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IZONE – IELTS TRAINING ACADEMY

TỔNG HỢP BÀI MẪU WRITING TASK 2 - IZONE

1. (2018/05/19): The range of technology available to people is increasing the gap between
the rich and the poor. Others think it has an opposite effect. Discuss both views and give your
own opinion ............................................................................................................................... 5

2. (2018/05/24): The media should include more stories which report good news. To what
extent do you agree or disagree? .............................................................................................. 7

3. (2018/06/02): International tourism is the biggest industry in the world. Unfortunately,


international tourism creates tension rather than understanding between people from
different cultures. To what extent do you agree or disagree? ................................................. 9

4. (2018/06/07): Traffic and housing problems could be solved by moving large companies,
factories and their employees to the countryside. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
11

5. (2018/06/23): In many places, people’s lifestyle is changing rapidly and this affects family
relationship. Do you think the advantage of this development outweigh the disadvantage?
13

6. (2018/07/07): Many people say that universities should only offer entry to young
students with highest marks, others think they should accept people of all ages even if they
did not do well. Discuss both views and give your own opinion ............................................ 15

7. (2018/07/19): Education for young people is important in many countries. However,


many people believe the government should spend more money on education of adult
population who cannot read and write. To what extent do you agree or disagree? ............. 17

8. (2018/07/28): Some people say that economic growth is the only way to end world
poverty and hunger. Others say that economic growth is damaging the environment and
should stop. Discuss both views and give your opinion.......................................................... 19

9. (2018/08/02): In some cities, there are few controls on the design and construction of
homes and other buildings, and owners can decide on the styles of their houses. Do the
advantages of this outweigh its drawbacks? .......................................................................... 21
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10. (2018/08/18): In the modern world it is possible to shop, work and communicate with
people via Internet and live without any face-to-face contact with others. Is it a positive or
negative development in your opinion? .................................................................................. 23

11. (2018/08/25): For school children, their teachers have more influence on their
intelligence and social development than their parents. To what extent do you agree or
disagree? .................................................................................................................................. 25

12. (2018/09/15): Most of the world’s urgent problems are caused by over-population. Do
you agree or disagree? ............................................................................................................ 27

13. (2018/09/19): In countries where there is a high unemployment rate, most pupils
should be offered only primary education. There is no point in providing secondary
education for those who will have no hope in finding a job. Do you agree or disagree? 29

14. (2018/09/29): Some teachers think that the programs of international student
exchange would be beneficial for all teenage school students. Do you think their advantages
will outweigh the disadvantages?............................................................................................ 31

15. (2018/10/13): Many museums or 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? ............................................................................................................................ 33

16. (2018/10/20): In recent years, the family structure has changed, as well as family roles.
What are the changes occurring? Do you think these changes are positive or negative? 35

17. (2018/11/01): Cycling is more environmentally friendly than other forms of transport.
Nevertheless, cycling is getting less popular. What are the reasons for this trend? What can
be done to make cycling more popular? ................................................................................. 36

18. (2018/11/10): Some people think governments should spend money on faster means of
public transport. However, others think money should be spent on other priorities (eg
environment). Discuss both views and give your opinion ...................................................... 38

19. (2018/11/17): 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? ...................................................... 40
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20. (2018/12/08): Most people try to balance between work and other parts of lives.
Unfortunately, not many achieve this balance. What are the problems and solutions for this?
42

21. (2018/12/13): Some say that sports play an important role in society. Others think it is
nothing more than a leisure activity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion .......... 44

22. (2019/01/05): In modern life, it is no longer necessary to use animals as food and other
products like clothing and medicines. To what extent do you agree or disagree? ................ 46

23. (2019/01/12): New parents should attend parenting courses to ensure the growth of
their children. To what extent do you agree or disagree? ..................................................... 48

24. (2019/02/02): More and more people want to buy famous brands of clothes, car and
other items. Why is it? Do you think it is a positive or negative development? .................... 50

25. (2019/02/09): : In most successful organisations, some people believe that


communication between managers and workers is important, other people say that other
factors are more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion................................ 52

26. (2019/02/14): 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? .................................................................................. 54

27. (2019/02/17): Some people think that the best way to improve road safety is to increase
the minimum legal age for driving a car or motorbike. To what extent do you agree or
disagree? .................................................................................................................................. 56

28. (2019/03/02): The world of work is rapidly changing and the employees can not depend
on having the same work or the same work conditions for life. Discuss the possible causes
and suggest ways to prepare for people to work in the future............................................... 57

29. (2019/03/09): Should movies be for entertainment only or should they also have an
educational purpose? .............................................................................................................. 59

30. (2019/03/14): In some countries, small town-center shops are going out of business
because people tend to drive to large out-of-town stores. As a result, people without cars have
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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? .................................. 61

31. (2019/04/06): People have little understanding of the importance of the natural world,
what are the reasons and how can people learn more about the natural world? ................. 63

32. (2019/04/13): In many countries, people like to eat a wider variety of food than can be
grown in their local area. As a result, much of the food people eat today has to come from
other regions. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh disadvantages? 65

33. (2019/05/04): Today many children spend a lot of time playing computer games and
little time on sports. Why is it? Is it a positive or negative development?............................. 67

34. (2019/5/11): Some businesses find that their new employees lack basic interpersonal
skills such as cooperative skill. What are the causes and suggest possible solutions? .......... 69
IZONE – IELTS TRAINING ACADEMY

1. (2018/05/19): The range of technology available to people is increasing the


gap between the rich and the poor. Others think it has an opposite effect.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

The past few decades has witnessed a vast array of technological advances
coming into existence. However, it is still questionable whether these
developments help bridge or further widen the gap between the wealthy and the
needy. This essay will weigh both sides of the argument prior to giving my take on
the matter.

On one side of the argument, there are people insisting that the proliferation of
technology exacerbate income inequality. It allegedly displaces thousands, if not
more, of low-skilled workers, particularly in the technology-related industries. As
a matter of fact, many practices are now performed by machines, and it follows
that less physical labor is in demand. The prevalence of robots in assembly lines,
for example, compromises the livelihood of thousands of blue-collar workers,
who can hardly sustain their life without a stable income.

There is no denying, however, that technology has been a catalyst for narrowing
the gap between people at both ends of the income spectrum. Granted, those
low-income tech workers are put at the risk of job redundancy owing to
automation, but these individuals could, in due course, secure a new job with the
proper assistance from government agencies. At the same time, it is argued that
they, as well as the underprivileged community in general, can now enjoy a decent
living standard, one which was exclusive to only the well-off. Ample evidence of
this can be seen with the ready availability and affordability of washing machines,
water heaters or microwave ovens, labour-saving devices which were not long
ago out of the poor’s budget. With these mod cons comes the better living
standards along with the increasing contentment among the lower income group.
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In conclusion, I believe both sides of the argument have merit. On balance,


however, I am inclined to believe that technological achievements have helped
diminish the disparity between the rich and the poor more than it has widened it,
in light of the greater comfort and convenience enjoyed by a wide section of the
population.
IZONE – IELTS TRAINING ACADEMY

2. (2018/05/24): The media should include more stories which report good
news. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In this age of massive media coverage, the media is believed to exert a profound
impact on people’s perception of current affairs. Given this pivotal role, I am
convinced that it should feature more accounts of positive news.

One of the primary reasons, in my view, is the disproportionate reporting of


disheartening news on various media platforms that can arouse negative emotions in
viewers. The majority of these are naturally drawn to the most shocking and sensational
news, which explains why these news stories tend to be over-reportedby broadcasters for
self-serving purposes. Surrounded by these traumatic events, it is only natural for the
viewership to take a gloomy view of the world around them. Over time, this could
translate into self-doubt, mistrust or anxiety, morbid feelings that can take a heavy toll on
people’s well-being.

