Potential Topics for Opinion Essay:

1. Young students should not be given homework because it takes up time for other
meaningful activities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. Because the Internet makes it so easy for children to access facts, schools should
develop students' skills, potential and relationships with other people instead of
only focusing on teaching facts. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
opinion?
3. Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a
successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after
school. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
4. AI will cause unemployment. Do you agree with this statement?
5. Social media has a negative impact on mental health. Do you agree or disagree
with this statement?

P1: Thesis Statement, Counter-argument and Refutation

Thesis Statement:
I personally advocate/be opposed to the notion suggesting that ….

While some people affirm that….., I personally believe that

1. I personally advocate the notion suggesting that homework should be completely

eliminated to free up time for students to join other extracurricular activities,
which can significantly promote students’ soft skills as well as relieve academic
stress.
2. While some people affirm that school curriculum should be tailored to focus on
developing skills rather than providing facts, I personally believe that both skills
and knowledge both are of great importance in the education system due to the
concerns about information credibility on the Internet as well as the holistic
development of students.
3. While some people may argue that there must be one choice better than another
between attending college and starting to work, I personally believe that both ways
have their own merits and decisions should be made based on students'
preferences.
 4. While the growing concerns about redundancy prompted by Artificial Intelligence
can be justified by some reasons, I personally feel more inclined towards the
converse in recognition of AI’s purposes and its potential in new jobs generation.
5. I personally advocate the notion suggesting that people’s mental health is ruined
by social media due to high risks of addiction and peer pressure it can bring about.

Counter argument and Refutation:

1. Conversely, the counter-argument raised by some objectors is that homework
plays a paramount role in students’ study as it provides opportunities for students
to practice and revise their previous lessons. This notion can be accurate at first
glance; however, it actually fails to consider the efficacy of homework as a method
of reviewing knowledge. It is a matter of fact that as homework takes up too much
time, students may come up with some particular ways to cheat including
imitating the assignments of others and so on, which subsequently delivers no
benefits for students. Practically, there are some other alternatives such as holding
some competitions about realistic applications of knowledge, which can not only
attain the goal of reviewing lessons but can also induce students to conduct
in-depth research over the subjects involved.
2. ..
3. ..
4. Conversely, while it is clear that accusing AI of joblessness is incomprehensible,
critics may argue that as AI brings about higher accuracy and efficiency than
human employees, businesses and companies will replace humans with machines
to reduce mistakes and cut expenditures. This notion may seem accurate at first
glance, but it fails to take into account AI’s inability to imitate humans’ emotions
and flexibility in controlling unpredictable situations. This means that while AI
can be effective in performing specific tasks including customer service, assembly
line patterns and the like, it cannot replace the diverse range of skills and expertise
that humans bring to the workplace. To illustrate, a store may lead a more
productive workflow with the help from AI-based chatbots to control basic
customer services but in this case, AI is only a subsidiary factor as that store still
needs human employees to cope with customers’ complaints and perform other
complex tasks.
5. Conversely, some people, who take issue with the idea of social media exerting
impact on mental well-being, may argue that the only objective of social media is
sharing lives and experiences, which can cause no harm to anybody. While this
 notion may seem accurate at first glance, it fails to take into account human’s
general competitive behavior; in other words, people tend to share the most
wonderful facet of their lives which inevitably provokes jealousy and other
negative feelings among others.

P2: Introduction and Topic Sentences

Introduction:

1. Education has alway been a contentious topic in our society. People have varied
opinions about whether students should be given home assignments or not.
Personally, I advocate the notion suggesting that homework should be completely
eliminated to free up time for students to join other extracurricular activities,
which can significantly promote students’ soft skills as well as relieve academic
stress.
- First and foremost, it is clear that students can effectively hone their soft
skills only when they get involved in various social activities instead of
burying themselves in tons of homework.
- Furthermore, being given homework can render feelings of hatred for study,
which can subsequently become unbearable stress for students.
2. The swift development of technology has substantially transformed the ways
human lives. Particularly in the field of education, with the advent of the Internet,
students nowadays are more accessible to the source of information, which has
prompted the idea that teaching facts at schools is a waste of time. While some
people affirm that school curriculum should be tailored to focus on developing
skills rather than providing facts, I personally believe that both skills and
knowledge both are of great importance in the education system due to the
concerns about information credibility on the Internet as well as the holistic
development of students.
- First and foremost, the risk of false information, which exists widespread
on the Internet, is one of the key factors why people should teach fact-based
knowledge at schools.

