Opinion (agree or disagree) (8)
- educationSome people believe that all schoolchildren should be required to wear a uniform. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- educationIn some countries, university education is paid for entirely by the state. Some people think every country should make higher education free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- workMany young people now begin their careers with unpaid internships. Some people feel that this practice is unfair and should not be allowed. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- technologySome people claim that artificial intelligence will eventually be able to do the work of writers, designers and musicians as well as humans can. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- citiesSome city planners believe that private cars should be banned completely from city centres. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- cultureSome people argue that museums and art galleries should be free for everyone to visit. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- scienceExploring space costs enormous sums of money. Some people feel that this money would be better spent on solving problems here on Earth. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- foodSome people think that advertisements for unhealthy food, such as sweets and fast food, should not be shown on television. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Discuss both views (6)
- educationSome people believe that students learn better when they study online at home. Others think that learning in a classroom with a teacher is more effective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- workSome people prefer to stay with the same employer for their whole working life. Others think it is better to change jobs and even careers several times. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- technologySome parents give their children a smartphone at a young age, while others wait until they are teenagers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- environmentSome people believe that individuals can do little to protect the environment and that only governments and large companies can make a real difference. Others feel that individual actions are equally important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- transportSome people argue that public transport should be free for everyone in order to reduce traffic and pollution. Others believe passengers should pay for the services they use. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- mediaMore and more people now get their news from social media rather than newspapers or television. Some people think this is a positive development, while others see it as a cause for concern. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Problem and solution (5)
- transportTraffic jams are becoming a serious problem in many cities around the world. What are the main causes of this problem, and what solutions can you suggest?
- environmentLarge amounts of plastic rubbish end up in the sea every year. What problems does this cause, and what can be done to reduce it?
- healthIn many countries, the number of overweight children is increasing. What are the reasons for this, and what can be done to solve the problem?
- crimeIn some areas, the number of crimes committed by teenagers is rising. What are the causes of this, and what measures could be taken to address it?
- citiesIn many cities, young adults cannot afford to buy or even rent a home of their own. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?
Advantages and disadvantages (4)
- workSince technology allows many employees to work from home, fewer people now travel to offices in city centres every day. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
- educationSome students take a year off between finishing school and starting university, in order to work or travel. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
- consumerismMore and more people now buy clothes, books and groceries online instead of visiting shops. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
- technologyIn many places, people now pay for almost everything by card or mobile phone, and cash is used less and less. Do the advantages of a cashless society outweigh the disadvantages?
Two-part question (3)
- familyIn many homes, families no longer sit down to eat meals together. Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development?
- cultureFewer young people today read books for pleasure. Why do you think this is? What could be done to encourage them to read more?
- mediaMany young people look up to celebrities such as film stars and social media personalities. Why do celebrities have so much influence on young people? Is this a positive or negative situation?