More heartening stories, therefore, deserve wider coverage. The main justification is, as
opposed to bad news, good news can evoke positive emotions, and these sentiments,
however subtle, can bring positive changes to people’s lives. It can be as simple as the
story about a firefighter putting his life at stake to rescue a senior citizen trapped in a
blazing building that can trigger a sense of compassion in people. Or it could be
something as inspiring as the story about a Vietnamese athletic shooter, an underdog who
had, against all odds, become an Olympic gold medalist.Since the news took the whole
country by storm, it has inspired thousands of people from various backgrounds to
persevere with their goals. Were more accounts as such to make headlines, they would
prompt more people to create positive changes.
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In conclusion, more encouraging news should be incorporated in news broadcast to keep


viewers at bay from negative feelings inherent in bad news. At the same time, this should
also encourage more commendable changes.
IZONE – IELTS TRAINING ACADEMY

3. (2018/06/02): International tourism is the biggest industry in the world.


Unfortunately, international tourism creates tension rather than
understanding between people from different cultures. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?

It is indisputable that international tourism is now one of the leading businesses in the
world. Some people, however, put forward the view that this development
would heighten the existing friction between people from different cultural
backgrounds. I disagree with this view for the following reasons.

The first one is that even though there are culture clashes when people from
different countries come into contact, these clashes can be resolved with ease, and are
therefore likely to have no detrimental impact. Most, if not all, of these incidents result
from cross-cultural misunderstandings, which can be attributed more to a lack of pre-
departure research about the host country than to deliberate disregard. Even with some
research done, it would still be challenging for tourists to grasp every intrinsic element of
a well-established culture. Their failure to conform to these sorts of cultural norms, as a
result, can be empathized with. It is also sometimes suggested that since tourists come
and go, their stay at the home country is just temporary, which means any offence made
by tourists would then be forgotten and would not be taken too seriously.

Another significant reason is that cross-border tourism is more likely to foster


harmony between people from different cultural roots. First-hand experience with a
culture would render a more holistic and unbiased view towards its people, which may be
far from what are often led to believe by the mass media. For example, upon making a
visit to Vietnam, many American tourists are astonished by the warm hospitality of the
locals, who, to some individuals’ misconception, should be bearing a grudge over their
war enemies in the past. Another illustration is a visit to a mosque would enlighten
foreign tourists about the good cause of Islam, which is sometimes mistaken as
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extremism.

To conclude, although conflicts as a result of inter-country tourism do exist, they can be


successfully managed, and more often than not, international tourism is a
contributing factor to an enhanced understanding of people from different cultures.
IZONE – IELTS TRAINING ACADEMY

4. (2018/06/07): Traffic and housing problems could be solved by moving


large companies, factories and their employees to the countryside. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?

Since traffic gridlock and housing shortage in big cities are becoming more pressing
issues than ever, it has been suggested that large firms should be relocated to the rural
areas. I believe this measure would help mitigate the problems to a large extent.

One merit of such a measure is that it would help ease the strain on the traffic
infrastructure in many megacities. An existing issue common among these cities is
the failure to accommodate an every-increasing volume of traffic to and from the
workplace. In response, the geographical redistribution of large companies would
mean a lower need for daily commute to the downtown area and a corresponding
reduction in the usage of not just privately owned vehicles but also public transports. Not
only would traffic congestion along with its associated issues, namely road rage and road
accidents, be relieved, but the currently overloaded public transport system, which is
subject to frequent delays and breakdowns, would be more adequate and reliable.

The problems accompanied by housing can also be addressed. It can be argued that the
incessant flow of migrants to metropolises has made the demand far exceed the supply,
leading to a severe shortage of accommodation and a resulting surge in property prices. If
enterprises move their headquarters and factories to satellite towns, there is a fair
possibility that their staff will choose to settle down in the neighborhood for the
convenience of proximity to their workplace. This will ease the enormous demand for
shelters in urban areas, and in turn the ongoing housing affordability crisis will no longer
be a matter of concern.
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In conclusion, my view is that given the expected benefits of relocating large firms to the
countryside, it is highly recommended that the authorities in charge deliberate on this
course of action.
IZONE – IELTS TRAINING ACADEMY

5. (2018/06/23): In many places, people’s lifestyle is changing rapidly and


this affects family relationship. Do you think the advantage of this
development outweigh the disadvantage?

It is true that the speedy change in people’s lifestyle exerts certain impacts on family life.
Most of these impacts, in my view, are negative, prevailing over the positive ones.

On the downside, the bond between family members is being compromised as a result of
the hectic life that many people are leading. With both parents working and children
spending a large part of their day at school, many would settle for a quick meal rather
than a family meal which often involves the time-consuming process of cooking, setting
the table and cleaning. It follows that the chance for these individuals to bond with their
family members is harder to come by. Even when they do have time together, some are
still occupied with checking emails and keeping up with work progress, tasks that are no
longer confined to the conventional office hours. Interaction among family members
diminishes accordingly, which leads to a weakened family bond in many instances.

However, a positive side to this development is that two-income families can usually
generate more wealth than the traditional breadwinner model. The higher income yielded
would in turn go to covering the basic costs of necessities and even some luxuries,
thereby alleviating problems associated with an insufficient income stream, those that
mostly confront lower or middle class families. Since financial difficulty is the cause of
family quarrels in many cases, the absence of it is likely to facilitate a more harmonious
relationship among family members. However, this is not meant to say all the domestic
upheaval would be kept at bay, for if the parents were not able to strike a balance
between work and family, the problem detailed in the first paragraph would overshadow
the aforementioned benefit of a higher flow of income.
IZONE – IELTS TRAINING ACADEMY

In conclusion, the changes in modern lifestyles can be seen to do more harms than goods
to domestic lives.
IZONE – IELTS TRAINING ACADEMY

6. (2018/07/07): Many people say that universities should only offer entry to
young students with highest marks, others think they should accept people
of all ages even if they did not do well. Discuss both views and give your
own opinion.

Many people believe that college admission should be reserved for high-school graduates
with good academic records, whereas others put forward the opinion that every person,
regardless of age and intellectual level, should be eligible for higher education. Although
there are justifications for both sides, I personally think the former is more viable.

On the one hand, there are certain merits of rendering tertiary education available to
everyone. Among these is a more educated and productive workforce that the country can
benefit from. With all the necessary skill sets and expertise acquired at universities,
graduates stand a good chance of enhancing their productivity at work. Another benefit
can be a reduced unemployment rate. This is particularly true in the face of the ongoing
automation that has displaced thousands of workers. These workers would enjoy a better
chance at securing a sustainable job were they to be given access to higher education.
Promising as it may sound, such a proposal, in my opinion, is far from feasible, for it
would entail customizing all the current curriculums and training programs to suit a broad
spectrum of levels, a task that would undoubtedly come at tremendous effort and
expense.

On the other hand, I gravitate towards the view that the privilege of higher education
should be exclusive to young individuals with outstanding academic records. Age is an
important factor since young students would be less burdened with the everyday concerns
that a typical mature student is subject to. It follows that these young individuals can give
their undivided attention to schoolwork, which is likely to yield better results. Another
reason is that since the highly intensive coursework offered by most universities could be
intellectually demanding, only those that have what it takes, proven through a spotless
academic record in high school, should be qualified.
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In conclusion, although both arguments have their merits, I am more inclined to believe
that universities should be selective in its recruitment process due to the impracticality of
granting the admission to everyone.
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7. (2018/07/19): Education for young people is important in many countries.


However, many people believe the government should spend more money
on education of adult population who cannot read and write. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?

With regards to the issue of education funding, it is generally held that the top priority
goes to education for young generation. Some, however, claim that the government
should allocate a larger part of its budget to literacy education. Since this is a wide-
ranging topic that would involve a thorough deliberation on both sides, this essay would
limit its scope to the economic standpoint, from which both issues should be equally
attended to.

There is no denying that proper investments in the education of the youth can ensure a
more qualified workforce for the future. This helps generate more wealth for society,
which in turn justifies the substantial financial resources dedicated to improving the
quality of formal education. This is evidenced by the fact that the countries with an
advanced education system, those in North America and Western Europe for example,
are often the hubs for productivity and innovation. Given this pivotal role that education
for the young plays, it would make little sense for authorities in charge to overlook such
an area in financial terms.

Of equal importance is the national funding to increasing the literacy rate. A clear benefit
to this investment is the increased employability for the illiterate adults who are currently
living under the poverty line. With the exception of low-paying menial jobs, no employer
would willingly hire an individual without literacy, the very basic indicator of an average
intellectual level. It follows that these illiterates will encounter immense difficulty should
they aspire to secure a job with a livable paycheck, let alone a generous one, and hence
continuing to get trapped in the vicious circle of poverty. Scaling up the investment in the
eradication of illiteracy, on the other hand, readies these individuals for more challenging
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and well-paying jobs, which in due course contributes to the economic prosperity of the
country in question.

