"RECENT"

Nowadays, distance-learning programs have gained in popularity, but some people argue that online courses can never be taken as good as those taken at a college or university in person.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It has been suggested that primary children should learn how to grow vegetables and keep animals.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Some believe that money for education should mainly be spent on better computers while others believe it would be better spent on teachers.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Topic 1:

Some people think that the best way to be successful in life is to get a university education. Others disagree and say this is no longer true.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Topic 2:

The best curriculum is not one based on a static body of knowledge, but one which teaches students to cope with change.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 3:

Some people think that because children find subjects such as mathematics and philosophy difficult, they ought to be optional instead of compulsory.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 4:

Some believe children should be taught to give speeches and presentations in school.

Why is this?

Should this be taught in schools?

Topic 5:

Many students find it difficult to pay attention at school.

What are the reasons for this?

What could be done to solve this problem?

Topic 6:

Some people believe the purpose of education should be helping the individual to become useful for society, while others believe it should help individuals to achieve their ambitions.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Topic 7:

Some people think students should study the science of food and how to prepare it. Others think students should spend time on important subjects.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Topic 8:

Computers today can quickly and accurately translate languages, therefore, it is a waste of time to learn a foreign language.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 9:

Some people think that it is a waste of time for high school students to study literature, such as novels and poems.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 10:

Many educational institutions give greater importance to subjects related to science and ignore subjects such as drama and literature.

Why is this?

Is this a positive or negative development?

"RECENT"

Some people say that computer games are bad for children in every aspect. Others say that playing computer games can have a positive effect on the way children develop.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Today, many people use the internet and smartphones to transfer money to friends, family, and businesses.

Is this a positive or negative development?

Scientific research should be carried out and controlled by governments rather than private companies.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 1:

In the future, all cars, buses, and trucks will be driverless. The only people traveling inside these vehicles will be passengers.

Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?

Topic 2:

More and more people no longer read newspapers or watch TV programs to get their news and instead read online.

Is this a positive or negative development?

Topic 3:

Many people put their personal information online (address, telephone number, and so on) for purposes such as signing up for social networks or online banking.

Is this a positive or negative development?

Topic 4:

Computer games are very popular for all ages and nationalities. Parents think this has little educational value and it will be harmful to children.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 5:

The first man to walk on the moon claimed it was a step forward for mankind. However, it has made little difference in most people’s lives.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 6:

One of the most important issues facing the world today is a shortage of food and some think genetically modified foods are a possible solution.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 7:

Some believe that advances in technology are increasing the gap between rich and poor while others think the opposite is happening.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Topic 8:

"RECENT"

Some argue that patriotism is the primary cause of wars globally. Others feel that it serves to prevent less ethical politicians from running a country and starting wars.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people today have argued that countries should interfere less in the affairs of other nations.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 1:

Some people say patriotism causes problems and is negative overall. Others feel that it is beneficial for society at large.

Do the advantages of patriotism outweigh its disadvantages?

Topic 2:

Some believe that nuclear weapons benefit the world at large.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 3:

In the 20th century, contact between many different parts of the world has developed rapidly through air travel and telecommunications.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Topic 4:

Some think increasing business and cultural contact between nations is positive. Others think it leads to the disappearance of the national identity.

Discuss both views and state your own opinion.

Topic 5:

The world should have only one government rather than a national government for each country.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Topic 6:

Globalization is positive for economies but its negative sides should not be ignored.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 7:

The growth of multinational companies and the resulting rise of globalization creates positive effects for all.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?.

Topic 8:

Some countries import a large amount of food from other parts of the world.

To what extent is this a positive or negative trend?

Topic 9:

Some believe that the Olympic games help bring people from different nations together, while others claim that holding the Olympics wastes money that could be used for important issues.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Topic 10:

Around the world more and more people today are living in urban areas.

Why is this?

What problems does this cause?

Topic 11:

Many today feel that most urgent problems can only be solved by international cooperation.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

"RECENT"

Older people often choose to spend money on themselves (e.g. on holidays) rather than save money for their children after retirement.

