ADVERTISING

1. Advertisements are becoming more and more common in everyday life. Is

it a positive or negative development?

2. The society would benefit from a ban on all forms of advertising because it
serves no useful purpose and can even be damaging. Do you agree or
disagree?

ANIMAL

3. Many animal species are becoming extinct due to human activities on land
and in sea. What are the reasons and solutions to solve this issue?

4. Some people claim that it is acceptable to use animals in medical research

for the benefit of human beings, while other people argue that it is wrong.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

BUSINESS & MONEY

5. As well as making money, businesses also have social responsibilities. Do

you agree or disagree?

6. Some people say that increasing business and cultural contacts between
countries is a positive development, while others think that many countries
will lose their national identities as a result. Discuss both views and give your
own opinion.

7. The aging population is good for business, the economy and society.
Others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion

CITIES

8. Living in big cities is bad for people's health. To what extent do you agree
or disagree with this opinion?

9. It is important for all towns and cities to have large public spaces such as
squares and parks. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

10. In some countries, governments are encouraging industries and

businesses to move out of the cities and into regional areas. Do you think the
advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

11. As major cities in the world are growing today, so do their problems.
What are problems for young people who are living in the cities as the result
of continued growth? How problems might be solved?
12. Some people think that it is best to live in a vertical city (work and live in
high buildings), while others think a horizontal city is better. Discuss both
view and give your opinion.

13. In many countries, young people leave rural areas to study or work in
cities. What do you think are reasons for this? Do you think the advantages
outweigh the disadvantages?

14. More and more people in the city live in small space & without outdoor
space. Do you think it is a negative or positive development?

15. It is difficult for people living in cities today get enough physical exercise.
What are the causes? What can be done to solve the problem?

CRIME

16. Some people who have been in prison become good citizens later, and it
is often argued that these are the best people to talk to teenagers about the
dangers of committing a crime. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

17. In many parts of the world, children and teenagers are committing more
crimes. Why is this happening? How should they be punished?

18. People today do not feel safe either at home or when they are out. What
are the causes? What are the solutions?

19. Some people think that all lawbreakers should be put into prison, while
others believe that there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion.

EDUCATION

20. In schools and universities, girls tend to choose arts, while boys like
science. What are the reasons for this trend and do you think this tendency
should be changed?

21. Many students find it difficult to concentrate or pay attention at school.

What are the reasons? What could be done?

22. Many young people who leave school hold a negative attitude towards
learning. Why does this happen? What are the solutions?

23. Some people think painting and drawing are as important as other
subjects, they should be compulsory in the high school education. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
24. Some students take one year off between finishing school and going to
university, in order to travel or to work. Do you think the advantages
outweigh the disadvantages?

25. Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high
school students are encouraged to make comments or even criticism on their
teachers. Others think it will lead to loss of respect and discipline in the
classroom. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

26. Students today can easily access information online, so libraries are no
longer necessary. Do you agree or disagree?

27. Some people think that studying from the past teaches us nothing about
today’s life. Others argue that history is a valuable source of information.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

28. It is observed that in many countries not enough students are choosing
to study science subject. What are causes? And what will be effects on
society?

29. In some countries, secondary schools aim to provide a general education

across a range of subjects. In others, children focus on a narrow range of
subjects related to a particular career. Which of these two systems is more
appropriate in today's world?

30. The government should invest more money in teaching science than in
other subjects for a country’s development and progress. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?

31. Some universities offer online courses as an alternative to classes

delivered on campus. Do you think this is a positive or negative
development?

32. In developing countries, children in rural communities have less access

to education. Some people believe that the problem can be solved by
providing more schools and teachers, while others think that the problem can
be solved by providing computers and Internet access. Discuss both views
and give your own opinion.

33. In some countries, parents expect their children to spend a long time
studying both in and after school and have less free time. What are the
positive and negative effects that this could have on children and the society
they live in?
34. Some people think that children should start school at a very early age,
but others believe that they should not go to school until they are older.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

35. Some people believe that studying in a college or university is the best
way for students to prepare for their future career. Others, however, think
they should leave school as soon as possible to develop their career through
work experience. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

36. Students learn far more with their teachers than other sources (internet
or television). To what extent do you agree or disagree?