In conclusion, after weighing up the merits of a more highly educated labor force and a
more literate one, it is safe to say that the two bear equal significance, and thus deserving
equal financial resource allocation.
IZONE – IELTS TRAINING ACADEMY

8. (2018/07/28): Some people say that economic growth is the only way to
end world poverty and hunger. Others say that economic growth is
damaging the environment and should stop. Discuss both views and give
your opinion

In many parts of the world, economic development has been of great importance in
solving famine and raising living standards. While some people believe that the economic
progress itself could eventually put an end to poverty and hunger, others are more wary
of the associated threats posed to the environment. This essay will discuss both sides of
the argument before a conclusion is drawn.

On the one hand, it is true that economic development has a crucial part to play in
eliminating famine and poverty. A strong economy, at its simplest, means a high
employment rate for the people, which provides them with a good income to feed
themselves and their families. In the long run, as the economy thrives, living conditions
can be improved, and people will no longer suffer from the lack of basic necessities. This
can be seen in the case of Viet Nam, an under-developed country in Asia in the early
2000s. After joining the WTO in 2007, the country’s economy was given a strong boost
from trading goods and services with many more developed countries, which lead to the
people’s living standards being greatly raised and millions of people escaping poverty
and hunger successfully. Nevertheless, economic progress is probably not the solely way
to fight poverty as there remain other alternatives such as investing in the education
system or encouraging poor people to fight poverty themselves.

On the other hand, the side effects that an economy developing too rapidly has on the
environment can be tremendous. As more industries and factories are needed to produce
goods, the discharge of industrial wastes of various kinds would soar accordingly. This
could result in the degradation of natural habitats such as rivers, the seas and air. Another
major threat is over-exploitation of natural resources for industrial purposes, which could
lead to irreversible damage on the ecosystem since some species may never recover and
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develop. Therefore, it is extremely necessary for the authority to impose stricter laws
regarding industrial activities in order to protect the environment. Economic growth is
undeniably important, but it should not come at the expense of the environment.

My opinion is that there must be harmony between the environment and the proliferation
of the economic activities. Despite the obvious benefits that a strong economy could
bring about in terms of solving the issue of poverty and raising people’s living
conditions, I do not believe that it can make up for the environmental consequences
mentioned above.
IZONE – IELTS TRAINING ACADEMY

9. (2018/08/02): In some cities, there are few controls on the design and
construction of homes and other buildings, and owners can decide on the
styles of their houses. Do the advantages of this outweigh its drawbacks?

In some cities and provinces all over the world, house owners are given a lot of freedom
to design their own houses. I believe that the benefits associated with this trend could far
make up for its drawbacks, as now will be explained.

The most significant disadvantage of letting people choose the style of their own homes
and buildings, according to some people, is probably it can potentially lead to some
dangerous situations in the future. Many owners could lack the knowledge and expertise
necessary to design and execute the erection of their houses, which could result in such
buildings finding it difficult to withstand inclement weathers or failing to function
properly in the long run. This might cause some dangers for people who lives in these
houses and simultaneously threaten the lives of people residing in the same
neighborhood. It would be fatal, for example, if a poorly designed house suddenly
collapse while its owners are inside, or some people are being near the place. Therefore,
it will be better if the local council has some say in this designing and building process,
which will help guarantee the safety and well-being of not only the owners, but also their
neighbors.

However, the potential benefits that this act could bring about are tremendous, which is
why it should be implemented more widely. From an individual perspective, the house
owners could enjoy a greater sense of satisfaction in having some contribution in the
making of their own homes. Many people invest a substantial amount of money in their
buildings, and they will surely feel more satisfied if the design of the house is their idea.
From an economic standpoint, this may result in a boost for the local economy. A city or
province with a lot of uniquely and creatively constructed buildings may attract a huge
number of tourists coming to admire their beauty, and with it come more income for the
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locals. A prime example is Rotterdam, the city of Netherlands with some of the most
unique and curious cubic houses, welcoming thousands of tourists on a regular basis.

In conclusion, despite the fact that it would be more safe to consult the authority before
designing a house, letting people choose their own styles could be far more beneficial,
therefore should be implemented in more cities and provinces.
IZONE – IELTS TRAINING ACADEMY

10.(2018/08/18): In the modern world it is possible to shop, work and


communicate with people via Internet and live without any face-to-face
contact with others. Is it a positive or negative development in your
opinion?

The vigorous growth of the Internet in the early 21st century has paved the way for the
prevalence of online shopping, distant working and online communication, all of which
seem to have rendered interpersonal interaction superfluous in many instances. Contrary
to popular belief, this trend has done more harm than good, as will be proven in this
essay.

On the one hand, the rise of the Internet, together with its broad range/array of associated
activities, has done wonders for mankind. Those with an access to the Internet could save
a great deal of time that would be otherwise dedicated to commuting back and forth to
physical stores or their workplace, which in turns brings about an unprecedented level of
comfort and convenience. This lower demand for transportation subsequently helps with
easing traffic congestion (on the road). Better still, being in the comfort of their own
home affords people the time it takes to make an informed purchasing decision. These
shoppers, equipped with a massive pool of information readily available online, could
stack up attributes of each alternative (against one another), before arriving at a sound
decision of what to buy. This is unlikely the case with in-store shopping, where shoppers
are often pressured into buying certain products against their will.

Albeit the good intentions of the Internet, its wide coverage comes with a variety of
pitfalls in reality, presumably overshadowing the said benefits. One of such
shortcomings is the impairment of crucial social skills, which could be attributed to a
severe lack of social interactions. The time many chronic Internet users once spent on
daily exchanges is taken away in favour of online activities, which, if sustained, could
lead to a reluctance to communicate with others. Though it could be said that this
shortage in communication could be made up for with the abundance of online
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communication tools and platform, this is a questionable statement per se/in itself.
Research has indicated that eye contact and body gestures, factors inherent in a physical
encounter, have a critical part to play in forging a close bond, without which we humans
are more prone to feel a sense of isolation, and by association, depression.

In conclusion, after a thorough examination of both sides of the issue, it is safe to say that
the benefits the Internet has to offer would be outweighed by the potential dangers it
poses to the netizens.
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11.(2018/08/25): For school children, their teachers have more influence on


their intelligence and social development than their parents. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?

Children education has traditionally been a difficult topic. A question that often leave
many stumped is which group, parents or teachers, exerts more of an influence on
children’s intellectual and social development. My view is that although teachers have a
large part to play, the role of parents carries just as much weight.

The role teachers assume on children’s cognitive development should not be taken
lightly. They are professional at conducting their class in a stimulating and insightful
manner, which could be attributed to years of rigorous training and hands-on experience
that afford them the right set of skills, pedagogical skills and the like. Without the same
skill set, parents could find it hard, if not impossible, to perform the job of comparable
quality, and this shortcoming may present a challenge to children’s intellectual
development in the long run. An equally important factor is students’ social awareness,
which is fostered through multiple class activities and interactions. These activities go a
long way in teaching a kid how to forge a bond with his fellow classmates or how to
disagree without being disagreeable, skills that are often absent in homeschooled
children.

The role parents play by no means pales in comparison with that of teachers however.
Research has shown that children’s intelligence could be partly attributed to the genetic
makeup that they inherit from their parents. This is particularly the case with prodigies,
whose talents have attracted a greal deal of interest at various mind sports and
competitions, holding all other factors like schooling and financial background constant.
It is also parents who make the decision of which educational institutions to send their
kids to so as to reap all the benefits of schooling as detailed above. These parents
understand their kids better than anyone else, and would endeavour to promote not just
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their children’s intellectual growth but also their emotional well-being. This is largely the
reason why parents of introverts, for example, may give them guidance on how to
socialize with others better and keep them from rowdy activities, which in turn helps
them to be socially adept and balanced.

After a brief deliberation of parental and teacher roles, it is my belief that the company
and guidance of both parties is essential for well-rounded children, and neither side
prevails in terms of importance.
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12.(2018/09/15): Most of the world’s urgent problems are caused by over-


population. Do you agree or disagree?

