EDUCATION

1. Some people feel that there is too much emphasis on getting an

education, and that governments should spend money on leisure time
activities for young people too. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
2. The main purpose of public libraries should be to provide books. Public
libraries should not spend their limited resources on computer software,
videos or DVDs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
3. In most universities students focus on specialized subjects, however
some people believe that universities should encourage students to
study a wide spectrum of subjects. To want extent you agree or
disagree? Give your opinion.
4. Giving lectures in auditoriums to large numbers of students is an old way
of teaching. With the technology available today there is no justification
for it, and everything should be done online. To what extent do you
agree or disagree? Give your own opinion.
5. University students must pay all costs associated with their education,
because it benefits mostly them individually, rather than the society as a
whole. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion
6. Some people think that students who finished high school need to have
a year of break or a holiday before continuing their study in a university.
Do you agree or disagree?
7. Nowadays students can access information online, so library services are
no longer necessary. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and
examples from your own experience.
8. Is it better for children to learn to read by using online material or by
using printed material? Discuss and give your opinion.
9. Children often find it difficult to study math and philosophy. Some
people think that these subjects should be optional in the study
curriculum. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and examples
from your own experience.
10.Some people say that humanitarian subjects such as philosophy, history
and literature that people study in universities have no value for their
future career. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement? Give your own opinion and relevant examples
11.Some people think that children should learn to paint or draw at school.
Others believe it is just a waste of time. Discuss both views and give your
own opinion.
12.Some people believe that subjects such as art, music, drama and
creative writing have a bright future. Therefore, schools should spend
more time teaching these subjects. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this statement?
13.Some believe that more academic subjects such as chemistry, physics
and history should be taught in schools, while others believe that
students will derive more benefit from studying practical subjects, such
as motor mechanics and cooking. Discuss both views and provide your
own opinion with relevant examples.
14.Some people think that uniform at school is unnecessary and should be
banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and
examples from your own experience
15.In many countries an academic degree from a university is preferred to
vocational training. Nevertheless, we should educate more people using
vocational training. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement? Give your own opinion.
16.. Some people believe that universities should focus on providing
academic skills, while others think that universities should prepare
students for their real future careers. Discuss both views and give your
opinion
17.It is more important for school children to learn about their local history
than the world history. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and
examples.
18.. Some people believe that anybody can be a teacher, if he is trained
properly. Others think that there are some personal qualities a good
teacher should have. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the
statement?
19.The funds for postgraduate research are limited, therefore some people
think that financial support from the government should be provided.
However, only scientific research should be funded, rather than other,
less useful subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20.Many people believe that more money should be allocated to teaching
science than any other subject in order for a country to progress. To
 what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your
opinion and examples.
21.Nowadays university education is very expensive. Some people say that
universities should reduce their fees, especially for the less fortunate
students or those coming from rural areas. To what extent do you agree
or disagree with this statement?
22.Some people believe that governments should pay full course fees for
students who want to study in universities. Do you agree or disagree
with this statement? Give your own opinion and examples.
23.Many schools are arranging unpaid work for teenagers to get some work
experience in institutions or companies, because it is beneficial for
students as well as institutions. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this statement?
24.Academic institutions should only deal with academic studies and
passing examinations. Skills such as cookery, woodwork, tailoring are
better to be taught at home by family members and friends. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with the statement? Give reasons for
your answer and include relevant examples from your own experience.
25.Some people say private schools should be banned because they give
students an unfair advantage on others. To what extent do you agree or
disagree? Give your opinion and include relevant examples from your
own experience.
26.Some people believe that children in schools should learn how
advertisements motivate us to buy things. Do you agree or disagree?
Give your opinion.
27.Some people believe all children should be taught together. Others say
that they should be separated according to academic abilities. Discuss
both views and give your opinion
28.Some people believe that children should go to extra classes after
school. Others, however, think that children should spend that time
playing instead. Discuses both views and give your own opinion.
29.Some parents think that helping their children with homework is good.
Others think children should do their homework on their own. Discuss
both views and give your opinion
30.Some people think that to lead a successful life a university degree is
important. Others believe that this is no longer true nowadays. Discuss
both views and give your own opinion
31.Some people believe that no homework should be given to children.
Others, however, say that extra work is needed after school for children
and teenagers in order to succeed. Discuss both the views and give your
opinion including reasons and relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
32.Some teachers think that international student exchange would be
beneficial for all teenage school students. Do you think its advantages
will outweigh the disadvantages?
33.In some countries children start school at the age of four and in other
countries at the age of seven. Some people believe that early school
start is affecting parent-child relationships. Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of starting school early and give your own opinion.
34.Nowadays many nations are facing the problem of declining number of
students attending science subjects at university. What do you think are
the underlying reasons for such trend? How can it affect these nations
and why?
CRIME

