Third World and People
- Human beings do not need to eat meat in order to maintain good health because they can get all their food needs from meatless products and meatless substances. A vegetarian diet is as healthy as a diet containing meat. Argue for or against the opinion above.
- Forests are the lungs of the earth. Destruction of the world’s forests amounts to death of the world we currently know. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- To what extent will migration from the developing world to the developed world become a social and political issue in the 21st century?
- In Britain, when someone gets old, they often go to live in a home with other old people where there are nurses to look after them. Sometimes the government has to pay for this care. Who should be responsible for our old people? Give reasons.
- Telecommuting’ refers to workers doing their jobs from home for part of each week and communicating with their office using computer technology.
- Telecommuting is growing in many countries and is expected to be common for most office workers in the coming decades. How do you think society will be affected by the growth of telecommuting?
- In some countries the average worker is obliged to retire at the age of 50, while in others people can work until they are 65 or 70. Until what age do you think people should be encouraged to remain in paid employment? Give reasons for your answer.
- To what extent should economic planning be influenced by the need of environmental conservation?
- Damage of the environment is an inevitable consequence of worldwide improvements in the standard of living. Discuss.
- The rising levels of congestion and air pollution found in most of the world cities can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private cars in use. In order to reverse this decline in the quality of life in cities, attempts must be made to encourage people to use their cars less and public transport more. Discuss possible ways to encourage the use of public transport.
- The idea of going overseas for university study is an exciting prospect for many people.
- But while it may offer some advantages, it is probably better to stay home because of the difficulties a student inevitably encounters living and studying in a different culture. To what extent do you agree or disagree this statement? Give reasons for your answer.
- Many people believe that women make better parents than men and that this is why they have the greater role in raising children in most societies. Others claim that men are just as good as women at parenting Write an essay expressing your point of view. Give reasons for your answer.
- The mass media, including TV, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping people’s ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer. Tourism is becoming increasingly important as a source of revenue to many countries but its disadvantages should not be overlooked. What are some of the problems of tourism?
- Should developing countries concentrate on improving industrial skills or should they promote education first?
- Safety standards are important when building people’s homes.
- Who should be responsible for enforcing strict building codes – the government or the people who build the homes?
- Discuss the advantage and disadvantage of giving international aid to poor countries.
- Should criminals be punished with lengthy jail terms or re-educated and rehabilitated using community service programs for instance, before being reintroduced to society?
- In most countries disabled people are not catered for adequately, e. g. buildings are often inappropriately designed. Governments rely too heavily on charities and voluntary organizations to provide assistance and funding.
- What further measures could be taken to assist disabled people?
- In your opinion should government intervene in the rights of the individual with regard to family planning?
- To what extent should university courses be geared to the economic needs of society?
- Many people think that nowadays people are being subjected to more and more pressure in their work, and thus are having less and less time to relax. What is your opinion?
- With the increasing popularity of computers and calculators, student literacy is decreasing dramatically.
- What are the positive and negative effects the progress of science and technology has brought about?
- In the past, buildings often reflected the culture of a society but today all modern buildings look alike and cities throughout the world are becoming more and more similar. What do you think is the reason for this, and is it a good think or a bad think? You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples.
- The earth is being filled with waste material such as plastic bags and other rubbish. Is this really happening?
- What are some solutions to this problem? Gives reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
- The wealth gap between 1st world countries and 3rd world countries seems to be increasing. How can we reduce this gap? Do you think that developed countries have a duty to assist developing countries in every way?
- Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we really do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives. Which viewpoint do you agree with?
- Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
- Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience. Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning about life. Which do you think is preferable? Use specific examples to support your preference.
- Some people think that human needs for farmland, housing, and industry are more important than saving land for endangered animals.
- Do you agree or disagree with this point of view? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
- Many parts of the world are losing important natural resources, such as forests, animals, or clean water. Choose one resource that is disappearing and explain why it needs to be saved. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
- A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your community. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community. Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position.
- The government has announced that it plans to build a new university. Some people think that your community would be a good place to locate the university. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a new university in your community. Use specific details in your discussion.
- Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why?