Over-population has been one of the most alarming issues in the last several decades,
especially in developing countries. Although not all social issues could be traced back to
a highly populous world, it does lead to with some of the most imperative problems, such
as a deteriorating environment, high poverty and crime rates.

Environmental degradation, one of the most pressing global issues, go hand in hand with
overpopulation. More people means higher demand for food and other resources. To keep
up with this every-growing demand, unsustainable farming practices and overexploitation
of land are often resorted to. Over a sustained period, this could be detrimental to the
environment with its finite supplies of natural resources, which could take as much as
millions of years to recover. It is, therefore, more advisable to curb the growth of the
population, rather than exploiting the environment to the point of irreversible destruction.

Another issue that is posing a threat to the modern world is widespread poverty, which
can also be closely linked to an overly high population. Granted, countries with a high
figure for population, as in the case of the U.S., does not necessarily encounter poverty
problems, but such countries are most often superpowers with high income per capita.
When economic development does not match the correponding massive population
figure, as in the case of China and India, the inevitable result is a considerable rate of
people would live below the poverty line. In oder to get by, many of them would engage
in criminal activities to feed themselves and provide for their families. Though it is true
that not all of the said povertystricken segment would be reduced to committing crimes,
poverty does serve as an incentive for criminal proclivities in extreme cases.

In conclusion, there is no doubt overpopulation has been threatening the livelihood of


people in all over the world. While its most significant impact is on the environment,
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other consequences such as widespread poverty, and hence, more crime are also
alarming.
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13.(2018/09/19): In countries where there is a high unemployment rate, most


pupils should be offered only primary education. There is no point in
providing secondary education for those who will have no hope in finding
a job. Do you agree or disagree?

In some parts of the world where unemployment is a pervasive problem, it is suggested


that these countries would be better off restricting education to primary level. In my
opinion, this will impose a severe constraint on the general intellectual level that
eventually translates into more serious repercussions, as will be articulated in detail.

At first glance, the proposition to impose restrictions on education has some grounds.
From an economic standpoint, it would make little sense for the jobless to attend
secondary education or above, for the knowledge attained at these levels would not be put
to use to generate additional value for the society in general. This, however, could be the
perfect recipe for a negative feedback loop. If the said proposition is enforced on a
national scale, the general intellectual level of the respective country would suffer. The
ensuing lack of qualifications would undermine employability, since the minimum
requirement for a decent-paying job is commonly set at a high school diploma. Without
these necessary qualifications, most of these individuals would either have to settle for
menial low-paying jobs or stay jobless for life.

The value of secondary and tertiary education is not limited to better job prospects, but
extends to cover social spheres of life. Lessons learned at these steps of education raise
the social awareness of learners, enabling them to conduct themselves in proper ways in
social situations. By contrast, people with a mere primary education often shy away from
public discussions that are intellectually demanding, and this avoidance could deprive
them of the chance to expand theỉr social circles, potentially leading to a sense of
insecurity. In the absence of confidence, it is likely for many parents to be reluctant to
teach their children out of fear that getting it wrong could ruin their children’s
foundational knowledge. All these possible disadvantages contribute to set the stage for a
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perpetual downward spiral, for which the only actionable resolution is access to further
education.

In summary, setting an upper limit for education is not the answer for a high
unemployment rate. Countries which implement this are likely to experience a further
climb in the number of people who are out of job, and the damage would extend beyond
economic indexes to shadow many other areas of life as well.
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14.(2018/09/29): Some teachers think that the programs of international


student exchange would be beneficial for all teenage school students. Do
you think their advantages will outweigh the disadvantages?

It is a generally held view among teachers that exchange programs offer multiple benefits
for teenage students worldwide. These ranges of benefits, in my opinion, outweigh the
associated drawbacks, as will be detailed.

On the one hand, opting in to a student exchange program comes with by a number of
hindrances, the most prominent of which is the financial implications for those who come
from a lower-middle class family. Students pertaining to this stratum, or their family
more likely, find it hard to afford the expenditure typically incurred in an exchange
program, particularly if the exchange involves moving from a developing country to a
first-world one. Even when this cost can be covered at a stretch, the value proposition of
the program could be questionable, in light of its limited duration of 6 months to a year
(the standard length of overseas exchanges). In such a constrained time frame, few
students would be adaptable enough to fit into a new environment and actually gain any
concrete benefits from their journey.

On the other hand, it is my belief that the merits more than make up for the demerits to
make exchange programs a worthwhile experience. Although their typical duration might
be a little too brief for one to fully adjust to an exotic setting, it should be sufficient to
provide them with abundant first-hand exposure to the language of the host country,
thereby serving a catalyst for the mastery of a second language. Better still, this does not
necessarily occur at a significant cost, for many travel grants are rewarded for students
with credentials. Even if the remaining expenses are expected to come out of students’
own pocket, this is an investment with high return considering the range of downstream
effects an exchange program would have on the employability of students upon
graduation.
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In conclusion, after a thorough examination of both sides of the issue, it is safe to say that
the demerits international exchange programs have to offer would be outweighed by the
merits they bring to the students.
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15.(2018/10/13): Many museums or 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?

It is true that museums and historical attractions mostly appeal to travelers, much more so
than the locals. Reasons for this vary, but some actions can be taken to change the status
quo.

There could be several underlying causes for the subpar attendance at historical sites.
These venues are meant to showcase items of historical interest with a view to educating
international as well as local visitors. The latter group may find it an all too familiar a
topic, one that has been integrated into the curriculum of their school years and that they
have to endure the grind to scrape through. The lack of interest is further compounded by
the unoriginal layout of most history museums, which often displays their items in a run-
of-the-mill fashion with hardly any accompanying visual aids or other forms of
recreation. This could be attributed to the nature of historical sites as a means to preserve
traditional values, catering for those who want to relive a stage of history in their
visitation.

However, the issues detailed above are not without actionable solutions/measures. To
start with, history should be treated less as a test-oriented unit with students’ recitation of
historical events at its core, and more as an intriguing exploration of the past. To go about
this, it would be worthwhile for school and teachers to endeavour to liven up the learning
experience in each and every history session, possibly by introducing a range of
stimulating yet relevant activities. These could include hosting trips to museums in the
locale, which, for all intents and purposes, should be turned into local places of interest.
Movie-showing or folk games, for example, are activities that can attract a great deal of
interest, but still museums have to make sure to constantly renew their variety of
attractions as an incentive for revisits.
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In conclusion, historical locations and museums can appear unexciting for local people
because they can have negative impression with history lessons during school time. To
improve the situation, interest with discovering the past should be instilled in students by
organizing more interactive activities and field trips, and also museums need to refresh
and diversify their attractions to encourage more returns.
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16.(2018/10/20): In recent years, the family structure has changed, as well as


family roles. What are the changes occurring? Do you think these changes
are positive or negative?

The demographics of families have shifted greatly over the past several decades. The
number of families is decreasing and a typical household is now much smaller, coupled
with the growing tendency to divorce. I believe these changes will exert a negative
impact on our society as will be articulated below.

The need to get married is no longer a necessity for many young women. More and more
women are taking an active role financially by participating in the labor force instead of
relying on a husband. This would likely discourage the idea of getting married or, in
extreme cases, dismiss it altogether. In addition, this independence would give rise to a
higher rate of divorce as women do not feel the need to turn to their partners for the
money and would be willing to live separately in the time of domestic conflict.

The effects will be indeed detrimental to our society. Shrinking number of families would
likely lead to fewer babies born per year and consequently, less of youth have to support
more pensioners, ultimately destabilizing the society at large. At the same time, higher
incidents of divorce set the stage for instability in children’s upbringing. Evidently,
children are more likely to develop in a comprehensive manner with the presence of both
parents, without either of which these children are more inclined to be emotionally or
materially inadequate, potentially leading to less than ideal future prospects. For example,
in the USA, the number of adolescents of divorced families is closely correlated with the
number of colleges dropouts as well as the heightened crime rate in recent years.