Is this a positive or negative development?

More and more people today are moving away from where their friends and family live.

Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Topic 1:

In the 20th century, contact between many different parts of the world has developed rapidly through air travel and telecommunications.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Topic 2:

It is now possible for scientists and tourists to travel to remote natural environments, such as the South Pole.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Topic 3:

Nowadays many people travel to foreign countries for pleasure. Some believe this travel has a negative impact on the countries traveled to.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 4:

Some think that students must travel to another country in order to learn its language and customs.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 5:

In recent years, "responsible tourists" have paid attention to preserving both culture and environment of the places they visit. However, some people say that it is impossible to be a "responsible tourist".

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 6:

In some countries, many young people choose to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

Discuss the advantages and the disadvantages.

Topic 7:

Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists and not local people.

Why is this the case?

What can be done to attract local people?

"RECENT"

Research shows that some activities are good for health and others are bad. Despite knowing that, millions of people engage in unhealthy activities.

What is the cause of this?

What can be done?

People living in the 21st century have a better life quality than people who lived in previous times.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 1:

Shops should not be allowed to sell any food or drinks that have been scientifically proven to be bad for people’s health.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 2:

Nowadays, an increasing number of people with health problems are using alternative medicines and treatments instead of visiting their normal doctor.

Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Topic 3:

Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar.

Do you agree or disagree?

Topic 4:

Some people today prefer to get advice for medical problems and do not want to visit a doctor.

Why is this?

Is this a positive or a negative development?

Topic 5:

An increasing number of people chose to have cosmetic surgeries.

Why is this?
Do you think it is a positive or a negative development?

Topic 6:

Despite the benefits for health, fewer people today than ever before exercise by walking.

Why is this?

What can be done to encourage more walking?

Topic 7:

Many people living in cities these days do not get enough physical exercise.

What are the causes of this?

Topic 8:

Some think that it is more important for children to engage in outdoor activities instead of playing video games.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 9:

Nowadays people live longer after they retire.

How does this affect individuals and society?

What can be done about this?

Topic 10:

Example Essay:

Some believe that people should make efforts to fight climate change while others think it is better to learn to live with it.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Click Here For Answer

"RECENT"

In some countries, there is not enough recycling of waste materials (e.g. paper, plastic, glass, and cans).

What are the reasons and the solutions?

Some people believe that car-free days are effective ways to reduce air pollution. However, others argue that there are other ways that are more effective.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Topic 1:

Some people believe that increasing tax on various industries will reduce pollution whereas others believe that there are better alternative ways.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Topic 2:

Some people claim that too much focus and resources have been spent to protect wild animals and birds.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 3:

Governments should make people responsible for looking after their own local environment.

Do you agree or disagree?

Topic 4:

It is a natural process for animal species to become extinct (e.g. dinosaurs, dodos, etc.). There is no reason why people should try to prevent this from happening.

Do you agree or disagree?

Topic 5:

Some people say it is more important to plant trees in the open spaces in towns and cities than to build more housing.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 6:

In many countries, plastic containers have become more common than ever and are used by many food and drink companies.

Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Topic 7:

Some think the current generation should take steps to protect the environment for the next generation.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 8:

Some people say that supermarkets and manufacturers have a responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging on products they sell. Others believe that it is the consumer’s responsibility to avoid buying products that have a lot of packaging.

Discuss both views and give your opinions.

Topic 9:

The manufacturing and use of cars damages the environment but their popularity is increasing.

Why is this?

How could this be controlled?

Topic 10:

In many countries, people throw away a lot of food from restaurants and shops.

Why do you think people waste food in this way?

What can be done to reduce the amount of food thrown away?

Topic 11:

Damage to the environment is an inevitable consequence of the improvement of the standard of living.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 12:

Fresh water is a limited resource in some parts of the world. Today, increasing demand made it a global problem.

What are the causes of the increasing demand?

What measures can governments and individuals take to solve this problem?

"RECENT"

As major cities around the world are growing, so are their problems.