1. Some people think that teenagers who commit crimes should be

treated the same way as adult criminals. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
2. Some people say that advanced technology can prevent most
crimes. Do you agree or disagree?
3. Some say that parents whose children are breaking the law must
be punished in some way. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this statement?
4. In many countries prison is the most common solution to crime
problems. However, some people believe that better education
will be a more effective solution. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this statement? Give your opinion
5. Some people say that the government should stop TV and
newspapers from showing crimes because media coverage of
violent crimes is frightening people and encouraging criminals. Do
you agree or disagree?
6. Some people think that road safety will only be possible to
achieve by increasing the legal age limit for new drivers. Do you
agree or disagree with this statement?
7. Nowadays movies and computer games containing violence are
very popular. Some people believe that they have negative effect
on the society and should be banned, others, however, believe
that it is harmless entertainment. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion
8. Nowadays young people deliberately damage public places. Why
is it happening? What could be a solution for it?
9. People continue to commit crimes even after being punished for
it. Why do you think this happens? How can crime be stopped?
10.Nowadays crime movies, programs and TV series are extremely
popular. What do you think is the reason for this? What effects do
 these films have on our society? Give your own opinion and
examples.
11.Nowadays the crime rate among young people is increasing. Why
do you think this is happening? What can be done by parents and
teachers to reduce it?
FOOD

1. In many countries traditional food is replaced by international

fast food. This has adverse effects on families, individuals and
the society. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion.
2. Every one of us should become a vegetarian because eating
meat can cause serious health problems. To what extent do
you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and examples.
3. Some people think that governments should provide subsidies
to farmers to produce cheap healthy food. Others think that
governments should tax companies producing unhealthy
foods. Discuss both views and give your own opinion
4. Many people believe that healthy eating and the importance of
healthy food should be taught in schools. Others say that
parents should teach their kids about healthy food and diet.
Discuss both views, give your opinion and relevant examples
5. Some schools agree that fast food restaurants and
supermarkets can promote their products in school and that
schools benefit from it. Is it a positive or a negative
development?
6. Nowadays more and more children acquire unhealthy eating
habits. Why is it happening? What can be done to solve this
issue?
7. Nowadays people buy a lot of unnecessary manufactured
products. Is it a positive or negative development? What is the
effect of this on the individual and the society?
8. Nowadays overeating become a serious problem for the
wealthy nations, a problem that is even greater than hunger to
others. Why is this happening? What can be the solution?
ENVIRONMENT

1. Many people believe that companies and individuals should pay to clean
up the environment in proportion to the amount of pollution they have
produced. Do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion and
examples.
2. Politicians are more responsible for protection of the environment than
individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
3. Modern technology has a great impact on our environment. Some say
that people should adopt a simple lifestyle to solve this problem, while
others argue that the technology itself should provide a solution. Discuss
both views and give your own opinion.
4. Some people believe that environmental problems are too big to be
solved by individuals. Others say people can take some actions to help
the environment. Discuss both views and give your opinion
5. Nowadays there is a trend of rapid increase in already excessive use of
natural resources such as oil, forest and fresh water. What dangers does
it bring? What are the possible solutions to address these issues?
6. Nowadays many places of natural beauty such as beaches, lakes and
mountains are getting littered with plastic bags, cans, bottles and other
garbage. Why do you think this is happening? What can be done in order
to prevent it? Give your opinion including reasons and examples from
your own experience.
7. Nowadays there is a rapid increase of rubbish amounts all around the
world. What are the main causes for it? What can be a solution, in your
opinion?
8. Many countries increase the amount of household garbage going to
landfill every year. What are the causes? What can be done to reduce it?
9. Nowadays scientists and tourists can travel to remote natural
environments such as the South Pole. What are the advantages and the
disadvantages of this development?
WORK