In short, there are many changes in the composition as well as the size of families and
they would have severe impacts on our society as a whole.
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17.(2018/11/01): Cycling is more environmentally friendly than other forms


of transport. Nevertheless, cycling is getting less popular. What are the
reasons for this trend? What can be done to make cycling more popular?

Bicycles have gained quite a reputation for the tremendous range of benefits it offers to
the environment. However, several changes have contributed to the waning popularity of
this form of transportation, a worrisome trend which can be rectified with several
appropriate measures.

Among the factors that are responsible for the dwindling interest in cyclying, the
dominance of motorized vehicles and changes in road infrastructure stand out. In relation
to the motorized forms of transport of the 21st century, bicycles are designed to be a slow
and relaxing rather than time-efficient. And time efficiency, or cost effectiveness by
extension, matters since every minute spent on the road has an opportunity cost in the
modern hectic world. For this reason, few people nowadays sustain the use of bicycles to
go from point A to point B in their daily transport, and even fewer commute to work by
bike. Worse still, those who do are faced with heightened risks of road accidents. In fact,
not every city reserves a seperate cycle lane cyclists, and some cities are dispensing with
cycle lane altogether in favour of expanding motorized vehicle access to their main roads.
In such cases, it can be substantially less safe for bikers to bike, which demotivates many
from using this environmentally-friendly means of transport.

There could be various measures to promote the use of bicycles. It might be tempting for
authorities to jack up petrol prices and impose higher private vehicle taxes, but such a
proposition would likely cause undesirable consequences since it is tantamount to a form
of coercion. In fact, it would be more worthwhile to introduce schemes to incentivize
people to pick up the bike voluntarily. For example, some bike-sharing schemes
introduced in Finland or England, where bikers can rent a bike at any dock on the roads
and drop it at another dock, have proven successful in facilitating intra-city transport.
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Also, the municipal infrastructure should be made bike-friendlier by allocating a specially


designated lane for bikers. This would guarantee their safety, and in turn, makes the
journey more enjoyable.

In conclusion, the rise of motorized vehicles and changes in city infrastructure have made
travelling by bike less popular, which could be improved by some proposed solutions.
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18.(2018/11/10): Some people think governments should spend money on


faster means of public transport. However, others think money should be
spent on other priorities (eg environment). Discuss both views and give
your opinion.

People hold different points of view regarding how the state budget should be allocated.
Some believe that priority should be given to public transport, while others claim that
there exists more important matters which deserve to receive financial support from the
government. This essay will look at both sides before a conclusion is drawn.

On the one hand, it is understandable why some advocate spending public money on
enhancing the efficiency of public tranportation. Their primary rationale is more people
would be encouraged to eschew their own vehicles in favour of public transport, which in
due course would mitigate the issues of traffic congestion and air pollution as public
modes of transport become more time-efficient. This could be done by building exclusive
lanes for buses, or more modern railways for trains and trams, just to name a few. Since
traffic jam and air contamination are amongst the biggest issues in metropolises, it is
reasonable to spend taxpayers’ money on a more time-saving public transport system.
Even though the same issues are not as serious in less populous areas like provincial
towns or the countryside, faster means would save the residents a great amount of time in
their daily commute.

Despite the irrefutable significance of public transport upgrades, there are even more
investment-worthy social disciplines, among which are a comprehensive education
system and better healthcare. Specifically, when students are better-educated, they are
likely to become more competent upon entering the labor market. At the same time, a
better healthcare system could ensure the well-being of the citizens, which has always
been a great concern in society. Those in favor of putting more state money in these areas
may also argue that people could live with a not-too-heavily-polluted environment and
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constant traffic jam, but unlikely to stand their kids being poorly educated, or their health
not being taken care of well.

In conclusion, people have their own reasons to support investing public money in faster
public transportation, and the same goes for those who do not. I am of the opinion that a
decent education and healthcare system are more crucial to the well-being of a country
in general, and therefore should be prioritized.
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19.(2018/11/17): 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?

A view shared by a significant part of the population is that the overwhlming coverage of
bad news on the media does more harm than good on both an individual and societal
level. I completely disagree with this viewpoint.

Admittedly, bulletins filled with good news can have an uplifting effect on people and
cultivate in them a optimistic view of the society as a result. However, over-exposure to
good news could lead to people living in bubbles with all the bad news filtered out, which
results in ignorance of all the lurking dangers around them. This lack of preparation could
be fatal in the event of a a contingency, for which there is a lot at stakes and failture to
take appropriate actions could sometimes mean the difference between life and death.
The emphasis on bad news serves to warn people about all these possible threats,
enabling them to be better prepared in case of emergencies. It is is therefore arguably
more important than the alternative, which, despite its good intentions, does little more
than painting a rosy picture of the surrounding world.

All the aforementioned drawbacks can be overcome by broadcasters laying a great


emphasis on reporting imperative issues. This would,on an individual level, warn people
of the possible threats in the local area so that they can take proper precautionto
counteract the associated adversities. For instance, the coverage of a rise of vehicle thefts
in a certain area could raise the alarm about the situation, thereby urging car owners in
that area to lock their car or install anti-theft alarm. To tackle large-scale pressing issues
such as global warming, it is necessary to call for joint initiatives between the
government and their citizens, and timely actions on the individuals’ part. This is
conditioned upon the widespread unfiltered coverage of current affairs regardless of
howgrim a prospect they may seem.
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In conclusion, our lives could be better protected with assigning more weight to bad news
than good news (in media reports), for the former keeps us informed about all the
possible treacherous dangers as well as socially alarming issues.
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20.(2018/12/08): Most people try to balance between work and other parts of
lives. Unfortunately, not many achieve this balance. What are the
problems and solutions for this?

The typical modern lifestyle is often associated with having a full plate at work, which
spares/leaves people little time left for their social life. This trend undoubtedly goes hand
in hand with several adverse impacts on their happiness index, but actions can be taken to
mitigate these issues

The imbalance between career development and private life can exert a negative impact
on people’s well-being and their relationships. When work constitutes a overwhelming
part of ones’ life, hardly can they have time and energy to take care of themselves
physically and mentally. This lack of physical exercise and time for personal interests, if
sustained, could burn them out eventually, putting such modern employees at risk of
morbidity under enormous stress and, in some instances, even depression. The quality
time for family and friends would also be diminished in favour of career progress (in all
probability), making these relationships suffer. An immediate consequence of this
negligence could be the lack of support from such important people. Friends, for instance,
would no longer be willing to lend a sympathetic ear/extend their hands when one
encounters difficulties at work, for they are neither well-informed of the situation nor feel
any obligations to offer help. .

I believe various steps can be taken to strike a work-life balance on an individual level.
To avoid modern-day diseases, especially ones that stem from a sedentary lifestyle, it is
highly advisable for people to set aside a certain time the day for doing exercises or
playing a sport. Walking or cycling to work, for example, would be an ideal practice for
busy officer workers as these time-efficient activities have proven to boost their physical
and in turn their mental health. In addition, the time for family should be preserved with
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no interference from work. This can be as simple as opting out of work-related phone
calls or emails when one is at home. The weekends should also be devoted to enjoy
oneself or hang out with family and friends to strengthen the bond with them. This would
ensure that people can recharge their battery and come back to work more productively.

In conclusion, a work-centered lifestyle could the formula for numerous problems in


terms of health and relationships, which could be dealt with by drawing a clear line
between these areas.
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21.(2018/12/13): Some say that sports play an important role in society.


Others think it is nothing more than a leisure activity. Discuss both views
and give your own opinion.

People hold different views about the social significance of sports. While it is
understandable why naysayers may consider this simply as a form of entertainment, I
would argue that sports have an indispensable role to play in our society.

There are several possible explanations why sports are little more than a form of
recreational activity to a segment of the population/certain demographic groups. Firstly,
the vast majority of the population take up sports as a sideline activity to unleash their
stress, while those whose life revolves around sports number a few, most of whom are
sportsmen. As such, sports hardly make economic sense to most people, with the
exception of professional athletes who make a living from their sports participation.
These individuals, to make matters worse, are often subject to a short career span and
often have to seek an alternative career option upon retirement. Owing to these
limitations, sports are, at best, a form of entertainment to a significant part of the
population, who often put the activity on the sideline in favour of their work or their
family.

