1. Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.
University policy/University responsibility: Agree - university students should be required to attend classes communicate with teachers (asking question for better understanding) Communicate with other students (group assignment)
2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Universities should give the same amount of money to their students' sports activities as they give to their university libraries. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
University policy/University responsibility: Disagree - university should give more money to libraries. Students need most up-to-date library facilities (books, journals, databases). This is expensive. Libraries should be opened for 24/7 (students may stay even nights for study purpose). This needs extra employee, electricity etc and hence extra costs. Though sports are good for students' health, it is a secondary need.
3. Some universities require students to take classes in many subjects. Other universities require students to specialize in one subject. Which is better?
University policy/University responsibility: Better to take classes in many subjects Can broaden scope of knowledge to be applied (statistics, economics, business, math) Better job (multidisciplinary personnel required)
4. Some people believe that a college or university education should be available to all students. Others believe that higher education should be available only to good students. Discuss these views. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.
University policy/University responsibility Should be available to all. Development of society (due to lower education our society in BD is not well developed yet) Ensuring job for all (many want to hire but lacking eligible candidates)
5. Some people say that physical exercise should be a required part of every school day. Other people believe that students should spend the whole school day on academic studies. Which opinion do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
University policy/University responsibility Physical exercise should be a required part of every school day A relief from whole day academic studies (refreshes students, makes to concentrate better) Long term health benefit (keeps disease away, say heart disease, obesity)
6. If you could make one important change in a school that you attended, what change would you make? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
University policy/University responsibility To emphasis on application of theories rather than simply learning them. Enjoyment in learning (Real analysis vs Demography) Quick/More Jobs (More practical learning more jobs)
7. Some people believe that students should be given one long vacation each year. Others believe that students should have several short vacations throughout the year. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
University policy/University responsibility I prefer a long vacation than several short vacations. I live in university dormitory without my family. I can meet my family and spend a few days with them Travelling is my hobby. I can travel a few interesting places I can get a part time job to help my studies financially Refreshes mind to restart study.
8. Your school has received a gift of money. What do you think is the best way for your school to spend this money? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
University policy/University responsibility To improve library facilities especially buying new books and bringing internet facilities. Many necessary books are unavailable. I searched for a book and didn't find. Plenty of academic resources are available online. For my thesis I needed to access many online journals and databases.
9. Your school has enough money to purchase either computers for students or books for the library. Which should your school choose to buy —computers or books? Use specific reasons and examples to support your recommendation.
University policy/University responsibility Computers for students. Books bring latest information at this moment but computers through internet can present latest information at any moment. Many books are available on-line. Computer through internet can access online libraries. Schools require that their students finish an assignment, or research, or homework, and then stored and emailed to their instructors.
10. When students move to a new school, they sometimes face problems. How can schools help these students with their problems? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
University policy/University responsibility Settle newcomers down and make them acquainted with the neighborhood. Provide temporary accommodation. Information of laundry, post office, supermarket etc. Seminar to make familiar with academic stuffs. Lectures to introduce with school's traditions.
11. You have been told that dormitory rooms at your university must be shared by two students. Would you rather have the university assign a student to share a room with you, or would you rather choose your own roommate? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.
University policy/University responsibility I prefer to have it done by university New people, lot of students with different races and cultures will be roommate together and can get familiar with a variety of the cultures. Gain new experiences, experience of living with different persons
12. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? High schools should allow students to study the courses that students want to study. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
High school policy
13. Some high schools require all students to wear school uniforms. Other high schools permit students to decide what to wear to school. Which of these two school policies do you think is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
High school policy I definitely agree to the statement that students should wear uniform in school. Firstly, the neat and tidy school uniform can provide an unified image of the school. And if the students have some activities outside school like taking a picnic for instance, uniform allows the teacher to recognize his/her students much easier. Secondly, the primate responsibility for students is to learn well, if the students concern more about clothing, they would have less time to study.
14. In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.
High school policy Is not a good idea May affect student's academic studies, impossible to do a job while maintaining a high standard of academic learning Will deprive time of sleep and will do harm to health, in the process of build up their health Extra money may contribute to their bad habits, such as smoking, drinking, even gambling
15. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start school. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Children and education Agree. With globalization & communication, the world is being smaller. Its important to learn a second or third language. Child has very passionate interest to study. Children have greater abilities to learn. Studying foreign language is not a very easy job. It takes time.
16. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Boys and girls should attend separate schools. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Children and education Disagree. Should not attend separate school. Society consists of both males & females. Learn how to communicate with opposite sex. Learn from opposite sex. ex. braveness from males and carefulness from females. Necessary to keep families harmonious. Respect opposite sex, understand each other.
17. 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?
Children and education Children should play more time at early ages playing and better to spend more time on studying once they reach school age. Children, by nature, like enjoyment which usually come from playing. Pressure (home works, making good results) of formal education (competitive) at early ages can make the children to detest it. Playing is also a learning process. Learn to cooperate, to take care and learn new things. It can be helpful for physical and also mental development of the children. Child obesity.
18. Schools should ask students to evaluate their teachers. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Teacher policies I think it is a good idea for schools to ask students to evaluate their teachers. It is good for teachers, good for the school administrators, and good for the students themselves. Evaluations from students will make teachers perform their tasks better. Evaluations help administrators learn which teachers are most effective and can work together to improve the school program where necessary. Help to create the air of freedom for students
19. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Teachers should be paid according to how much their students learn. Give specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Teacher policies Disagree Different teachers have different styles, hard to evaluate each teacher's teaching for improving student's learn. How much or how well students learn depends on students themselves. learning results depend on individual student's intellectual abilities and time & energy they put into learning. Nothing to do how well teachers taught. So it is unfair that teachers should be paid according to how much their students learn
20. People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Choices Attending college or university can benefit a person greatly by augmenting knowledge, decent job and new experiences Knowledge learned at university help to have deep understanding of our society. It is true genuine knowledge comes from practice but it can't be denied that genuine knowledge tells us how to practice. Assures to get a decent job. After completing four year study, it is not difficult to get a job. Interaction with different background students will gather new experiences
21. If you could study a subject that you have never had the opportunity to study, what would you choose? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.
Choices Statistics Language of research Better jobs Diverse applications
22. Many students choose to attend schools or universities outside their home countries. Why do some students study abroad? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.
Choices Those students bound to benefit considerably from their foreign study experience With best facilities and well educated professional teams, easy access to the latest knowledge Guarantee a promising position in a joint venture company with high income and social status Experience a totally different life from different cultural people
23. Students at universities often have a choice of places to live. They may choose to live in university dormitories, or they may choose to live in apartments in the community. Compare the advantages of living in university housing with the advantages of living in an apartment in the community. Where would you prefer to live? Give reasons for your preference.
Choices A choice of living depends on the student's preferences Living in an apartment with other people can reduce the burden of payoff while dormitory can't have this opportunity A student living in an apartment does not have to abide by rules whereas regulation for students living in a dormitory is mandatory. On the other hand, living in an apartment requires student to clean floor, wash dishes, wash the bathroom regularly but in a dormitory, students need not do these In a dormitory facilities are provided by the university but this advantage may not gain in apartment Students in apartment are independent but in dormitory they are restricted to time and other things I prefer living in an apartment. Since I don't have enough money so living in apartment I can share with other peoples to reduce my pay off.
24. It has been said, "Not everything that is learned is contained in books." Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?
The best ways to learn
25. Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons to develop your essay.
The best ways to learn
26. Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
The best ways to learn
27. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Most experiences in our lives that seemed difficult at the time become valuable lessons for the future. Use reasons and specific examples to support our answer.
The best ways to learn
28. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? With the help of technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
The best ways to learn
29. Many teachers assign homework to students every day. Do you think that daily homework is necessary for students? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
The best ways to learn
30. 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.
The best ways to learn
31. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Grades (marks) encourage students to learn. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
The best ways to learn
32. People learn in different ways. Some people learn by doing things; other people learn by reading about things; others learn by listening to people talk about things. Which of these methods of learning is best for you? Use specific examples to support your choice.
The best ways to learn
33. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? There is nothing that young people can teach older people. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
The best ways to learn
34. Some students like classes where teachers lecture (do all of the talking) in class. Other students prefer classes where the students do some of the talking. Which type of class do you prefer? Give specific reasons and details to support your choice.
The best ways to learn
35. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
The best ways to learn
36. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should read only those books that are about real events, real people, and established facts. Use specific reasons and details to support your opinion.
