Social awareness
05.01.22
Recent years, the number of crimes committed by young people in major cities throughout the world is increasing. Discuss this issue. Give reasons and suggest some solutions.
05.02.05
Food can be produced much more cheaply today because of improved fertilisers and better machinery.
However, some of the methods used to do this may be dangerous to human health and may have negative
effects on local communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
05.02.26
People can perform everyday tasks, such as shopping and banking as well as business transactions, without
meeting other people face-to-face. What are the effects of this on individual and society as a
whole?
05.05.21
many people are optimistic of the 21st century and see it as an opportunity to make positive changes to
the world. To what extent do you share their optimism? What changes would you like to see in the new
century?
05.06.18
Sending criminals to prison is not the best method of dealing with them. Education and job training are
better ways to help them. Do you agree or disagree?
05.07.23
The detailed description about crime will affect the people and cause many social problems. Some people
say that the media should be strictly controlled. Do you agree or disagree?
05.08.13
Some scientists believe that studying the behaviour of 3-year-old children can tell which children would
grow up to be criminals. To what extent in your opinion is crime a product of human nature or is it
possible to stop children from growing up to be criminals?
05.09.10
The only way to improve the safety on our own road is to have stricter punishment for driving offenders.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
05.09.17
Some people think that using animals for experimentation purpose is cruel, but other people think that is
necessary for the development of science. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
05.10.15
In many countries, good schools and medical facilities are available only in cities. Some people think new
teachers and doctors should work in rural areas for a few years, but others think everyone should be free
to choose where they work. Discuss and give your own opinion.
06.01.07
Some people believe they should keep all the money they have earned and should not pay tax to the state.
Do you agree or disagree?
06.02.11
In many countries, the proportion of older people is steadily increasing. Does this trend have more
positive or negative effects on the society?
06.02.25
More and more measures to improve the security in large urban areas have been introduced in many countries
because of the increased crime. Do the benefits of these measures outweigh the drawbacks?
06.03.11
In many countries more and more young people are leaving school but unable to find jobs. What problems do
you think youth unemployment causes for individuals and the society? What measures should be taken to
reduce the level of unemployment among youngsters?
06.04.22
Some people think history has nothing or little to tell us, but others think that studying the past
history can help us better understand the present. .Please discuss the two views and give your own
opinion.
06.05.27
Some people think that using animals for experimentation purpose is cruel, but other people think that it
is necessary for the development of science. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
06.07.08
In many countries today there is insufficient respect to old people. What are the reasons? What problems
might it bring to the society?
06.09.23
It is suggested that all the young adults should undertake a period of unpaid work helping people in the
community. Does it bring more benefits or drawbacks to the community and the young people?
06.10.28
As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of
individual well-being. What are the factors that contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the
expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?
06.12.02
Throughout history, male leaders always lead us to violence and conflict. If a society is governed by
female leaders it will be more peaceful. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
06.12.16
Some people think that personal happiness is directly related to economic success. Others argue that
happiness depends on different factors. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
07.01.06
The world of work is changing rapidly. Working conditions today are not the same as before and people no
longer rely on taking one job for life. Discuss the possible causes for these changes and give your
suggestions on how people should prepare for work in the future.
07.07.26
Team activities can teach more skills for life than those activities which are played alone. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
07.08.18
Some people think that we should invent a new language for international communication. Do the benefits of
this outweigh the problems?
07.08.25
Some people say that it is the responsibility of individuals to save money for their own care after they
retire. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
07.10.06
Today’s children are living under more pressure from the society than children in the past. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
07.10.25
Some people think the only purpose of prison is to punish crime. Others think it has other functions.
Discuss the two views and give your opinions.
07.12.01
We have entered a throw-away society and fill the environment with rubbish. What are the causes and what
are your solutions?
08.01.12
Some people think the best way of reducing crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however,
think there are other better ways to reduce crime. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
08.01.19
The older generations have very traditional ideas about the correct ways of life, thinking and behaviour.
However, some people think that these ideas are not helpful for the young generation to prepare for modern
life. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
08.02.02
Some people think it is acceptable to use animals for the benefit of humans. Other people think it is
wrong to exploit animals for human purposes. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
08.02.14
People living in big cities face many problems today. What are the problems? Should the government
encourage people to live in regional towns?
08.02.16
“ Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. ” - US movie actor & director John
Wayne
Why is it important for individuals and countries to think about the future rather than focusing on the
present?