On the other hand, I hold a firm belief that there is more social meaning to sports than
what sports naysayers come to believe, from the standpoint of both players and the
audience. As for players, regardless of whether they engage in sports casually or on a
professional level, participation in sports indisputably offer tremendous physical and
mental merits, which is critical to the addition of the value chain. A society that is full of
well-being citizens is a prerequisite for a well-developed nation. At the same time, sports
games play a social role in educating young generations. Engagement in team sports, be it
participation or viewing, can instill in the young the true value of teamwork and a sense
of patriotism. For instance, nothing could stir up the national pride of the Vietnamese
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people than the recent victory of the country’s national football team, when millions of
supporters join rallies on the streets in celebration.

In conclusion, my view is that the role sports assume is not limited to a recreational
sense, but also cover other values such as the well-being of players, team spirit and
patriotism among the young, all of which can set the stage for the prosperity of nations.
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22.(2019/01/05): In modern life, it is no longer necessary to use animals as


food and other products like clothing and medicines. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?

In today’s world, it is commonly believed that humans should abandon products that
originate from animals in their everyday consumption, be it food, medicine or fashion
industry. However, such a proposition would prove neither crucial nor practical in the
way society functions these days.

Firstly, opponents of animal use in the manufacturing of goods are convinced there are
alternative choices that produce a comparable level of utility. There are merits to this
argument as, in fact, a growing number of people are adopting a meat-free lifestyle (or
vegans in other words), for vegetables and herbs have proven to provide enough nutrients
to the body. At the same time, it is argued that clothes made from animals’ fur or leather
should be out of the picture now that clothes made from natural fabric are being sold
worldwide. Also, animal testing in medicine is gradually being replaced by alternative
testing methods attributable to recent breakthroughs in science. While there is some
weight to all of these arguments, it should not mean that the use of animal products be
halted altogether. In other words, these substitutes should serve to extend people’s range
of choice, and thereby maximizing their level of utility, rather than to limit their choices
to non-aminals products solely. What is more, a complete shift to non-animal products
could threaten the livelihood of those dependent on animals for a living.

Animal right activists also proclaim that the animals rights in place should keep animals
from the ruthless practice in many industries. Take battery chickens for example; it is
quite common for them to be bred and slaughtered in a gruesome manner before being
shipped off to fast food chains like KFC and McDonalds for consumption. Since
subjecting animals to such a type of trauma is arguably rather inhumane, it is argued that
efforts should be made to find alternative solutions to satisfy human’s needs. While this
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argument appears to make sense on the surface, it is arbitrary how much suffering
animals go through since they are unable to communicate. Some oppose this idea,
claiming that intelligent creatures are capable of feeling a wide range of emotions,
including fear or trauma, from their slaughters. However, be that as it may, there already
exist laws in developed countries that prohibit animal torturing, and thus limit animal
suffering to a minimum. Therefore, efforts should be targeted at popularzing these laws,
rather than putting a halt to the consumption of animal-based products, which would lead
to a wide rage of problems detailed in the first paragraph.

In conclusion, a shift to non-animal products is not particularly practical, and would


entail a range of problems. An alternative is to enforce and stricten laws against torturing,
thereby keeping animal suffering to a minimum.
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23.(2019/01/12): New parents should attend parenting courses to ensure the


growth of their children. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Whether it is necessary for first-time parents to join courses in parenting skills has been
argued for some time. Although this practice benefits such parents to some extent, I still
believe it is not sufficient for their children’s development.

On the one hand, official parenting courses present certain advantages in equipping new
parents with knowledge of child-rearing. Such parents are commonly subject to
inexperience in child-rearing, which explains why many of them struggle with taking
care of the newborns. Most of these struggles come from seemingly simple everyday
tasks, such as bathing a baby, or understanding what foods are most nutritious for their
physical as well as cognitive growth. To compensate for this lack of skill, it is argued that
the best approach is to attend a pareting course, where guidance is provided by well-
trained experts. However, owing to an emphasis on commercial purpose, many of such
courses offer a one-size-fits-all approaches, and therefore are useful yet insufficient to
new parents.

The deficiancies of parenting courses, I believe, could be compensated by combining


them with other measures. As every child is different in their eating habits and
behaviours, new parents may still find it confusing if they adopt by-the-book instructions
from experts. To be more well-repared should such cases arise, first-time parents should
consult other parents who have hands-on experience on the matter. Still, when all is said
and done, it is critical that parents spend a lot of time with their children to gain an in-
depth understanding of them, for knowledge acquired from parenting courses and advice
from other parents by themselves not likely to work if parents lack an understanding of
their own children.
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In conclusion, while classes of parenting skills are beneficial in some ways, I strongly
believe that they are not enough to guarantee healthy development of children. First-time
parents, hence, should integrate these courses with other alternatives including
exchanging experience with other parents and spending more time to understand their
kids.
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24.(2019/02/02): More and more people want to buy famous brands of


clothes, car and other items. Why is it? Do you think it is a positive or
negative development?

Purchasing high-end products has become a more and more popular phenomenon in
various societies across the world. It is understandable that this trend of consumerism
might be attributed to higher standards of living and the desire for social status. However,
from my perspective, it probably does more harm than good for individuals in particular
and communities as a whole.

As the income average has risen in recent years in numerous nations, an increasing
number of people are disposed to buy luxurious items ranging from fancy cosmetics,
clothes to flashy cars and palatial houses. The more wealthy people become, the more
willing they are to pay for superior merchandise which is believed to guarantee better
quality rather than short-lived inexpensive counterparts. Top-of-the-line brands these
days, furthermore, commonly earn owners respect and a semblance of social status,
whether at school, work or social circles. As an example, millions of average-income
Vietnamese people have dug deep into their pockets to possess the latest model of
iPhone, which, to them, stands for more a symbol of high social status than advanced
functionality.

Consumerism goes hand in hand with several repercussions, among which are potential
financial burden on the spender’s part and progress towards a materialistic society.
People with affluence are entitled to be free to buy whatever they deem fit; nevertheless,
their acceleration in spending possibly, somehow, triggers a need for them to be on a par
with people around in terms of properties and financial wealth. This puts pressure on
those already hard-up to get into debt to “keep up with the Joneses”; and worse still, it
also undermines their ability to pay for more worthwhile areas, such as the education of
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their children. Subsequently, when a materialistic society is generated, people come to


judge one another solely by how they look. For instance, a number of adolescents in
metropolises are likely to make friends with those who wear well-known brands
including Nike, Adidas, Chanel, to name a few, without understanding their personality.

In conclusion, the rising income and the craving for social status could be regarded as
explanations for the prevalence of consuming first-class brands. In my view, excessive
purchasing of expensive superfluous products would pose consequences for the
community in the long run.
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25.(2019/02/09): : In most successful organisations, some people believe that


communication between managers and workers is important, other people
say that other factors are more important. Discuss both views and give
your opinion.

The key factors in dertermining the success of corporations have long been argued over.
While some believe they lie in the effective communication between managers and
employees, other elements such as a clear vision for the company’s future and good
benefits for employees should also be taken into consideration. This essay will deliberate
both sides of the issue before arriving at a conclusion.

On the one hand, the effectiveness in communication between employees and their
supervisors plays a vital part in ensuring their satisfaction, and by extension, their
productivity. In companies where efficient communication is implemented on a large
scale, employees are given more chances to be mentored by their superiors, who are often
more technically adept and experienced. This allows more room for their personal
growth, and thus a higher level of job satisfaction could be the result. Effective
communication also means a fast and unobstructed flow of information, which could
lead to a more time-saving decision-making process for managers. This proves
particularly important in big organizations, where the number of procedures is staggering
and can be a hindrance to internal communication. However, when all is said and done, it
is unlikely that efficient communication by itself would be enough to guarantee the
success of a business, for one with efficient communication, yet at the same time fails in
its overarching business strategy, may still be subject to risks of failure.

On the other hand, there exists other factors that are as vital and should be seriously
considered. A clear vision for the future and an effective business strategy are of
paramount importance to a big corporation’s success. They are help companies move in
the right direction, and thereby increasing the chances of successfully raising fund from
investors. Another factor that sets successful corporations apart is a big benefit package
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offered, which helps ensure the well-being and satisfaction of their employees. This
package often include well-funded training programs to stimulate long-term career
development, childcare for employees with children, and corporate discounts for those
wishing to purchase the company’s products. As a matter of fact, a successful company is
often one that prioritizes its human resources.

