Question 1

Some people believe that hosting international sporting events helps to promote a country's development, while others argue that these events are a waste of money that could be better spent elsewhere. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Question 2

In many countries, the proportion of older people is steadily increasing. What problems will this cause for society and what are some possible solutions?

Question 3

Many children today spend a lot of time playing video games and watching television instead of doing physical activities. What are the causes of this problem and what measures can be taken to solve it?

Question 4

Some people think that schools should teach children about money management and saving, while others believe this is the responsibility of parents. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Question 5

The growing popularity of working from home has both advantages and disadvantages for society and individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Question 6

Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments 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 views and give your opinion.

Question 7

Some people say that excessive noise should be a criminal offence, while others say they should be free to make noise without limitation. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Question 8

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Question 9

In some countries levels of health and fitness are decreasing and average weights are increasing. What do you think are the causes of these problems and what are some possible solutions?

Question 10

Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any other experiences we may have in our life. Which do you consider to be the major influence?

Question 11

Schools should do more to teach students about their health and wellbeing. Do you agree or disagree?

Question 12

More and more schools allow fast-food restaurants to sell their products to their students. Is it a positive or negative development?

Question 13

University students must pay all tuition fees, because it benefits mostly them individually, rather than the society as a whole. Do you agree or disagree?

Question 14

Some say that music, art and drama are as important as other school subjects, especially at the primary level. Do you agree or disagree?

Question 15

Some people believe that studying history is very important and we must study the past to understand the present. Others say that it is useless and should not be studied at all. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Question 16

Some teachers tend to reward students who achieve high academic results. Others, however, support and reward students that show the most improvement. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Question 17

Giving lectures in halls to large numbers of people is an outdated method 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?

Question 18

In most universities students focus on specialised subjects, however, some people believe that universities should encourage students to study a wider variety of subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Question 19

It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for sport or music, and others are not. However, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Question 20

Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer. What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?