(As students are still at their impressionable age, they lack the ability to
distinguish between right and wrong information, which both exist on the
Internet.)
 - Furthermore, so as to be fully developed, students need to be equipped with
both knowledge and soft skills.
3. After high school, students have to make a crucial decision which can greatly
affect their lives later. Regarding this, people have varied ideas of whether
students should opt for higher education or join the workforce. While some people
may argue that there must be one choice better than another between attending
college and starting to work, I personally believe that both ways have their own
merits and decisions should be made based on students' preferences.
- On the other hand, when students choose to pursue higher education, they
will have a more solid base of knowledge, which is considerably beneficial
for their career path.
- On the other hand, starting to work will provide students with practical
experiences related directly to their jobs.
4. The impact of Artificial Intelligence on the workforce has always been a
contentious topic in our society. People have varied ideas on whether or not job
positions will be depleted by machines. While the growing concerns about
redundancy prompted by Artificial Intelligence can be justified by some reasons, I
personally feel more inclined towards the converse in recognition of AI’s purposes
and its potential in new jobs generation.
- First and foremost, the primary objective of AI is assisting humans and
consequently enhancing productivity, not fully supplanting humans’ roles
or stealing jobs; that is to say, AI can only be an auxiliary factor in the
workforce.
- Furthermore, the emergence of AI demonstrates a vast transformation in job
positions rather than causing redundancy as many have feared.
5. The swift development of technology has substantially transformed the ways
human lives. Particularly, the advent of various social media platforms have
formed an indispensable aspect of people’s lives. The practice of using social
media has been so prevalent that people generally concern its impacts, specifically
on mentality. Personally, I advocate the notion suggesting that people’s mental
health is ruined by social media due to high risks of addiction and peer pressure it
can bring about.
- First and foremost, people are susceptible to the overuse of social media,
which is a key factor in deteriorated mental wellbeing.
- Furthermore, another point to consider is that social media can lead to
increased rate of stress by introducing unrealistic social standards.
 P3: Compare and Contrast Essay

1. E-books vs Paper Textbook

The swift development of technology has changed dramatically how humans consume
information, with the most prevalent change being the invention of e-books. Nowadays,
e-books in conjunction with traditional textbooks have been two of the most common
methods of reading. While both means serve as modalities for learning, they differ
strikingly in terms of convenience and the overall reading experience they can bring
about.

First and foremost, the key distinction between two means to take into account is the
relevant convenience it offers readers. Ebooks can be downloaded and accessed from
anywhere, thereby being ideal for people who prefer to read while on the go. In contrast,
paper textbooks can be physically heavy and bulky, making them generally more difficult
to transport and consequently less convenient .As a result, ebooks are becoming
increasingly popular among people who value convenience and portability.

Moreover, in terms of reading experience, readers can reap different benefits from
e-books and paper books. Ebooks typically allow for customization of the font size and
style, making it easier for readers with visual impairments or dyslexia to read
comfortably. Plus, ebooks also allow easy searching and highlighting beneficial for study
purposes. Paper textbooks, on the other hand, are often more comfortable to read for
extended periods of time, and the physical act of turning pages can render pleasant
nostalgic feelings.

On the whole, both ebooks and paper textbooks offer readers valuable knowledge and
reading experiences. While both formats have their own unique features and benefits,
readers can choose the format that best suits their preferences and needs. The rise of
ebooks has revolutionized the reading experience, but paper textbooks continue to hold a
special place in the hearts of readers.

