· These days, too many people maintain their health by relying on doctors and medicine, rather than following a healthy lifestyle. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
· All fathers should be entitled to time off work when their children are born. What is your opinion?
· Some people think that the government should take care of disadvantaged people such as the unemployed and homeless people. Do you agree or disagree?
· Although more and more people are reading the news on the internet, most people still prefer reading the news in a newspaper. What are your views?
· Some people spend a lot of money on sports and cultural events. Do you think this is good or bad?
· Overpopulation in many major urban centers around the world is a major problem. What are the causes of this? How can this be solved?
· More and more wild animals are on the verge of extinction and others are on the endangered list. What are the reasons for this? What can be done to solve this problem?
· Many offenders commit more crimes after serving the first punishment. Why is this happening, and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?
· Scientists have been warning for many years about the importance of protecting the environment and that we must limit the use of energy in our daily lives. Despite warnings, many people do not do this. What are the reasons for that and how can people be encouraged to take an interest in protecting the environment?
· Childhood obesity is increasing in many countries. Explain the main reasons for this, and suggest some possible solutions.
· It is thought by some that it is better to live in a city while others believe that it is better to live in the countryside. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
· Some people think that getting a degree from university is the best way to guarantee a good job, others believe that it would be better to go straight into work and get experience instead. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
· Some people believe that teachers have an important role to play in educational success, while others think it is the students’ attitude that matters. Discuss both views and share your opinion.
· These days people move from one country to another for work. Some people think children of these families suffer because of this, while others think it is helpful for them. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
· Some people work for the same organization all their working life. Others think that it is better to work for different organisations. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
· It is becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and going to university. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
· Some people think that to reduce traffic and pollution, the government should increase tax on petrol (gasoline). Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
· The rise of convenience foods has helped people keep up with the speed of the modern lifestyle. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
· One of the consequences of improved medical care is that people are living longer and life expectancy is increasing. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
· Nowadays technology is increasingly being used to monitor what people are saying and doing (for example, through cellphone tracking and security cameras). In many cases, the people being monitored are unaware that this is happening. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
· Most people agree that money can’t buy happiness. Why is happiness difficult to define? How can people achieve happiness?
· It is often said “when in Rome, do as Romans do”. Do you think people should adapt and accept the culture of the country they visit? Do you think it is possible to learn a culture without learning a language?
· The internet is a great source of information and has opened up opportunities for people to learn all over the world. Is all information reliable on the internet? What could be done to control information online?
· The continued rise in the world’s population is the greatest problem faced by humanity at the present time. What are the causes of this continued rise? Do you agree that it is the greatest problem faced by humanity?
· As the world becomes technologically advanced, computers are replacing people at more and more jobs. What are some job positions that may be lost because of computers? What are some problems that may result from this situation?