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY

37. The best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase
the cost of fuel. Do you agree or disagree?

38. The consumption of the world's resources (oil, and water etc.) is
increasing at a dangerous rate. What are causes and solutions?

39. Due to increasing world demands for oil and gas energy, people need to
look for new sources of energy in remote and untouched natural places. Do
advantages of locating these sources outweigh the disadvantages?

40. Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) are the main sources in many
countries, but in some countries the use of alternative sources of energy
(wind energy and solar energy) is encouraged. To what extent do you think it
is a positive or negative development?

41. Some people think that nuclear energy is better than other sources of
power for meeting ever-increasing global needs. To what extent do you
agree?

FAMILY&CHILDREN

42. Parents often give children everything they ask for and do what they like.
Is it good for children? What are the consequences when they grow up?

43. In recent years, the family structure has changed, as well as family roles.
What types of changes are occurring? Do you think these changes are
positive and negative?

44. Nowadays, more and more people decide to have children later in their
life. What are the reasons? Do advantages of this outweigh disadvantages?
45. Nowadays, as women and men have to work full time, household duties
should be equally divided. Do you agree or disagree?

46. It is better for college students to live in schools than live at home with
their parents. Do you agree or disagree?

47. Some people think that families have the most powerful influence on a
child’s development, while others think other factors such as television,
friends, music, etc. have the biggest effects. Discuss both views and give
your opinion.

48. People in many countries are spending less time with their family. What
are the reasons, and effects of this?

49. Caring for children is important in any society. All parents should be
required to take childcare courses. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

FOOD & DIET

50. Every day, millions of tons of food are wasted all over the world. Why do
you think this is happening? And how can we solve this problem?

51. Research has shown that overeating is as harmful as smoking. Therefore,

the advertising of certain food products should be banned in the same way
as the advertising of cigarettes in some countries. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?

52. In many countries, more and more people choose to buy imported food
rather than food produced locally. Why people buy imported food? What
could be done to encourage people to buy local food?

GOVERNMENT SPENDING

53. In many countries, the government spent a large amount of money

improving internet access. Why is it happening and do you think it is the
most appropriate use of government money?

54. Some people think that the government should give financial support to
artists such as musicians, painters and poets. Others think that it is a waste
of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

55. In the future, it seems more difficult to live on Earth. Some people think
more money should be spent researching other planets, such as Mars. To
what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
56. As the number of cars increases, more money has to be spent on road
systems. Some people think the government should pay for this. Others,
however, think that the user should cover the costs. Discuss and give your
opinion.

HEALTH

57. Some people think that good health is very important to every person, so
medical services should not be run by profit-making companies. Do the
advantages of private healthcare outweigh the disadvantages.

58. Some people think that the government have the duty to ensure its
citizens to have a healthy diet, while others argue it is the responsibility of
each individual. Discuss both views and give your opinion?

59. Some people think it is more important for the government to spend
public money promoting healthy lifestyles in order to prevent illness than to
spend it on the treatment of people who are already ill. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?

SPORTS & EXERCISE

60. Some people think that governments should ban dangerous sports, while
others think people should have freedom to do any sports or activity. Discuss
both views and give your own opinion.

TECHNOLOGY

61. Some people think that media news has become much more influential in
people’ s lives today and it is a negative development. Agree or disagree?

62. Many people think modern communication technology is having some

negative effects on social relationships. Do you agree or disagree.

63. Some people say that young people learn useful skills by playing
electronic and computer games. Others, however, say that young people
who play electronic and computer games are wasting their time. Discuss
both views and give your opinion.

64. Some people think that children can learn more efficiently by watching
TV. Therefore, children should watch TV regularly both in school and at
home? Do you agree or disagree?

65. Some people think that the increasing use of computers and mobile
phones in communication has negative effects on young people's reading
and writing skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
66. There have been many inventions in human history (example: the
wheel). Some people think the most important thing is the internet. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

THE MEDIA

67. Some people say that we do not need printed newspapers any more. To
what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion.