2. High School vs College

High school and college are generally two different stages of education so they can
deliver two distinct academic environments for their students. In order to get adapted to
the changes between high school and college, it is imperative to learn the similarities and
differences they bring about, specifically in terms of academic syllabus and students’
responsibilities.

First and foremost, due to distinct orientations and purposes for study, high school and
college particularly deliver two different education syllabuses for their students.
Regarding learning at high school, students are expected to memorize facts and
knowledge given in class. They learn general subjects namely Mathematics, Literature,
History and the like, which are simple and straightforward but rather theoretical.
Conversely, colleges center on nurturing one’s specialized expertise as well as soft skills
including critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Discrepancies pertaining academic
programs between those fore-mentioned study environments are considerably clear when
we consider the characteristics of assignments each of them offers students. Specifically,
while high school students are mostly given exercises or group assignments with the aim
of getting the slightest hang of their coming lesson or reviewing their last lessons, college
students need to perform more challenging tasks requiring in-depth research and coherent
organization of papers.

Aside from academic programs, it is noticeable that high schools and colleges also
perceive their students in substantially divergent ways. In high schools, students are
treated as children, with homeroom teachers monitoring their study progress as well as
behaviors. In case the students violate the rules or fail to reach certain academic
expectations, their parents will be immediately informed to have timely support; in other
words, when students study at high school, they are kept under close observation of
adults. In contrast, college students are considered full-grown adults, which means they
have more freedom than high school students. This also implies that college students
have to be responsible for their own study and life since they have no one who can guide
them carefully and support them like in high school days.

In conclusion, even though both high school and college are supposed to provide students
with knowledge and relevant skills, they still differ strikingly in some aspects. The
subjects in college are relatively more specialized and difficult than what students learn in
high school but the learning progress in high school is kept track more strictly in
comparison with freedom being given in college. Ultimately, the transition from high
school to college may seem overwhelming at first but learning to accommodate to new
circumstances will surely be a worthwhile experience to any students.
 3. Car vs Public Transport
Moving is considered the essence of a human's daily life, with a deluge of choices being
available thanks to modernisation. Two most common modes of transportation these days
are private cars and public transportations. While both means undoubtedly share some
similarities, they still differ widely in terms of convenience and expenses.

First and foremost, it is clear that cars and public transports deliver distinct benefits even
though both are geared to the needs of daily commuting. In particular, cars offer
individual freedom and flexibility, which allow people to travel at will with no constraint
related to fixed schedules or routes. This trait, however, is not inherent in the option of
public transportations such as buses, trains and so on. In other words, their convenience is
served in a different facet; they enable people to travel in a much relaxed state as
travelers are less exposed to the stress of being drivers. Moreover, commuters using
public transports have no concerns about the availability of parking spaces, which is
usually a distressing issue in the rush hour.

Furthermore, a key characteristic which sets private cars apart from public transports is
their expenses. Car ownership is significantly more exorbitant than traveling by public
means as they encompass tons of fees namely purchasing, insurance, maintenance,
repairs and others. Meanwhile, the expenses of commuting by public transportations are
much lower. People get their access to buses or trains only by buying passes, which
usually cost around 10 thousand dong. That is not to mention the substantial government
subsidies in public transports, with fares being discounted for lower-income riders.
Hence, although both forms of vehicles necessitate money being spent, traveling via
public transports is relatively more affordable.

On the whole, while both modes of transport share commonalities in their purposes, they
still possess certain distinguishing features, which extend the range of choice for humans
regarding daily commutes. Ultimately, depending on people’s preferences and budget,
their options for vehicles can be distinct.

4. Studying group vs studying alone

The process of learning and acquiring new knowledge is essential to personal and
professional growth. People often employ different study strategies to optimize their
learning outcomes, with two popular approaches being studying in a group and studying
alone. These two approaches share some similarities as well as differences regarding
students’ level of commitment and efficiency.