In conclusion, while effective communication between employees and managers are key
in boosting the company’s performance and the workers’ satisfaction, a clear vision and
a big package of benefits are no less important. It is advisable that a large company
should attempt to acquire all these factors for long-term success.
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26.(2019/02/14): 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?

With the advancement of technology, computer users can now enjoy the privilege of
viewing a massive pool of historical items and artworks online, with as little as an
Internet access. It is, hence, argued that there would be no need for the existence of
public museums and art galleries. Personally, I am totally against this point of view.

Admittedly, the computers, with their capacity to access/retrieve massive archives of


information, could deliver to its users numerous vibrant images and videos taken from the
display sites of antic or aesthetic works. Such armchair tourism, in due course, would
diminish or altogether eliminate the need to visit these artistic places for some. However,
the online pictures would pale in comparison to the real experiences ones may have at the
museums. That is to say, visitors would have the privilege to see the objects up close,
listen to the audio guides, or even touch the items showcased themselves. All of these
make for a comprehensive and worthwhile experience for many visitors, which also plays
a part in cultivating their mind.

In addition, there are reasons why technological devices may fail to replace places
exhibiting items of historical phases and arts. These physical places offer a public space
for residents to hang out with their family and friends. The resulting collective memories
can cement their relationships, a benefit which digital platforms fails to deliver.
Furthermore, the information presented at a museum or art gallery tends to come from a
more reliable/credible source than that of online information. This is because information
presented at historical or art sites are often rigorously verified before being popularized to
their respective viewers, while there can exist dozens, if not more, of conflicting
information sources online on every topic possible.
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In conclusion, it is crucial to maintain the operation of museums and art galleries owing
to their predominant benefits regardless of how available and convenient watching
historical objects and works of art on a computer might be.
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27.(2019/02/17): Some people think that the best way to improve road safety is
to increase the minimum legal age for driving a car or motorbike. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?

People have differing views about whether raising the minimum legal driving age would
be the most effective measure against road accidents. While I think there are some
grounds to this claim, it is not the best way to keep the roads safe.

Some supporters of the proposition insist on the correlation between maturity and the
ability to drive safely. In most countries, the minimum legal age for driving is sixteen, at
which point many teenagers are allowed to apply for a driving license. Due to the lack of
maturity, these youngsters are often deemed more susceptible to impulsive behaviors. For
example, drunk driving, and consequently, alcohol-related crashes are much more
pronounced for teenagers.Their physical immaturity is also of great concern, as their
hand-eye coordination skill, which is essential for driving, is not yet fully developed.

However, to say that youngsters are unprepared is too broad a generalization. We mature
and learn at different rates, and therefore, while our age is a relevant factor, it is by no
means a determining one in the assessment of one’s driving skills. In fact, there already
exists a system in place, such as the driving test, to make sure that every future driver
gets an equal amount of pressure and preparation. This will properly prepare them for
unfavorable scenarios on the road, regardless of their age. In that sense, it should be more
sensible to make the tests more rigorous as opposed to add more numbers to the age
requirement. At the same time, stricter punishments can be introduced for those who
drive under the influence, and hopefully, this will act as an effective deterrent.

In conclusion, setting a higher bar towards qualified drivers, but not age requirement, is
the most efficient way to prevent accidents on the road. Also, imposing heavy penalties
could also disincentivize would-be offenders from driving recklessly.
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28.(2019/03/02): The world of work is rapidly changing and the employees


can not depend on having the same work or the same work conditions for
life. Discuss the possible causes and suggest ways to prepare for people to
work in the future.

Recent changes in the economic landscape have had dramatic impacts on job security and
career prospects of today’s employees. The causes for this vary, and there are some
possible ways for employees to adapt to these changes.

Recent technological advancements mean that the majority of jobs are now performed
with the assistance of technology. This leads to a higher demand for employees with
good command of technological knowledge. In other words, employees who lack
necessary technological skills are more likely to be made redundant, especially in
company’s downsizing or restructuring. Some may argue that this may not apply to
employees whose jobs are not technologically driven; but technology is so integrated in
every corner of modern labour that it is pratically impossible to find a job completely not
technology-related. Another reason for lower job security might be today’s increasingly
competitive job market. Such a labour market makes it more likely that unqualified
employees be displaced in favour of more qualified ones.

In order to better prepare themselves, there are some measures that employees could take.
First, for those lacking basic technological skills, acquiring necessary knowledge is
crucial to reduce the risk of job hopping. This can be done, for example, by participating
computer skills workshops or seminars, which are widely available these days. Another
solution is for employees to brush up on other essential skills, such as teamwork, problem
solving or communication, to name just a few. A high level of proficiency in these skills
can help a worker stand out, thus enhancing his employability even after he is made
unemployed.
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In conclusion, an increased importance placed on technological skills and fiercer


competition in the job marker could be the reasons for employees’ lower dependence on
one job. Acquiring sufficient technological knowledge and other soft skills, therefore, are
key in preparing themselves for the worst case scenarios, such as a dismissal.
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29.(2019/03/09): Should movies be for entertainment only or should they also


have an educational purpose?

Movies have become an increasingly popular means of entertainment for people of all
ages. It is argued, however, over whether this form of media should adhere to this
original aim of entertainment, or if it should expand in its aim to cover educational
purpose.

On the one hand, it is necessary for movies to maintain their role as a means of
relaxation. Watching movies, to many people, offers a means of escapism in that it frees
their mind of all the stress and burden of everyday life. Fans of science-ficiton movies,
for instance, would be capviated by top-rated sci-fi movies, where they are transported
into an imaginary world to see their wildest dreams of seeing aliens or floating in the
outer space brought to life by state-of-the-art visual effects. These precious moments of
getaway play a significant part in recharging the audience’s battery before many of them
get of with their busy life life. An attempt to integrate an educational themes in these
movies could risk taking away all these fun moments, as the details of the plotline have to
carrry a mission of delivering a moral lesson, and thus possibily stripping the movies of
their recreational values.

On the other hand, movies also prove too powerful an educational tool to be overlooked.
To start with, the audiovisual effects from a movie can have lasting effects on people’s
cognitive skills. Well-made documentary movies, for instance, have proved more
effective in consolidating learners’ memory of history lessons than the traditional
textbook approach. Better still, good movies with an educational theme do not have to
come at the cost of their entertainment values, provided that the lessons are delivered in a
subtle way. This can be evidenced by a massive number of Hollywood blockbusters such
as the Avenger franchise which have been played to full houses (in theaters) all around
the world. These movies not only meet the audience’s needs for recreation, but also
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manage to delicately carrry meaningful messages in terms of friendship, loyalty and


courage .

In conclusion, it is my firm belief that movies have all the potentials of becoming an
effective and powerful tool to concurrently entertain and educate people. These two
functions should not be seen as one being eclipsed by the other, but rather a good
combination which benefits the viewers in many ways.
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30. (2019/03/14): In some countries, small town-center 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?

Small-scale shops in certain countries are disappearing due to the rise of out-of-town
megamalls, consequently leading to a surge in car use. While there are undoubtedly
advantages tied to shopping in mega-centers, I would argue that the benefits are
overshadowed by the overall effect on the economy and the environment.

Sizeable shopping centers could offer a more competitive price by the effect of
economies of scale, which occurs when the buying volume is substantial. When the
production cost is spread over a larger amount of commodities, the cost of goods sold is
subsequently lowered, rendering products from small businesses less attractive by
comparison. That is why Walmart, one of the largest retail chains in America, has been
able to sell their products at a bargain price to their customers.

While moving out of town to shop seems to work in the interests of buyers at first, it
could be harmful at times. In fact, by using pricing strategy, some large supermarkets
have proceeded to monopolize their regional market after successfully bankrupting many
local shops. At that point, customers will have far fewer buying options to choose from,
and therefore are more inclined to buy from those giant retail stores. For instance,
Walmart has been accused of manipulating prices of commodities and driving small
retailers out of business for years. At the same time, those large shops would indirectly
harm the environment by promoting the use of cars. With megamalls often located far off
the cities, cars are slowly becoming the most plausible way to get there, which means
more toxic exhaust fumes being discharged into the atmosphere. This would badly
damage public health in the long run.
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In conclusion, the rapid emergence of big out-of-town shops might seem beneficial at
first, its long-term effect on the economy and public wellness is unjustifiable.
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31.(2019/04/06): People have little understanding of the importance of the


natural world, what are the reasons and how can people learn more about
the natural world?