The best ways to learn
37. In general, people are living longer now. Discuss the causes of this phenomenon. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Is it positive
38. Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Is it positive
39. Do you agree or disagree that progress is always good? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Is it positive
40. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? With the help of technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Is it positive
41. What discovery in the last 100 years has been most beneficial for people in your country? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Is it positive
42. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Technology has made the world a better place to live. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Is it positive
43. Some people believe that the Earth is being harmed (damaged) by human activity. Others feel that human activity makes the Earth a better place to live. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Is it negative
44. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Telephones and email have made communication between people less personal. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Is it negative
45. People have different ways of escaping the stress and difficulties of modern life. Some read; some exercise; others work in their gardens. What do you think are the best ways of reducing stress?
Change/Technology/Modernity - Is it negative
46. Some people say that computers have made life easier and more convenient. Other people say that computers have made life more complex and stressful. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Is it positive or negative
47. Some people think that the automobile has improved modern life. Others think that the automobile has caused serious problems. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Is it positive or negative
48. Some people say that the Internet provides people with a lot of valuable information. Others think access to so much information creates problems. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Is it positive or negative
49. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Modern technology is creating a single world culture. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Unique effects on society
50. Is the ability to read and write more important today than in the past? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Unique effects on society
51. The twentieth century saw great change. In your opinion, what is one change that should be remembered about the twentieth century? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Unique effects on society
52. Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your generation different from your parents' generation? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Unique effects on society
53. The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Unique effects on society
54. Would you prefer to live in a traditional house or in a modern apartment building? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Old or modern
55. In the future, students may have the choice of studying at home by using technology such as computers or television or of studying at traditional schools. Which would you prefer? Use reasons and specific details to explain your choice.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Old or modern
56. Your school has enough money to purchase either computers for students or books for the library. Which should your school choose to buy —computers or books? Use specific reasons and examples to support your recommendation.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Old or modern
57. Some people enjoy change, and they look forward to new experiences. Others like their lives to stay the same, and they do not change their usual habits. Compare these two approaches to life. Which approach do you prefer? Explain why.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Old or modern
58. Should a city try to preserve its old, historic buildings or destroy them and replace them with modern buildings? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Old or modern
59. Some items (such as clothes or furniture) can be made by hand or by machine. Which do you prefer — items made by hand or items made by machine? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Old or modern
60. If you could invent something new, what product would you develop? Use specific details to explain why this invention is needed.
Change/Technology/Modernity - Other
61. 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.
Hometown - An addition
62. It has recently been announced that a new restaurant may be built-in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Hometown - An addition
63. It has recently been announced that a large shopping center may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Hometown - An addition
64. It has recently been announced that a new movie theater may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Hometown - An addition
65. It has recently been announced that a new high school may be built in your community. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details in your answer.
Hometown - An addition
66. 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.
Hometown - An addition
67. If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
Hometown - Improvement
68. A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do you think this person would like and dislike about living in your town or city? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
Hometown - Improvement
69. What change would make your hometown more appealing to people your age? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Hometown - Improvement
70. You have decided to give several hours of your time each month to improve the community where you live. What is one thing you will do to improve your community? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
Hometown - Improvement
71. Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Hometown - Small or big
72. It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.
Hometown - Small or big
73. Some people spend their entire lives in one place. Others move a number of times throughout their lives, looking for a better job, house, community, or even climate. Which do you prefer: staying in one place or moving in search of another place? Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.
Hometown - Stay or move
74. Some people prefer to live in places that have the same weather or climate all year long. Others like to live in areas where the weather changes several times a year. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Hometown - Stay or move
75. Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good neighbor? Use specific details and examples in your answer.
Important qualities
76. What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)? Use specific details and examples to explain why these qualities are important.
Important qualities
77. What are the important qualities of a good son or daughter? Have these qualities changed or remained the same over time in your culture? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Important qualities
78. We all work or will work in our jobs with many different kinds of people. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker (someone you work closely with)? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these characteristics are important.
Important qualities
79. What do you want most in a friend — someone who is intelligent, or someone who has a sense of humor, or someone who is reliable? Which one of these characteristics is most important to you? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice.
Important qualities
80. In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic (for example, honesty, intelligence, a sense of humor) that a person can have to be successful in life? Use specific reasons and examples from your experience to explain your answer. When you write your answer, you are not limited to the examples listed in the question.