08.03.13
People should look after their health as a duty to the society they live in rather
than personal benefits. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
08.04.12
Many people are busy with work and do not have enough time to spend with families and friends. Why does
this happen? What are the effects of this on family life and society as a whole?
08.04.19
Some countries have an ever-increasing proportion of population who are aged 15 and younger. What is your
opinion of the current and future effects it may have in those countries?
08.05.31
Some people believe that the fittest and strongest individuals and teams always success in sports. Others
think that success in sports depends on mental attitudes. Discuss both views and give your opinions.
08.09.18 = 05.06.18
Putting criminals into prisons is not so effective in dealing with them. Instead, education and job
training should be offered to them. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
08.10.04 = 04.09.11
Many people are afraid to leave home because of crime. Some believe that more action should be taken to
prevent crime, but others feel little can be done. What's your view?
08.10.11
Society is based on rules and laws. It could not function if individuals were free to do whatever they
want. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
08.10.25
Economic progress is one way to measure the success of one country, while some people think there are
other factors. What other factors should be considered? Within these factors, do you think anyone is more
important than the others?
08.11.08
In modern society, fashion is becoming more and more popular in people's choice of clothes. Why? Do
you think it is positive development or negative development?
08.12.20
Nowadays, a lot of charities and organisations have to publicize their activities by setting up a
number of special days, like 'National Children's Day', for encouraging good care of children,
and 'National Non-smoking Day', for encouraging person to pay more attention to health. Why
do these organisations take these activities, and what will the effect be?
09.02.28
Some people believe that public health should be improved by increasing the number of sports facilities,
while others believe that it has little effects other measures should be taken to solve this problem.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
09.03.07
Some people think music plays an important role in society. Others think it is only a form of individual
entertainment. Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion.
09.04.04
Nowadays people live in the society where consumer goods are relatively cheaper to buy. Do you think its
advantages outweigh its disadvantages?
09.05.21
A hundred years ago, people think that human race is steadily improving in every area of life. Nowadays,
there is no certainty of this case. In which areas do you think we have made important progress nowadays?
In which areas do you think we still need to make progress?
09.06.13
Research suggests that the majority of criminals who are sent to prison would commit crimes when set free.
Why do you think is the case? What can be done to solve this problem?
09.07.23
Many people are optimistic about the 21st century and see it as an opportunity to make positive changes to
the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with their optimism? What changes would you like to see
in the new century?
09.09.12
Caring for children is probably the most important thing of the society. It is suggested that all mothers
and fathers should be required to take the childcare training courses. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with the statement?
09.09.17
Some people think that all the lawbreakers should be sent into the jail, while others believe that they
should also be made to do some work or learn some skills in the community. What is your opinion?
09.10.08
Some people think that family life and parents have great influence on children's development, while
others consider that external influence plays a more important role in children's life, discuss both
views and give your own opinion.
09.11.14
Some people say that professional workers such as doctors, nurses and teachers who make greater
contribution to the society should be paid more than those people in the field of sports and
entertainment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
09.12.03
Some people tend to take contemporary jobs, for they have the time to do other things they are interested
in. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
09.12.05
Nowadays, people always throw the old things away when they buy new things; whereas in the past, old
things were repaired and used again. What factors cause this phenomenon? What effects the phenomenon leads
to?
09.12.19
Crime is a problem all over the world and there is nothing to do to prevent it. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
10.01.23
The gap between the rich and the poor is becoming more wider, the rich more richer, the poor even more
poorer. What problems can the situation cause and give the solutions?
10.01.30
Many people believe that today there is a general increase in anti-social behaviour and lack of respect
for others. What might have caused this situation? How to improve it?
10.02.11
Some people think that politicians have the greatest influence on the world. Other people, however,
believe that scientists have the greatest influence. Discuss both of views and give your opinion.
10.02.20
Most countries want to improve standard of living through economic development, however, others think
social value is lost as a result. Do you think the advantages of economic development outweigh the
disadvantages?
10.03.06
Surveys show that in many countries, people are living longer but increased life expectancy has many
implications for the aging individuals and for society as a whole. What are the possible effects of longer
living for individuals and society?
10.03.18
Some people think zoos are cruel and all the zoos should be closed. However, some people think zoos are
useful to protect the rare animals. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
10.04.15
Some people think that men and women have different qualities. Therefore, some certain jobs are suitable
for men and some jobs are suitable for women. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10.04.25
It has been suggested that everyone in the world want to own a car, a TV and a fridge. Do you think
disadvantage of such a development outweigh advantages?
