TOPICS FROM NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2019 AND JANUARY FEBRUARY 2020

CHILDREN

Some people think nowadays children have too much freedom. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?
Some people say that it is unnecessary to teach children handwriting at school. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some parents give their children everything that their children ask for and accept
what their children want to do. Is this good for children? What could be
consequences for these children when they grow up?
Some people claim that many things children learn at school have actually wasted
their time. Other people argue that everything taught at school is useful in the
future. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think children should begin formal learning at school as young as
possible. However, others feel children should not study at school until at least
seven years old. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members
of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that teenagers should concentrate on all school subjects.
But others believe that teenagers should focus on the subject that they are good
at or that they find the most interest. Discuss both these views and give your own
opinion.
Nowadays, some parents pressure their children to be successful. What are the
reasons for this? Is this a positive or negative development.
Young people today know more about international pop and movie stars than
famous people in the history of their country. Why is it? What can be done to
increase young people's interest in the famous people in the history of their
country?
Some students found some subjects such as mathematics, philosophy are difficult,
so these subjects should be optional instead of compulsory. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?
Some people think nowadays children have too much freedom. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?

OLDER PEOPLE

Nowadays, some older people choose to live in the retirement communities with
other people, rather than living with their adult children. Is it a positive or
negative development?
The birth rate in most developed countries is predicted to begin to fall over the
next 50 years. By 2030 it is estimated that over one third of the population in
most developed countries will be aged 65 and over:
What effects will these predictions have on developed countries if they prove
true? What can be done now to deal with this situation?
In some culture it is argued that the old age should be valued, while in some
cultures youth is more valued. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Experts say that if older people spend their time with others and exercise daily,
they will be healthier and happier. However, many elderly are suffering from lack
of exercise. Discuss the reasons and give a solution to this problem.
Leaders and directors in some organisations are frequently older people. Some
people think younger leaders would be better. What extent do you agree and
disagree?
Some people believe that older people are happy in this current modern world.
While, Others argue that elders were quite favorable in the past. Discuss both
views and give your own.
In some countries, a new law makes it illegal for employers to reject applications
based on age. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

CELEBRITIES

In some countries, celebrities earn higher salaries than senior politicians. What
are the reasons? Is it a negative or positive development?
Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in
other important professions. Some people think is fully justified while others
think it is unfair.
Discus both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe famous people's support towards international aid
organizations draws attention to problems, while others think celebrities make
the problems less important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Young people today know more about international pop and movie stars than
famous people in the history of their country. Why is it? What can be done to
increase young people's interest in the famous people in the history of their
country?

CITIES + SOCIETY+CRIME

With growing population in cities, more and more people live in a home with
small or no outdoor areas. Is it a positive or negative development?
Today many people spend less and less time in their homes. What are the reasons
for it? What are the effects of this trend on individuals and society?
The best way to deal with the rising problem of traffic and transportation is by
encouraging people to live in cities rather than in suburbs and in the countryside.
What are the effects of rapid population growth in the city? How to maintain the
life quality of the people who lives in the city?
In many countries, the cost of living is on the rise. What effects do higher prices
have on individuals and society? How to deal with higher costs?
Today, the quality of life of people in big cities is getting worse. What are the
causes of this problem? Any measures should be taken to solve it?
Many people aim to achieve a balance between work and other parts of lives, but
few people achieve it. What are the problems in trying to achieve it and how to
overcome these problems?
In many countries today, people in cities ether live alone or in small family units,
rather than in large, extended family groups. Is this a positive or negative trend?
Some people believe that charity organisations should help people wherever they
live, others think they should attend their countries only. Discuss both and give
your opinion.
People often do not interact with their neighbours and this is harming the
community. What are the possible causes and solutions?
Popular events like the Football World Cup and other international sporting
occasions are essential in easing international tension and releasing patriotic
emotions in a safe way.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some people think that paying tax is their only duty, while others believe that we
have more responsibilities towards our society. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
Throughout the history, people dream to live in a perfect society while they
haven't agreed how the ideal society would be like. Which factor is the most
important for building a perfect society? What should people do to achieve this
goal?
The number of young people who commit crimes has increased. Why? How
should they be punished?
In some countries, criminal trials are shown on television for the public. Do the
advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Films and computer games with violence are popular. Some people say it is the
negative effect on the society and should be banned. Others see it has recreation
and entertainment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
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.
To what extent Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Many people think that happiness relies on the responsibility of individuals,
others think that is affected by other factors. Discuss both views and state your
opinion by using examples from your personal experience.
Some people think that to produce a happier society is to ensure that there is
only a small difference on the earnings of the richest and the poorest members.
To what extent to do you agree or disagree?
Some experts suggest that if a country already rich, additional economic wealth
cannot make it citizens happier. To what extent Do you agree or disagree?
TECHNOLOGY/INTERNET AND SCIENCE