Important qualities
81. What are some of the qualities of a good parent? Use specific details and examples to explain your answer.
Important qualities
82. Many students have to live with roommates while going to school or university. What are some of the important qualities of a good roommate? Use specific reasons and examples to explain why these qualities are important.
Important qualities
83. If you were asked to send one thing representing your country to an international exhibition, what would you choose? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
Home country - What makes it special
84. A foreign visitor has only one day to spend in your country. Where should this visitor go on that day? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
Home country - What makes it special
85. What is the most important animal in your country? Why is the animal important? Use reasons and specific details to explain your answer.
Home country - What makes it special
86. Plants can provide food, shelter, clothing, or medicine. What is one kind of plant that is important to you or the people in your country? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
Home country - What makes it special
87. Describe a custom from your country that you would like people from other countries to adopt. Explain your choice, using specific reasons and examples.
Home country - What makes it special
88. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Advertising can tell you a lot about a country. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Home country - Other
89. When people move to another country, some of them decide to follow the customs of the new country. Others prefer to keep their own customs. Compare these two choices. Which one do you prefer? Support your answer with specific details.
Home country - Other
90. People work because they need money to live. What are some other reasons that people work? Discuss one or more of these reasons. Use specific examples and details to support your answer.
Work
91. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The most important aspect of a job is the money a person earns. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Work
92. Some people prefer to work for themselves or own a business. Others prefer to work for an employer. Would you rather be self-employed, work for someone else, or own a business? Use specific reasons to explain your choice.
Work
93. Which would you choose: a high-paying job with long hours that would give you little time with family and friends or a lower-paying job with shorter hours that would give you more time with family and friends? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.
Work
94. Some people like doing work by hand. Others prefer using machines. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Work
95. The expression "Never, never give up" means to keep trying and never stop working for your goals. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Success
96. "When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success." Do you agree or disagree with the quotation above? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.
Success
97. What is a very important skill a person should learn in order to be successful in the world today? Choose one skill and use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Success
98. Some people believe that success in life comes from taking risks or chances. Others believe that success results from careful planning. In your opinion, what does success come from? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Success
99. In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic (for example, honesty, intelligence, a sense of humor) that a person can have to be successful in life? Use specific reasons and examples from your experience to explain your answer. When you write your answer, you are not limited to the examples listed in the question.
Success
100. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Only people who earn a lot of money are successful. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Success
101. When famous people such as actors, athletes and rock stars give their opinions, many people listen. Do you think we should pay attention to these opinions? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Famous people - Do they matter
102. Some famous athletes and entertainers earn millions of dollars every year. Do you think these people deserve such high salaries? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Famous people - Do they matter
103. Your city has decided to build a statue or monument to honor a famous person in your country. Who would you choose? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.
Famous people - Who do you honor
104. If you could meet a famous entertainer or athlete, who would that be, and why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Famous people - Who do you honor
105. If you could ask a famous person one question, what would you ask? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Famous people - Who do you honor
106. If you could travel back in time to meet a famous person from history, what person would you like to meet? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Famous people - Who do you honor
107. Holidays honor people or events. If you could create a new holiday, what person or event would it honor and how would you want people to celebrate it? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Famous people - Who do you honor
108. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The most important aspect of a job is the money a person earns. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Money's influence
109. Is it better to enjoy your money when you earn it or is it better to save your money for some time in the future? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Money's influence
110. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Businesses should do anything they can to make a profit. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Money's influence
111. Which would you choose: a high-paying job with long hours that would give you little time with family and friends or a lower-paying job with shorter hours that would give you more time with family and friends? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.
Money's influence
112. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Only people who earn a lot of money are successful. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Money's influence
113. It is sometimes said that borrowing money from a friend can harm or damage the friendship. Do you agree? Why or why not? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.
Money's influence
114. Why do you think some people are attracted to dangerous sports or other dangerous activities? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
People
115. Some people prefer to get up early in the morning and start the day's work. Others prefer to get up later in the day and work until late at night. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
People
116. Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
People
117. Some people are always in a hurry to go places and get things done. Other people prefer to take their time and live life at a slower pace. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
People
118. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People are never satisfied with what they have; they always want something more or something different. Use specific reasons to support your answer.