10.06.19
An increasing number of people change their career and place of residence several times during their life
time. Is this a positive or negative development?
10.07.17
The movement of people from agricultural areas to cities to work can cause serious problems in both
places. What are the serious problems and what measures can be taken to solve this problem?
10.08.04
In many parts of the world children and teenagers are committing more crimes. Why is this case happening?
How should children or teenagers be punished?
10.08.14
The major cities in the world are growing fast, as well as their problems. What are the problems that
young people living in cities are facing with? Give solutions to these problems.
10.08.21
Charities and organizations always give special names to particular days such as 'National
Children's Day' and 'National Non-smoking Day'. What are the causes of these
particular days? How effective are they?
10.08.28
In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops, schools, offices, and homes in specific areas and
separate them from each other. Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the
disadvantages?
10.09.11
Some people think it is necessary to use animals for testing medicines intended for human use.
Others, however, think it is cruel to do that. Discuss both of these views and give you own
opinion.
10.09.16
Society is based on rules and laws. It would not function if individuals are free to do whatever
they want to. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10.10.09
Some countries have introduced a law to limit working hours for employees. How this law can be
introduced? Do you think it is a positive or a negative development?
10.10.14
In some countries, it Is illegal for companies to reject job applicant for their age. Is this a
positive or negative development?
10.10.30
Some people think paying taxes is a big enough contribution to their society, while others think
people have more responsibilities as members of society than only paying taxes. Discuss both
views and give your own opinion.
10.11.27
In some countries, small town-centre shops are going out of business because people tend to drive to large
out-of-town stores. As a result, people without cars have limited access to out-of town stores, and it may
result in an increase in the use of cars. Do you think the disadvantages of this change outweigh its
advantages?
10.12.11
Scientists say that junk food is harmful to people's health. Some say the way to ask people to eat
less fast food is to educate them, while others say education does not work. Discuss both sides and give
your own opinion.
10.12.16
Young people are often influenced in their behaviours and situations by others in the same age. This
is called “peer pressure". Do the disadvantages outweigh the advantages?
06.11.04
Some people think that good health is a basic human need, so the medical service should not be run by
profit-making companies. Do you think the disadvantages of the private health care outweigh the
advantages?
11.01.15
Nowadays, some workplaces tend to employ equal numbers of men and women workers. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
11.01.22
Nowadays some individuals behave in an anti-society way, such as committing a crime. In general, it is the society to blame. What causes the anti-social behaviours of individuals? Who should be responsible for dealing with it?
11.02.19 = 03.09.20, 040110
Some people believe that women should play an equal role as men in a country’s police force or
military force, such as the army, while others think women are not suitable for these kinds of jobs.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
11.03.12
Competitiveness is a positive quality for people in most societies. How does competitiveness affect
individuals? Is it a positive or negative trend?
11.05.14 = 04.02.14, 04.05.22
Individual greed and selfishness has been the basis of the modern society. Some people think that we must
return to the older and more traditional values of respect for the family and the local community in order
to create a better world to live in. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
11.06.23 =07.06.16
Traditional food is being replaced by international fast foods. This has negative effects on family and
society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
12.03.08
People aim to achieve the balance between their work and lives, but few people achieve it. What are the causes of the problems? How to overcome it?
12.03.10
It is expected that there will be a higher proportion of old people than young people in the future in some countries. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
12.05.12
Today prison is the most common solution for crime. But some people think that it would be a more effective way to provide them with better education to prevent them from becoming criminals. Do you agree or disagree?
12.06.16
There is an increasing number of people who do not know their neighbours, what causes this situation? How to solve?
2012.07.21
Many cities and towns in the world have high volumes of traffic. What problems it may cause? Give reasons and actions.
12.08.11
An increasing number of university graduates cannot find a job after graduation. What are the effects this trend has on individuals and the society? What can be done?
12.09.22
In some countries, Young people are not only richer but also safer and healthier than ever before. However, they are less happy. Why is it happening and what can be done to solve it?
12.11.03
Some think we should take more measures to deal with criminals. However, others think that there is not much we can do to curb lawbreaking. Discuss both sides and give your.
12.12.06
Nowadays, people always throw old things away and buy new things, whereas in the past, old things were repaired and used again. Why is it the case? Is it a positive or negative development?
12.12.08
Today both males and females are having babies at an older age. Why? Is this a positive or negative development on society and the family?