Nowadays, films are no longer made by big companies only. Digital technology
enables everybody to produce films. Do you think it is positive or negative
development?
In the modern world, it is possible to shop, work and communicate with people
via the internet and live without any face-to-face contact with others. To what
extent it Is a positive or negative development?
When a country develops its technology, the traditional skills and ways of life die
out. It is pointless to try and keep them alive.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Modern appliances in the home have become more common, leaving no doubt
that advances in technology have improved our lifestyle.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that the latest technology is creating a divide between rich
and poor. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
New technologies provided machines which replaced workers to do certain
physical jobs and tasks. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Scientific research should be funded by governments rather than commercial
organisations. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Space exploration is much too expensive and the money should be spent on more
important things. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Since most information about culture and history can be found on the internet,
museums are not needed anymore. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In the modern world, it is possible to shop, work and communicate with people
via the internet and live without any face-to-face contact with others. To what
extent it Is a positive or negative development?
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.
To what extent Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Although more and more people read news on the Internet, newspapers remain
the main source of news for the majority of people. To what extent do you agree
or disagree?
Beside a lot of advantages, some people believe that the Internet creates many
problems.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
More and more business meetings and business training have taken place on the
internet. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
People today can use internet to learn the life and culture of another country, so
it cannot be necessary to travel to other country. To that extent do you agree or
disagree?

ENVIRONMENT

Some people think that climate change could have a negative effect on business.
Other people think that climate change could create more business opportunities.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Influence of human beings on the world's ecosystem is leading to the extinction of
species and loss of bio-diversity.
What are the primary causes of loss of bio-diversity?What solutions can you
suggest?
Although the environmental concerns are raised by scientists, people are not
changing their life style, why so? What should be done to encourage the people in
order to save environment?
The international community should take action immediately to ensure that all
countries reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, such as gas and oil. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
The increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to the
natural environment. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this
problem?
Many people today prefer to eat locally produced food. Do the advantages of this
trend outweigh disadvantages for the environment and economy?
As countries develop, more and more people buy and use their own cars. Do
advantages of this trend for individuals outweigh the disadvantages for the
environment?
In many countries, today people are living in a ‘throwaway society’, where things
are used in a short time and then thrown away. What are its causes? What are its
problems?
Nowadays many of us prefer to throw damaged things away, whereas in the past
people used to repair damaged items and keep them for a long time. Why has this
change happened? What are the effects of this change?
People nowadays are used to “throw-away” which means that they use things in
short time and throw it away. What do you think is the cause and the problems it
may lead to?
People waste a lot of food that was bought from shops and restaurants these
days. What causes it and what solutions are possible.
Although the environmental concerns are raised by scientists, people are not
changing their life style, why so? What should be done to encourage the people in
order to save environment?
Many people today prefer to try another country food instead of local food. Do
the advantages of this trend outweigh disadvantages for the environment and
economy?
Today food travels many miles from farms to reach consumers. Some people
believe that people should eat food from local farmers. It is good for environment
and economy. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
In modern world, it is no longer necessary to use animals for foods or use animal
products, for instance, clothing and medicines. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
A growing number of people feel that animals should not be exploited by people
and that they should have the same rights as humans, while others argue that
humans must employ animals to satisfy their various needs, including uses for
food and research.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
It is natural process that animal species such as dinosaurs become extinct. There
is no reason for people to prevent this from happening. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
Many people think that we have to focus on the endangered species while other
think that we should pay attention to the problem of human beings.
Discuss both and give your opinion.
Some people think that animal testing to advance medical research for human
use Is necessary. Others think it is not right.
Discuss both of these views and give you own opinion.