People
119. Some people prefer to spend their free time outdoors. Other people prefer to spend their leisure time indoors. Would you prefer to be outside or would you prefer to be inside for your leisure activities? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice.
People
120. 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.
Nature or development
121. A company is going to give some money either to support the arts or to protect the environment. Which do you think the company should choose? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Nature or development
122. A university plans to develop a new research center in your country. Some people want a center for business research. Other people want a center for research in agriculture (farming). Which of these two kinds of research centers do you recommend for your country? Use specific reasons in your recommendation.
Nature or development
123. Imagine that you have received some land to use as you wish. How would you use this land? Use specific details to explain your answer.
Nature or development
124. 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.
Nature or development
125. In your country, is there more need for land to be left in its natural condition or is there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Nature or development
126. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A zoo has no useful purpose. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
Nature or development
127. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television has destroyed communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Entertainment and its influence
128. How do movies or television influence people's behavior? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
Entertainment and its influence
129. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television, newspapers, magazines, and other media pay too much attention to the personal lives of famous people such as public figures and celebrities. Use specific reasons and details to explain your opinion.
Entertainment and its influence
130. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Reading fiction (such as novels and short stories) is more enjoyable than watching movies. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.
Entertainment and its influence
131. Some movies are serious, designed to make the audience think. Other movies are designed primarily to amuse and entertain. Which type of movie do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Entertainment and its influence
132. People listen to music for different reasons and at different times. Why is music important to many people? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Entertainment and its influence
133. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Watching television is bad for children. Use specific details and examples to support your answer.
Entertainment and its influence
134. Movies are popular all over the world. Explain why movies are so popular. Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
Entertainment and its influence
135. Films can tell us a lot about the country where they were made. What have you learned about a country from watching its movies? Use specific examples and details to support your response.
Entertainment and its influence
136. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents or other adult relatives should make important decisions for their older (15 to 18year-old) teenage children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Children/Family - Parents' effects on their children
137. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Children/Family - Parents' effects on their children
138. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Classmates are a more important influence than parents on a child's success in school. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Children/Family - Parents' effects on their children
139. Some people think that the family is the most important influence on young adults. Other people think that friends are the most important influence on young adults. Which view do you agree with? Use examples to support your position.
Children/Family - Parents' effects on their children
140. People recognize a difference between children and adults. What events (experiences or ceremonies) make a person an adult? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
Children/Family - Parents' effects on their children
141. Some young children spend a great amount of their time practicing sports. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Children/Family - Having the best childhood
142. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person's childhood years (the time from birth to twelve years of age) are the most important years of a person's life. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Children/Family - Having the best childhood
143. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Watching television is bad for children. Use specific details and examples to support your answer.
Children/Family - Having the best childhood
144. A gift (such as a camera, a soccer ball, or an animal) can contribute to a child's development. What gift would you give to help a child develop? Why? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.
Children/Family - Having the best childhood
145. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person should never make an important decision alone. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Alone or with others
146. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The best way to travel is in a group led by a tour guide. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Alone or with others
147. Is it more important to be able to work with a group of people on a team or to work independently? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
Alone or with others
148. Some people prefer to spend most of their time alone. Others like to be with friends most of the time. Do you prefer to spend your time alone or with friends? Use specific reasons to support your answer.
Alone or with others
149. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better to be a member of a group than to be the leader of a group. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Alone or with others
150. Some people prefer to spend time with one or two close friends. Others choose to spend time with a large number of friends. Compare the advantages of each choice. Which of these two ways of spending time do you prefer? Use specific reasons to support your answer.
Alone or with others
151. Groups or organizations are an important part of some people's lives. Why are groups or organizations important to people? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
Alone or with others
152. Some students prefer to study alone. Others prefer to study with a group of students. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Alone or with others
153. Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Alone or with others
154. Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
Alone or with others
155. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People behave differently when they wear different clothes. Do you agree that different clothes influence the way people behave? Use specific examples to support your answer.
Appearance
156. Some people trust their first impressions about a person's character because they believe these judgments are generally correct. Other people do not judge a person's character quickly because they believe first impressions are often wrong. Compare these two attitudes. Which attitude do you agree with? Support your choice with specific examples.