1. The most important decision young people have to make is about

choosing their career. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give your own opinion and examples.
2. Some people think that only staff who worked in a company for a
long time should be promoted to higher positions. Do you agree or
disagree? Give your opinion and examples.
3. Some international companies are very powerful now and many
people believe that it is a negative development. Do you agree or
disagree with this statement? Give your reasons and relevant
examples.
4. Some people believe that professional workers such as doctors and
teachers should be paid more than sports and entertainment
personalities. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your
opinion and relevant examples
5. Nowadays people usually retire at the age of 60 or 65, but some want
to keep working as long as they can. Is this a positive or a negative
development? Give you own opinion and relevant examples
6. Some people believe that no one should be allowed to continue
working after the age of 65. However, others say there shouldn’t be a
limitation on age and anyone should be allowed to work regardless of
their age. Discuss both views, give your own opinion and include
relevant examples
7. Some people believe that countries should invite foreign companies
to open their brunches, offices and factories in order to develop their
economies. Others think countries should invest in their own
companies instead. Discuss both views and give your own opinion
8. Some people think that higher salary is important when choosing a
company to work for, while others think that good atmosphere at a
workplace is more important. Discuss both views and give your
opinion with relevant examples.
9. Many people strive to maintain a successful career and happy family
life at the same time. What problems can this situation create? What
are the possible solutions?
10.Almost every successful company is using advertisements to increase
their sales. What features make an advertisement effective? Is
advertising good or bad for the society
11.Nowadays some families are moving to other countries because of
their work. Is it a positive or a negative development? How does it
impact their children’s life?
12.Most employers do job interviews before offering a position to a
person. Do you think this is the best way to do it, or are there better
alternatives? What is the best method of choosing employees in your
opinion?
13.Today people spend more time travelling to work than before. Some
people suggest employers should allow employees to do some work
from home. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the
disadvantages?
TECHNOLOGY

1. The Internet has brought many changes into our day to day life.
Nowadays we are doing things such as mailing, contacting,
banking and communication much faster. Does this development
have more advantages or disadvantages?
2. Nowadays music and newspapers are available online. What are
the advantages and disadvantages of such services? Give your
own opinion followed by relevant examples
3. The Internet has brought many changes into our day to day life.
Nowadays we are doing things such as mailing, contacting,
banking and communication much faster. Does this development
have more advantages or disadvantages?
4. Nowadays communication technology is developing rapidly;
people communicate in different ways. Is it a positive or negative
development? Give your opinion and examples from your own
experience
5. Nowadays online shopping becomes more popular than in-store
shopping. Is it a positive or a negative development? Give your
reasons and examples
6. Some people believe that mobile phones should be banned in
public, especially on public transport, in restaurants and cinemas.
Others think that mobile phones should be allowed to use
anywhere. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
7. Some people prefer to watch live performances from their home
on TV or online, others prefer to be present at the event and
experience it live. Discuss both ways and give your opinion.
8. Some people say that having a lot of TV channels is good, while
others argue that it reduces the quality of programs. Discuss both
views and give your own opinion.
9. Some people believe that the radio is the best way to get news,
while others believe that TV is better for this purpose. Discus both
views and give your opinion
10.Nowadays it is possible to use computers and mobile phones for
automatic language translation, and there is no need for human
translators and interpreters. Do you agree or disagree with this
statement?
11. Nowadays children spend a lots of time watching TV and playing
computer games. However, it does not help in improving
children’s mental abilities. Do you agree or disagree?
12.Nowadays leisure industry products and modern gadgets are
widely used by young people. The use of these products reduces
the young generation’s creativity. Do you agree or disagree with
this statement? Give your own opinion.
13.Some people say that with the development of modern
technology, printed books, newspapers and magazines lose their
importance. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?
14.Some people think that social networks such as Facebook have a
negative impact on individuals and our society. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?
FAMILY