The significance of the natural world has not always been fully appreciated by humans.
There are several possible explanations for this lack of understanding, which will be
dived into in the following essay, before measures are proposed to change the status quo.

People’s little understanding of the natural world’s importance could be attributed to a


hectic life they are leading. Specifically, many of them are easily weighed down by day-
to-day issues such as their career, family finance or children’s education, to name a few,
while the natural world, or the protection thereof, though important, does not take a toll
on human life until years into the future. To make matters worse, changes in the natural
world are usually inconspicuous to the human senses, owing to the excruciatingly long
period it takes for these changes to manifest themselves. Such issues as global warming
or greenhouse effect, for instance, could take up to hundreds of years to cause visible
consequences. When these consequences reach a catastrophic or even irreversible level,
unfortunately, it may have already been too late for the humankind.

It seems that the most commonly suggested measure to improve people’s knowledge of
the natural world is awareness-raising campaigns. This measure, however, may have
limited impacts, for it is not a compulsory one, and thus can only rectify the
awarenessness a small fraction of the population. Therefore, it would be necessary to
complement it by incorporating nature-related subjects into compulsory education, so that
children could develop an understanding of the world they live in. As for adults, it is
suggested that a proper incentive in the form of new laws and regulations be put in place.
These governmental interventions could include heavier fines for environmentally
hazardous actions, such as illegal dumping of waste to rivers or public water sources. All
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of the aforemetioned measures, when combined, would go a long way in changing the
public perception on the natural world.

In conclusion, the main reasons behind people’s limited understanding of the natural
world could be the fact that they are too occupied with day-to-day tasks and the slow
pace in changes of the natural world itself. To deal with this, awareness-raising
campaigns, together with the incorporation of nature-related subjects into mandatory
education and the establishment of new laws could be key.
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32.(2019/04/13): In many countries, people like to eat a wider variety of food


than can be grown in their local area. As a result, much of the food people
eat today has to come from other regions. Do you think the advantages of
this development outweigh disadvantages?

As international trade progresses, people’s diet in many places is now much more
diversified with the preference inclined towards imported food. The downsides of this
development, however, seem to eclipse its associated benefits.

To commence with, it is advantageous for both society and individuals to enjoy eating
more foreign food. The boom in foreign food popularity can prompt some countries to
place an emphasis on their own specialties for export. This undoubtedly provides a boost
to the national economy of these countries through means of export, which also means
more profits and earnings for the locals. As for individuals, the introduction of foreign
food would add to their variety of available food choices. This would be of substantial
utility since it meets the need of a growing segment of the population, whose rising
standards of living have led to a rising appetite for foreign exotic food. Take sushi, a dish
originating from Japan, for instance. The dish has enjoyed widespead popularity
worldwide, and suhi restaurants can now be found in most countries around the world,
allowing people to enjoy the dish regardless of where they stay.

On the other hand, the aforementioned advantages are likely to be overshadowed by a


number of disadvantages, which necessitates a scrutiny of the issues tied to growing
foreign food consumption. Firstly, to maintain freshness of the food or ingredients in
overseas transport, additives and preservatives are commonly called for. These
substances, if used over a long period, would do serious damage to consumers’ health, as
has been (well) established from numerous studies. Furthermore, food products from an
area, with their distinctive natural and geographical conditions, are often most suitable
with local inhabitants of that area. Those products, if introduced to other areas, may not
be compatible with the physiology of the people in the imported country. Hamburgers or
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pizzas, for instance,are popular in the Western diet, for the high amount of energy they
provide would help with withstanding the cold of wintry weather. However, regular
consumption of such food could result in a range of diseases such as obesity, as
evidenced by the positive correlation between the rate of obesity in some Eastern
countries and the augmented popularity of the fast food in these areas.

As good health would share a strong correlation with the overall happiness index, I am
inclined to put forward the view that the health risks detailed would be of substance, so
much so that they would outweigh the financial and food range benefits gained. That
being the case, however, if successful measures can be found to contain these risks, there
would be few reasons to curtail the consumption of foreign food.
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33.(2019/05/04): Today many children spend a lot of time playing computer


games and little time on sports. Why is it? Is it a positive or negative
development?

It is true that increasingly more leisure time of children is being spent on computer games
rather than sports activities. There could be a number of justifications for this trend, and I
believe it is a negative one.

Apparently, parents have a large part to play in the shaping of children’s habits, which is
particularly true when it comes to sports participation. It follows that they should set
aside the time it takes to cultivate the good habit in children, but unfortunately, a great
many of them, most commonly those in the lower-middle class, are too caught up in a
quest for financial well-being to assume this role. When children are left without adult
supervision, they show the proclivity to engage in computer games, an understandable
development given computer games’ growing appeal. That is to say, games these days
are designed to cater to children’s every single need, be it stimulating action games for
young boys, or household simulation games for girls. This attention-grabbing nature of
games means that they could eat into the valuable time that could be otherwise spent on
such dynamic outdoor activities as

From my perspective, the preference for computer games generally found in children is
arguably an undersirable tendency. Supporters and developers of games often make the
case that games help with the enhancement of certain skills such as problem-solving and
time management. Examples of this, they argue, include adventure games, where, in
order to win, players often have to figure out a challenging puzzle in a short window of
time. And while the evidence to benefits of game playing, though convincing, remains
inconlusive, overindulgence in games is believed to be a contributing factor to the
udermined interpersonal skills among the young. To make matter worse, the said self-
indulgence in games is often coupled with a lack of physical exercise, consequently
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leading to obesity or impaired eyesight, among other sedentary-lifestyle-induced


diseases.

In conclusion, the busy lifestyle of parents and the allure of game mostly account for
longer hours of children’s free time spent on computer games than playing sports.
Regardless of some helpful skills children may learn from playing games on the
computer, the degradation of interpersonal skills and the threat to their health are worth
considering, persuading me to incline towards opposing this trend.
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34.(2019/5/11): Some businesses find that their new employees lack basic
interpersonal skills such as cooperative skill. What are the causes and
suggest possible solutions?

In recent years, fundamental interpersonal skills such as collaborative skill have been rare
among new recruits. There are certain reasons behind this phenomena, and it could be
improved by some solutions.

Schools and the conventional job scanning protocol are to blame for the increasing
shortage of interpersonal skills among fresh employees. It is a traditional belief among
many parents, particularly in the eastern world, that the primary focus of their children
should be to achieve academic excellence, as opposed to interpersonal skills, among other
soft skills. This emphasis on academic result often leads to an asymmetrical development
among these children, which is inclined more towards core subjects such as maths,
literature or foreign language, and less towards the dynamics of human relationship. Such
an emphasis, worse still, can also come from recruiters, who, in order to efficiently single
out qualified candidates among thousands of resumes, often have to base largely on
academic performance in school.

The solutions to the lack of basic interpersonal skills could come from parents, schools
and also recruiters. Encouraging students to maintain good academic results, and
simultaneously acquiring necessary interpersonal skills would seem like an ideal solution.
This, nevertheless, is quite a challenging task to most students, as most of them are
merely capable of either the former or the latter. Therefore, it is necessary that parents
take the initiative by lowering their expectations to their children, and thus less pressuring
them to achieve good scores at all costs. Schools could also have a role to play in this, by
rewarding students that show progress rather than only top scorers. This could potentially
reduce peer pressure among students, and thus give them more time to polish their
interpersonal skills. Recruiters, at the same time, should make it compulsory for
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candidates to possess interpersonal skills, in addition to excellent academic results.


Before the interview, for example, group discussions can be used so that candidates’
collaborative skills can be tested.

In conclusion, the overemphasis on academic excellence from both parents and


recruiters.are the culprits behind the lack of interpersonal skills among new employees.
The solutions to this, therefore, should come from both parties, who are to be assisted by
schools also.

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