MEDIA/ADVERTISING

In some countries, criminal trials are shown on television so that the general
public can watch theme. Do you think advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Whoever controls the media also controls opinions and attitudes of the people
and there is little can be done to rectify this.
To what extend do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that news and media are affecting our life in a positive way
while others disagree. What is your opinion? Give reasons for your answer and
include examples from your own experience.
The news media's tendency to report problems and emergencies rather than
positive development is harmful to individuals and the society. To what extend do
you agree or disagree?
The tendency of news reports in the media is to focus more on problems and
emergencies rather than on positive of developments to individual and to the
society as a whole. To what extent do you agree or disagree.
Social media has replaced the traditional methods of communicating and people
use more and more of social media to communicate to follow news and events.
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Nowadays here is a growing amount of advertising aimed at children. Some
people think this has negative effects on children and should be banned. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
Society would benefit from a complete ban on all forms of advertisement.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many famous sports players advertise in sports products. Do you think
advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
People are surrounded by many kinds of advertising which can influence their life.
Does the positive effect of this trend outweigh the negative effect?
Some people believe that products are all about good quality and its needs in
people, advertisement is unnecessary and only a form of entertainment. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
If you sell a product and the people buy it, then advertising is not necessary and
considered as a kind of entertainment. Are you agree or disagree with this? Give
an example from your experience to support your opinion.
Many people believe that advertising have negative effects on customers.
To What extent do you agree or disagree?

GENDER

Today, TV channels focus more on men's sport than on women's sport. Why has
this happened? Should TV channels give equal time to women's sports and men's
sports?
Universities should accept equal numbers of men and women in every subject.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Women and men are commonly seen as having different strengths and
weaknesses. Is it right to exclude males or females from certain professions
because of their gender?
Some people think that men are naturally more competitive than women. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?

JOBS

Some people think that interviews are not the best way to check if someone
should work for a company, but there are other better methods to do it. Discuss
both views and state your opinion by using examples from your personal
experience.
Many young people change their jobs or careers every few years. What are the
reasons for this? Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people feel that certain workers like nurses, doctors and teachers are
undervalued and should be paid more, especially when other people like film
actors or company bosses are paid huge sums of money that are out of
proportion to the importance of the work that they do.
To what extent do you agree or disagree? What criteria should be used to decide
how much people are paid?
Some people argue that it is more important to have an enjoyable job than to
earn a lot of money. Others disagree and think that a good salary leads to a better
life.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
In some culture it is argued that the old age should be valued, while in some
cultures youth is more valued. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many young people change their jobs or careers every few years. What are the
reasons for this? Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Leaders and directors in some organisations are frequently older people. Some
people think younger leaders would be better. What extent do you agree and
disagree?
In some countries, a new law makes it illegal for employers to reject applications
based on age. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

MISCALLENEOUS

Some people think spoken communication is more powerful than written

communication. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that it is a waste of time for an individual to plan for the future
and that it is more important to focus on the present. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
Some people suggest that a country should try to produce all the food for its
population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Demand of food is increasing worldwide. Which is a cause of this? What measures
could the international community take in order to improve the situation?
In some culture it is argued that the old age should be valued, while in some
cultures youth is more valued. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
A few languages are increasingly spoken in different countries, while the usage of
others is rapidly declining. Is this a positive or a negative development?
Some people believe that success in life depends on hard work and
determination, while others believe that other factors like money and personal
appearance are important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
A person's success nowadays seems to be judged according to social status and
material possessions. Old-fashioned values, such as honour, kindness and trust,
no longer seem important.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Some psychologists recommend that doing absolutely nothing at all for a period
of time of the day is the best way to overcome stress. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
In some countries, celebrities earn higher salaries than senior politicians. What
are the reasons? Is it a negative or positive development?