1. Nowadays children have too much freedom, some people

say. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement? Give your own opinion and examples.
2. Some people think that mothers should spend most of their
time raising family, and therefore the government should
support them financially. Do you agree or disagree? Give
your opinion and examples based on your own experience.
3. Some people view giving presents as an important way to
show care to family and friends, others think there are
more important things that can be done to show care and
appreciation. Do you agree or disagree?
4. Some people think young people are more influenced by
their friends than their parents or teachers. Do you agree or
disagree? Give your opinion.
5. Many people believe that a member of the family is more
important than a friend. Do you agree or disagree? Include
your own opinion and examples from your experience.
6. Some people think that giving children a certain amount of
money every week will help them have fewer financial
problems in the future. Do you agree or disagree?
7. . Some people say that it’s better for children to grow up in
a city, while others say growing up in the countryside is
better. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion.
8. . Some people say that competition is good for children’s
development while others believe it is bad. Discuss both
views and give your opinion.
9. In some countries old people are highly valued and in other
countries youth is considered to be more valuable. Discuss
both views and give your opinion
10.. Many people agree that children can be physically
punished when they do something wrong, to correct and
discipline them. Others disagree with this approach,
because it can cause trauma. They believe that parents
should speak with their children and explain why they
should not make that mistake again. Discuss both views and
give your personal opinion
11.The modern family structure and roles of each member
have changed in the recent years. Do you think it has a
negative or a positive effect on families? Give your opinion
and relevant examples.
12.Nowadays in some countries the number of children aged
15 and younger are increasing. What are the current and
future effects of ever increasing population?
13.Nowadays people are getting married and having children in
their thirties. Does it have a positive or a negative impact on
the society? Give your opinion and examples
14.Some people think that computer games are bad for
children, while others believe that they are useful. Discuss
the advantages and disadvantages of computer games and
give your own opinion.
15.Nowadays children prefer electronic games to other games
and toys. Why is it happening? Is it a positive or a negative
development
16.Nowadays young people prefer to move to big cities; older
people, however, are the opposite and prefer to stay in the
countryside. What are the positives and negatives of this
trend?
17.These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their
children while mothers go out to work. What are the
reasons for it? Do you think this is a positive or a negative
development?
TRAVEL

1. Some people think that it is necessary to travel to other places to learn

about other cultures. Others say that books, films and the Internet can
be used as a source of information about different cultures. Do you
agree or disagree? Give your opinion.
2. The 20th century had a huge breakthrough in air travel and
communication. This brought benefits to many nations through close
contact with foreigners on different levels, from tourism to business.
Some people, however, say there were more drawbacks than benefits.
Discuss and give your own opinion
3. Many people believe that international tourism has negative
implications on their countries. What is the reason for it? What can be
done to change the negative attitude towards international tourism?
4. Some people think that a car is the best way to travel in cities, while
others believe a bicycle is a better way. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
5. Airline companies in many countries have reduced the cost of tickets.
Discuss whether this is a positive or negative development. Give some
examples based on your own experience
6. In many countries airlines are dropping their prices. Is it a positive or a
negative development? Give your opinion and examples
7. Some people say that the government should invest in trains and the
subway system to prevent traffic congestion in large cities. Others,
however, think it should build wider roads. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion and examples.
8. . Nowadays many countries are facing the problem of heavy traffic and
congestion. Describe the situation in your home country and suggest
some solutions.
9. Cycling has many benefits, yet in some countries there is a decrease in
the number of people using bicycles as their main form of
transportation. Why is it happening? Give suggestions how to encourage
people to use bicycles again
 FASHION