What are these problems for young people living in cities?

What are possible solutions to these problems?

Topic 1:

Some feel that cities should be designed to be beautiful while others feel their functionality is more important.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Topic 2:

A rise in the standard of living in a country often only seems to benefit cities rather than rural areas.

What problems can this cause?

How might these problems be reduced?

Topic 3:

Some people think that the government should strictly control the supply of fresh water, as it is a limited resource, while others say it should not be regulated.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Topic 4:

There is too much noise in many public places in cities.

What are the causes of this problem?

What can be done to solve the problem?

Topic 5:

Some people think the newly built houses should be the same as the old housing styles in local areas. Others argue that local authorities should allow people to build houses in their own style.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Topic 6:

Some feel governments should invest in preserving minority languages, while others feel this is not a good use of resources.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Topic 7:

Some believe it is important for cities and towns to invest heavily in building large outdoor public spaces.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 8:

Some people think that governments should spend more money on sports facilities for top athletes. others argue that this money should be spent on sports facilities for ordinary people.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Topic 9:

Some people believe that the government should spend more money putting in more works of art like paintings and statues in cities to make them better places to live in.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 10:

Some people think governments should care more about the elderly while others think they should focus on investing in education for younger people.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Topic 11:

Governments in many countries have recently introduced special taxes on foods and beverages with high levels of sugar. Some think these taxes are a good idea while others disagree.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Example Essay:

Some people think that famous people can help international aid organizations to draw attention to important problems. Others believe that celebrities can make the problems seem less important.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Click here for an answer.

"RECENT"

Advertising discourages people from being different individuals by making us all want to do the same and look the same.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many people feel that media coverage is becoming increasingly biased today.

Why is this?

What can be done to fix this problem?

Some people believe that violent media directly results in violent behavior.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 1:

Today, TV channels broadcast men’s sports shows more than women’s sports shows.

Why is this the case?

Should TV channels give equal showtime for each?

Topic 2:

Film stars and celebrities often share their views on public matters that have little to do with their profession.

Is this a positive or negative development?

Topic 3:

Some people focus on news in their own country, while others think it is more important to be aware of international news.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Topic 4:

Some people think that there should be a complete ban on all forms of advertising.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 5:

In their advertising, businesses nowadays usually emphasize that their products are new in some way.

Why is this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

Topic 6:

Some people say that all popular TV entertainment programs should aim to educate viewers about important social issues.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Topic 7:

Some feel that the effects of advertising are positive for individuals and businesses, while others think they are negative.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Topic 8:

Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Topic 9:

In the future, nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Example Essay:

Some people think that individuals today are more dependent on each other. Others believe people have become more independent.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Click here for an answer.

"RECENT"

Some people believe that the best way to build a happier society is to ensure that there are only small differences between the richest and the poorest members.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some young people like to copy the behavior and clothes of famous people today.

Why might this be the case? 

What problems can it cause?

Some people feel that equality between the genders has already been achieved while others feel there is considerable progress to be made.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Topic 1:

Weddings are getting bigger and more expensive.

What is the reason for this?

Is it a positive or negative development?

Topic 2:

Today, many young people spend too much of their free time at shopping malls. This can be considered negative for young people and society generally.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Topic 3:

Shopping habits depend more on your age group than anything else.

Topic 7:

Some people think that the most important function of music is to help people relax.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

 Topic 8:

Whether or not a person achieves their aims in life is mostly related to luck.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 9:

Parents should take courses in parenting in order to improve the lives of their children.

To what extent do you agree?

Topic 10:

In some places, young people find it difficult to communicate with older people.

Why is this?

What are the solutions?

Topic 11:

Historical objects should be brought back to their country of origin.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 12:

In some places, young people find it difficult to communicate with older people.

Why is this?

What are the solutions?

Topic 13:

It is better for children if the whole family including aunts, uncles, and so on are involved in a child’s upbringing, rather than just their parents.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 14:

Some believe that it is beneficial to show foreign films while others feel this can have a negative impact on local culture.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Topic 15:

Example Essay:

Many people today do not feel safe either at home or when they are out.