TOURISM & TRAVELLING

68. Space travel has been possible for some time and some people believe
that space tourism could be developed in the future. Do you think it is a
positive or negative development.

69. It is now possible for scientists and tourists to travel to remote natural
environment, such as South Pole. Do the advantages of this development
outweigh the disadvantages?

70. Many museums and 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?

71. More people than ever before are travelling to other countries now. Why?
Is this a positive or negative development

TRANSPORT

72. The best way for governments to solve the problem of traffic congestion
is providing free public transport in 24 hours per day, and seven days a
week. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

73. Some people believe the government should spend money on building
train and subway lines to reduce traffic congestion. Others, however, think
that building more and wider roads is a better way to reduce traffic
congestion. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

74. More and more people do not ride the bicycle as a mode of
transportation even though it has many benefits. Why? How to encourage
people to use bicycles as a main form of transport?

75. Scientists predict in the near future cars will be driven by computers, not
people. Why? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

WORK
76. Leaders and directors in organizations are often older people. Some
people say that younger leaders would be better. Do you agree or disagree?

77. Is it better to be unemployed in jobs rather than to be employed in jobs

even if they don't feel happy or enjoy. Do you agree or disagree?

78. Some people think that work is the most important thing of people’s life.
Without a successful career, life will become meaningless. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?

79. Some people think that people who choose a job early and keep doing it
are more likely to get a satisfying career life than those who frequently
change jobs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

OTHER TOPICS

80. Nowadays young people spend too much of their free time in shopping
malls. Some people fear that this may have negative effects on young
people and the society they live in. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

81. Some people think that developing countries need financial help from
international organizations. Others think that it is practical aid and advice
that is needed. Discuss these views and give your own opinion.

82. More and more young people from wealthy countries are spending a
short time doing unpaid work such as teaching and building houses for
communities in poorer countries. What are the reasons for this? Who benefits
more from this, the communities or these young people?

83. Some people think that it is good for a country's culture to import foreign
movies and TV programmes. Others think that it is better to produce these
locally. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

84. Many people say the gap between rich and poor people is wider, as rich
people become richer and poor people grow poorer. What problems could
this situation cause and what measures can be done to address those
problems?

85. In many countries, people now wear Western clothes (suits, jeans) rather
than traditional clothing. Why? Is this a positive or negative development?

86. Some people believe that people who read books can develop more
imagination and language skills than those who prefer to watch TV. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
87. When designing a building, the function is normally more important than
the outward appearance. Do you agree or disagree with this idea?

88. People nowadays are encouraged to buy more and more consumer
products. Some people think that it is good for the economy, while others
believe that this development will damage the society as a whole. Discuss
both views and give your opinion.

89. Some people think that in the modern world we are more dependent on
each other, while others think that people have become more independent.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

90. Some people think that the supply of fresh water should be strictly
controlled by governments as the resources are limited. While others think
we can use as much water as we want. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.

91. Economic progress is often used to measure a country's success.

However, some people believe that other factors are more important. What
other factors should also be considered when measuring a country's
success? Do you think one factor is more important than others?

92. Scientists say that in the future humanity will speak the same language.
Do you think this is a positive or negative social development?

93. Few languages are increasingly spoken in different countries, while the
usage of others is rapidly declining. Is this a positive or negative
development?

94. More and more people want to own famous brands of cars, clothers and
other items. What are the reasons for this? Is this a negative or positive
trend?

95. Some people think that there should be some strict controls about noise.
Others think that they could make as much noise as they want. Discuss both
views and give your opinion.

96. In many countries, children are becoming overweight and unhealthy.

Some people think that the government should have the responsibility to
solve this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

97. Whether or not someone achieves their aims is mostly by a question of

luck. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
98. There is a general increase in anti-social behaviors and lack of respect for
others. What are the causes and solutions?

99. People should follow the customs and traditions when people start to live
in a new country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

100. The restoration of the old buildings in major cities throughout the world
involves enormous government expenditure. This money would bring more
benefits if it is used to provide new housing and roads. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?