1. Nowadays most people wear western clothing rather than their

traditional clothes. What are the reasons for it? Is it a positive or a
negative development?
2. People try to change their look by changing the color of their hair,
using cosmetics, wearing jewelry or even having a plastic surgery
done. Why do you think people do it? Do you think changing your
look is a good thing?
3. Nowadays in many countries people are following the latest fashion,
hairstyles and so on. Why are they so influenced by fashion? Is it a
positive or a negative development?

PAST-NOW-FUTURE

1. In the past people used to live in one house their whole life. Nowadays
people live in several different places during their life. What are the
reasons for this change? Is it a positive or a negative trend?
2. Nowadays more people are living by themselves. What are the reasons
for this? Will this have a negative or a positive impact on the society?
3. Nowadays we see more advertisements on the streets and on our TV
screens. What are advantages and disadvantages of it?
4. Nowadays many people are diagnosed with anorexia. What do you think
the causes of this are? What can be done to improve the situation?
5. Nowadays young people know less about traditions and culture than in
the past. What are the reasons for it? What can be done to improve this
situation?
6. Some say that today’s life is better than it will be in the future; others
disagree and say that in the future life will be better than now. Discuss,
and include your own opinion
 7. Nowadays most of the urgent problems can only be solved through
international cooperation. To what extent do you agree or disagree with
this statement?
8. Some people think that our behaviour, customs and traditions are no
longer relevant, and have to change due to the influence of modern
ways of life. Do you agree or disagree? Include any relevant examples in
your response.

ANIMAL

1. There are animal species that are close to extinction. Some say that only
animals that are beneficial to people should be protected. Do you agree
or disagree? Give your own opinion.
2. . Some people think that man-made Zoos should not exist in the 21st
century. Do you agree or disagree?
3. All around the globe every year many animal species become extinct.
However, some people feel that governments should be concerned
more with solving the problems of human life. Discuss both views and
give your opinion.
SPORT

1. In some countries people of all ages place extra emphasis on sports and
exercising. Do you think it is a positive development? Give your opinion
and relevant examples from your own experience
2. Some say that for any country hosting an international sports event such
as the Olympic Games is costly, inefficient and is a waste of money,
while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
3. Some people consider sport to be their careers and role in the society.
For others it is mostly a workout to keep fit. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion.
4. Some people say that competition is good for children’s development
while others believe it is bad. Discuss both views and give your opinion
5. Some people believe that sport competitions are a source of emotional
stress for young people. Therefore, youth should be banned from
participating in sport competitions. Do you agree or disagree?
6. Many countries spend too much money on training of a few individuals
for international sports competitions. Some people think that
governments should invest more in ordinary people instead. Do you
agree or disagree? Give your opinion and examples.
GOVERNMENT

1. Some people think that governments should invest more in public

services instead of wasting money on arts such as music and paintings.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. Some people give more importance to artists (painter, writers,
musicians) in the current age of rapidly developing technology and
science. What do you think? Do people prefer arts to technology in your
view?
3. The government should allocate more funds to public services instead of
wasting money on arts such as music, painting and so on. Do you agree
or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion.
4. Some people believe that the government should pay for and offer
housing to people who lost their homes or cannot afford them. To what
extent do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion. Use specific
reasons and examples to support it
5. Some people believe that governments shouldn’t provide aid to other
countries if they have poor and disadvantaged people within their own
country. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and examples
from your own experience
6. . Some people believe that it is impossible to help everyone in need
around the world. That is why governments should only focus on helping
people of their own country. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this statement? Give your own opinion and relevant examples.
7. Some say that young people are not suitable for decision-making
positions in governments; others, however, disagree. Discuss both views
and give your own opinion.
8. Nowadays some governments encourage industrial factories and
businesses to move out of large cities. Is it a positive or negative
development?
LIFESTYLE