First and foremost, it is notable that studying in groups and studying independently
possess different degrees of engagement though both require students to stay active. As
for group study, it involves collaboration, support and communication with others to learn
and solve problems. Learning in groups encourages exchange of ideas and perspectives,
which can lead to multi-faceted understandings of a particular subject. Conversely, when
students study solitarily, they can learn at their own pace and be in complete
concentration and focus, with no distractions from others. This also implies that when
studying alone, students need to be proactive in seeking information, solving problems
and managing their learning time on their own.

I. Similarities

Goal-Oriented

Both studying in a group and studying alone share the common objective of enhancing
knowledge and understanding of a particular subject. Regardless of the method, the
ultimate goal is to improve academic performance or prepare for specific tasks, such as
exams or presentations.

Active Engagement

Both methods require active participation and engagement from the learners. Whether
studying alone or with others, students must be proactive in seeking information, asking
questions, and solving problems. This active involvement is crucial for effective learning
and retention of knowledge.

II. Differences

Social Interaction
One of the most apparent differences between the two methods is the level of social
interaction. Group studying involves collaboration, communication, and peer support,
while studying alone is a solitary process. The former encourages the exchange of ideas
and perspectives, which can lead to better understanding and problem-solving. In
contrast, the latter allows for complete focus and concentration, without distractions from
others.

Pace and Flexibility

Studying alone grants individuals the freedom to set their own pace and adjust their
learning methods to suit their preferences. They can spend more time on difficult
concepts, skip familiar topics, or take breaks when needed. On the other hand, group
study sessions usually follow a predetermined schedule and collective pace, which may
not cater to individual learning preferences.

Accountability and Motivation

In a group setting, students can hold each other accountable and motivate one another to
stay on track. This peer pressure can encourage consistent study habits and prevent
procrastination. Conversely, when studying alone, individuals must rely on their
self-discipline and motivation to maintain focus and achieve their goals.

Diverse Perspectives and Problem-Solving

Group studying allows students to benefit from the diverse perspectives and experiences
of their peers. This diversity can lead to more creative and comprehensive solutions to
problems. In contrast, studying alone may limit exposure to alternative viewpoints and
problem-solving techniques.

Conclusion
In conclusion, studying in a group and studying alone both have their distinct advantages
and disadvantages. While they share the common objective of learning and personal
growth, the methods differ significantly in terms of social interaction, pace and flexibility,
accountability and motivation, and diversity in problem-solving. Ultimately, the choice
between these two approaches depends on individual learning styles, preferences, and
goals. It is essential for students to assess their needs and experiment with both methods
to determine which one maximizes their learning potential.

5. Getting married vs staying single

Marriage and staying single are two choices that people make regarding their romantic
relationships. It varies from person to person when it comes to these kinds of choices.
While both options can lead to happiness and fulfillment in life, there are still some
significant differences regarding the level of freedom and financial stability.

First and foremost, a key dissimilarity between two lifestyles is the degree of freedom
one can possess. When getting married, husband and wife will need to reach a
compromise before making any decision so as to express mutual respect and ensure
equality in the relationship. As a result, this may unintentionally restrict their freedom,
which makes a group of people steering clear of the idea of entering into marriage.
Staying single, on the other hand, offers limitless freedom for people to pursue their own
interests, make their own decisions and maintain their independence. To illustrate,
married couples typically avoid socializing with strangers while people who stay single
can enjoy social parties and keep contact with a wide range of people.

Furthermore, financial capability is also a crucial factor to take into account when
comparing marriage life and single life. Married couples may benefit from a dual income
and may be able to afford a more comfortable lifestyle. However, when they have
children, the financial burden can be more significant, which can cause certain stress in
life. In contrast, most single people may struggle financially and may have to budget
more strictly to make ends meet but for others who have stable incomes, they can enjoy
their lives freely without much concern for their partners.

In conclusion, while there are some similarities between getting married and staying
single, there are also some significant differences that may affect people's lifestyle
choices. Ultimately, the decision to get married or stay single is a personal choice that
should be made based on individual needs, values, and priorities.