Appearance
157. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? One should never judge a person by external appearances. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Appearance
158. Should governments spend more money on improving roads and highways, or should governments spend more money on improving public transportation (buses, trains, subways)? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
Government responsibility
159. Some people think governments should spend as much money as possible exploring outer space (for example, traveling to the Moon and to other planets). Other people disagree and think governments should spend this money for our basic needs on Earth. Which of these two opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Government responsibility
160. Some people think that governments should spend as much money as possible on developing or buying computer technology. Other people disagree and think that this money should be spent on more basic needs. Which one of these opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Government responsibility
161. Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Business
162. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Businesses should do anything they can to make a profit. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Business
163. If you were an employer, which kind of worker would you prefer to hire: an inexperienced worker at a lower salary or an experienced worker at a higher salary? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Business
164. You have received a gift of money. The money is enough to buy either a piece of jewelry you like or tickets to a concert you want to attend. Which would you buy? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Experiences vs. Objects
165. A friend of yours has received some money and plans to use all of it either • to go on vacation • to buy a car. Your friend has asked you for advice. Compare your friend's two choices and explain which one you think your friend should choose. Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
Experiences vs. Objects
166. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Attending a live performance (for example, a play, concert, or sporting event) is more enjoyable than watching the same event on television. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Experiences vs. Objects
167. People do many different things to stay healthy. What do you do for good health? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Health
168. In some countries, people are no longer allowed to smoke in many public places and office buildings. Do you think this is a good rule or a bad rule? Use specific reasons and details to support your position.
Health
169. Some people prefer to plan activities for their free time very carefully. Others choose not to make any plans at all for their free time. Compare the benefits of planning free-time activities with the benefits of not making plans. Which do you prefer — planning or not planning for your leisure time? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice.
Careful thought or not
170. Decisions can be made quickly, or they can be made after careful thought. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The decisions that people make quickly are always wrong. Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.
Careful thought or not
171. Many people visit museums when they travel to new places. Why do you think people visit museums? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Culture
172. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Dancing plays an important role in a culture. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Culture
173. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Games are as important for adults as they are for children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Games
174. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing a game is fun only when you win. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Games
175. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing games teaches us about life. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Games
176. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more important for students to study history and literature than it is for them to study science and mathematics. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Art versus science
177. It is generally agreed that society benefits from the work of its members. Compare the contributions of artists to society with the contributions of scientists to society. Which type of contribution do you think is valued more by your society? Give specific reasons to support your answer.
Art versus science
178. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? All students should be required to study art and music in secondary school. Use specific reasons to support your answer.
Art versus science
179. Some people like to do only what they already do well. Other people prefer to try new things and take risks. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Risk
180. Some people believe that success in life comes from taking risks or chances. Others believe that success results from careful planning. In your opinion, what does success come from? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Risk
181. 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.
Advertising
182. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Advertising can tell you a lot about a country. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Advertising
183. Choose one of the following transportation vehicles and explain why you think it has changed people's lives. • automobiles • bicycles • airplanes Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Transportation
184. Some people think that the automobile has improved modern life. Others think that the automobile has caused serious problems. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Transportation
185. You need to travel from your home to a place 40 miles (64kilometers) away. Compare the different kinds of transportation you could use. Tell which method of travel you would choose. Give specific reasons for your choice.
Transportation
186. When people need to complain about a product or poor service, some prefer to complain in writing and others prefer to complain in person. Which way do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Face-to-Face communication
187. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, email, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Face-to-Face communication
188. What do you consider to be the most important room in a house? Why is this room more important to you than any other room? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Other
189. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should sometimes do things that they do not enjoy doing. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Other
190. You have the opportunity to visit a foreign country for two weeks. Which country would you like to visit? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
Other
191. People remember special gifts or presents that they have received. Why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Other
192. Imagine that you are preparing for a trip. You plan to be away from your home for a year. In addition to clothing and personal care items, you can take one additional thing. What would you take and why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
Other
193. Many people have a close relationship with their pets. These people treat their birds, cats, or other animals as members of their family. In your opinion, are such relationships good? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Other
194. You have enough money to purchase either a house or a business. Which would you choose to buy? Give specific reasons to explain your choice.
Other
195. Some people choose friends who are different from themselves. Others choose friends who are similar to themselves. Compare the advantages of having friends who are different from you with the advantages of having friends who are similar to you. Which kind of friend do you prefer for yourself? Why?
Other
196. If you could go back to some time and place in the past, when and where would you go? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
Other