1. It is believed that everyone should have an ambition to become

successful in life. Is it really important to have these ambitions? Is being
ambitious good or bad?
2. People prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced ones.
Why do you think this happens? Should the government support local
film makers financially
3. Modern lifestyle has made it harder for people to live a healthy and
active lifestyle. What are the causes of this situation? Suggest what can
be done by the government and large organizations to improve it
4. It is a fact that people nowadays are under a lot of pressure and their
lives are becoming increasingly stressful. What could be the possible
reasons for this? What are some solutions to address this issue?
5. Some people are reducing their walks, however many health experts say
that walking is the best exercise to maintain health. Why do people walk
less? What might encourage people to walk longer distances
6. Some people feel unsafe either staying at home or going out. What are
the possible reasons for this? What can be done to address this issue?
7. Some people say that living in high-rise apartments feels very lonely and
makes people unhappy. Others say there are advantages to living in a big
apartment building. Discuss both views and give your own opinion
8. There is an increasing trend of old people living longer in many countries
around the world. Do you think this has a positive or a negative effect on
the population as a whole? Give your own opinion and relevant
examples.
9. In most developed countries shopping is not only about buying the
goods you need, it is also perceived as entertainment. Is it a positive or
negative development? Give your own opinion and examples based on
your experience
10.Some people believe that media (such as newspapers) should be
allowed to publish information about the private life of people. Others
say that people have a right to privacy and the issue must be controlled
or even stopped. Discuss both views.
 11.Some people think that they can make as much noise as they want,
while others think that the amount of noise people make should be
strictly controlled. Discuss both views and include your own opinion and
examples

12.Some people believe that manufacturers and supermarkets should

minimise the packaging material used. However, others think that
consumers should avoid heavily packaged goods. Discuss both views and
give your opinion

13.It’s good to have English as a global language. Do you agree or disagree

with this statement? Explain your reasons and include relevant examples
from your own experience

14.. Intelligence is most important component for leadership. Do you agree

or disagree? Give your opinion and support it with adequate examples.

BUILDING
1. Some people think that governments must insist on preserving
traditional appearance of old buildings undergoing renovation or
redevelopment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the
statement?
2. Some think that buildings should be constructed with functionality in
mind, as it is more important than design. To what extent do you agree
or disagree?
3. Some people believe that it is better to build new museums and town
halls instead of renovating the old ones. To what extent do you agree or
disagree? Give your opinion and relevant examples from your own
experience.
4. Some people believe that a vertical city in which people work and live in
tall buildings is a good idea. Others say that horizontal living is better.
Discuss both views and express your opinion.
5. Museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists, not the local
people. Why is this so? What could be done to encourage more local
visitors? Please include relevant examples from your own knowledge
and experience.
6. Many historic places and buildings are being destroyed or damaged.
What do you think are the reasons? What can be done about it? Give
your opinion and relevant examples
7.
MONEY

1. Some people believe that money is the most important factor for
achieving happiness. However, others believe that happiness has
nothing to do with money. Do you agree or disagree? Give your own
opinion and examples.
2. Many people believe that the gap between rich and poor is widening
nowadays, because in the current economic situation the rich become
richer while the poor become poorer. What are the problems this
situation may cause? What measures can be taken to solve them?
3. In many countries few people have extremely high incomes compared
to the rest of the population. Some believe that this is good, while
others say that the government should not allow this to happen. Discuss
both views and give your own opinion
4. Some people think that economic growth is the only way to stop world’s
poverty and hunger, while others say that economic growth is the cause
of environmental disasters. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.

SOCIETY

1. Some people believe that young generation should follow traditions of

their society; others, however, believe that young people should be free
to make their own choice as individuals. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion
2. Some people think that younger generations are becoming less and less
polite. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion
and examples.
3. Some people believe that looking after our health is a duty to the society
we live in rather than a personal need. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
4. Intelligence is most important component for leadership. Do you agree
or disagree? Give your opinion and support it with adequate examples