? Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people say that in the modern world, getting old is entirely bad. Others believe that old people’s life nowadays is much better than in the past. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
If old people are no longer physically, mentally or financially able to look after themselves, younger family members should be legally responsible for supporting them. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
More and more people no longer read newspapers or watch TV programs to get news. They get news about the world through the Internet. Is this a positive or negative development?
In the modern world it is possible to shop, work and communicate with people via the internet and live without any face-to-face contact with others. Is it a positive or negative development in your opinion?
Some experts believe that when a country is already rich, any additional increase in economic wealth does not make its citizens any more satisfied. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In many countries people increasingly talk about money: how much they earn or how much they pay for things in their daily conversations. Why? Is this a positive or negative trend?
Some people think that it's important to spend a lot of money on family celebrations (e.g. weddings, birthdays). Others say that expensive celebrations are a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people say that we do not need printed newspapers anymore. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that good planning is the key factor for success in life. Others think that there are more important factors that lead to success (hard work, luck). Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Young people are often influenced in their behaviours and situations by others in the same age. This is called “peer pressure”. Do the disadvantages of peer pressure outweigh the advantages?
In some cultures the old age is more valued, while in other cultures youth is more valued. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
In the past, people lived in one place for a long time, but now they can live in many different places, what are the reasons? Is this a positive or negative development?
In the past, people lived in one place for a long time, but now they can live in many different places, what are the reasons? Is this a positive or negative development?
Nowadays, more and more people decide to have children later in their life. What are the reasons? Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Today family members do not eat meals together. Is this a positive or negative trend?
Major cities in the world are growing fast, as well as their problems. What are the problems that young people living in those cities are facing? Suggest some solutions.
Some people say that men are naturally more competitive than women. What extent do you agree or disagree?
Some experts believe that when a country is already rich, any additional increase in economic wealth does not make its citizens any more satisfied. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of aging populations.
Anybody can use a mobile phone to answer the work and personal calls at any time or 7 days a week. Does this development have more positive or negative effects on both individuals and society?
Nowadays, people spend more and more time away from their family. Why? What effect will it have on themselves and their family?
In the past, people stored knowledge in books. Nowadays, people store knowledge on the internet. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
When a new town is planned, it is more important to develop public parks and sports facilities than shopping centers for people to spend their free time in. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think young people should follow the traditions of their society. Others think that they should be free to behave as individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many believe that living in a city offers greater benefits compared to life in the countryside. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Whether or not a person achieves their aims in life is mostly related to luck. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Spoken communication is always more powerful than written communication. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people living in cities these days do not get enough physical exercise. What are the causes of this?
The use of social media is replacing face-to-face interaction among many people in society. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Around the world more and more people today are living in urban areas. Why is this? What problems does this cause?
Nowadays people live longer after they retire. How does this affect individuals and society? What can be done about this?
In some places, young people find it difficult to communicate with older people. Why is this? What are the solutions?
Some feel that it is a waste of time to plan for the future and it is more important to focus on the present. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many feel that today most urgent problems can only be solved by international cooperation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many parents today do not spend much time with their children. Why is this? Does this affect parents or children more?
Some believe that we should invent a new language for international communication. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
There are severe social consequences to housing shortages in cities and only the government can solve these problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
People today generally have better lives than people in the past did. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
People today spend less and less time interacting with other people in their neighborhood and this has a negative impact on communities. What are the possible causes and solutions to this problem?
People often think about creating an ideal society, but most of the time fail in making this happen. What is your opinion about an ideal society? How can we create an ideal society?
More and more people are becoming seriously overweight. Some people think a solution can be to increase the price of fattening foods. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people. Why might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?
In many countries today, people in cities either live alone or in small family units, rather than in large family groups. Is this a positive or negative trend?
An increased number of people today change their career and living places in their lives. Is it a positive or negative development?
These days many parents pressure their children to be successful. What are the reasons for this? Is this a positive or negative development?
Some believe that because everyone needs a place to live, governments should provide houses for those who are too poor to afford their own. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The cost of living is higher in many countries. What are the effects of higher prices to individuals and society? What is the best way for people to deal with this problem?
Rapid population growth in cities has brought with it many problems. What are these problems? How can the quality of life of city residents be maintained?
Many psychologists recommend that the best way to relieve stress is to do nothing at all for a period of time during the day. Do you agree or disagree?
People today increasingly use credit cards to make monthly purchases. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
These days people in some country are living in a “throw-away” society which mean people use things in a short time and then throw them away. Causes and effects?
People living in large cities today face many problems in their everyday life. What are these problems? Should governments encourage people to move to smaller regional towns?
In the modern world, schools are no longer necessary because there is so much information available through the internet that children can study just as well at home. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
There is no need to attend a live performance (e.g. a play or concert) because seeing it at home on television is better. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn about news. However, others believe that they can learn news more effectively through other media. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Nowadays, celebrities earn more money than politicians. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
Some say that music plays an important role in society whilst others think it is simply a form of entertainment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people say free time activities for children should be organized by parents. Others say that children should be free to choose what they do in their free time. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The most important function of music is that it helps people reduce stress. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people claim that public museums and art galleries will be no longer necessary because people can see historical objects and works of art by using a computer. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that pop stars deserve to earn more money than classical music performers. Some disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Nowadays, we can watch entertainment performances from the screen (laptop, etc), and no need to watch it live. To what extent do you agree?
Some people feel that the government should regulate the level of violence for films of television and cinema. Others feel that violent films should be not released. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn news. However, others believe that they can learn news better through other media. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Nowadays, there is a trend that reports of media focus on problems and emergencies rather than positive development. Some people think it is harmful to individuals and to society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists but not local people. Why is this the case and what can be done to attract more local people to visit these places?
Nowadays the differences between countries are becoming less evident because people follow the same media. Do the advantage of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
In some countries, there are fewer young people who listen to or play classical music these days. Why is this? Should young people be encouraged to play or perform classical music?
Some say that news has no connection with most people’s lives and it is a waste of time for most of us to read newspapers and watch television news programs. Do you agree or disagree?
Many people believe that film is a less important art than other forms such as literature and painting. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some believe that it is beneficial to show foreign films while others feel this can have a negative impact on local culture. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some think that quality art can be made by anyone while others think that it requires special talent and ability. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people believe that reading stories from a book is better than watching TV or playing computer games for children. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Because most information about culture and history can be found on the internet today, museums are not necessary. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that the most important function of music is to help people relax. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Although more and more people read the news on the internet, newspapers will remain the main source of news for the majority of people. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Many museums charge for admission while others are free. Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages?
People say that reading for pleasure helps people to develop imagination and better language skills than watch TV. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In many countries, visitors to art galleries has been declining steadily. What are the reasons for this? What could be done to improve this development?
The media should include more good stories which report good news. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Museums and art galleries should concentrate on works that show history and culture of their own country rather than the works of the other parts in the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