What are the causes?

What are the solutions?

Click here for an answer.

"RECENT" 

Some people believe more actions can be taken to prevent crime, while others think that little can be done.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Some feel that punishment should focus more on rehabilitation instead of long prison terms. Others feel prison terms are important for social stability.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Topic 1:

Young people committing crimes should be treated the same as adults by the authorities.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 2:

Prison is the common way most countries try to solve the problem of crime. However, a more effective solution is to provide the public a better education.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 3:

Some believe that younger family members should be legally responsible for supporting older family members when they become physically, mentally, and financially unable to look after themselves.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 4:

Recent research suggests that the majority of criminals who are sent to prison commit crimes after they are released.

Why is this the case?

What can be done to solve this problem?

Topic 5:

Crime rates will fall as advances in technology make it easier to detect and prevent crimes.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 6:

In many situations, people who break the law should be warned instead of punished.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 7:

In many countries, crime rates amongst younger people have been rising.

Discuss the causes and solutions for this problem.

Topic 8:

Some countries have introduced laws to limit working hours for employees.

Why are these laws introduced?

Do you think they are a positive or negative development?

Topic 9:

Some believe that more action should be taken to prevent crime, while others feel that crime is being tackled effectively now.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Topic 10:

Society is based on rules and laws. It could not function if individuals were free to do whatever they wanted to do.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 11:

Studies show that crime rates are lower among those with educational degrees. Therefore, the best way to reduce the crime rate is to educate criminals while they are still in prison.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 12:

Some people believe that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

"RECENT"

Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

In marriages today, some argue that it is the responsibility of both spouses to earn a living for the family.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 1:

Nowadays, a lot of offices employ open-space designs instead of separate rooms for work.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Topic 2:

Some people think personal happiness is directly related to economic success, while others believe this depends on other factors.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Topic 3:

Some claim that men are naturally more competitive than women.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 4:

Some people think employers should not care about the way their employees dress, but the quality of work.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 5:

When a person spends most of his or her time working a job with little job satisfaction, their life loses meaning.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 6:

In many workplaces, online communication is now more common than face-to-face meetings.

Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Topic 7:

Getting promotions is one of the biggest motivators for hard work in the modern workplace.

Why are people so driven to receive promotions?

What other factors motivate people to work hard?

Topic 8:

In the past, most people worked for small businesses, while more people now work for large businesses.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working for large businesses?

Topic 9:

Employers should give their staff at least a 4-week holiday a year to make employees better at their jobs.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 10:

Some people think the increasing use of technology in the workplace is good for young people's prospects of gaining a job and harder for old people.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 11:

Directors of organizations receive higher salaries than the ordinary worker. Some people think it is necessary while others think it is unfair.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Topic 12:

Research says more and more business training and business meetings are taking place online.

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Example Essay:

In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people.

Why might this be the case?

Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?

Click HERE for an example.

There are different methods businesses use to increase their sales.

What are the different ways companies use to increase sales?

Which one is the most effective?

Click HERE for an example.

"RECENT"

The leaders of most organizations tend to be older people. However, some argue that younger people make better bosses.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

The governments should give each citizen a basic income so that they have enough money to live on, even if they are unemployed.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 1:

Many jobs require ongoing training and research to stay competitive in a world with rapidly evolving information and technology. Some believe that it is the responsibility of businesses to pay for this training for their staff while others feel it is up to the individual.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Topic 2:

Some people say that individuals who make a lot of money are the most successful. Others think that those who contribute to society like scientists and teachers are more successful.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Topic 3:

In recent times, economic growth has helped many become richer, both in developed and developing countries. However, those in developed countries are not as happy as they were in the past.

Why is this?

What can be learned from this?

Topic 4:

To succeed in a business, one needs to know maths.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topic 5:

Some think that climate change reforms will negatively affect business. Others feel they are an opportunity for businesses.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Topic 6:

Some feel executives in large companies should receive high salaries while others think they are paid too much compared to ordinary workers.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.