The Question Bank: Supplemental Document of BOOK 7 – Kien Tran
Important notes:
• Please print this one out for easy navigation
• This is for practice purposes ONLY. You do not have
to write all these topics to succeed. (In fact, I never
had a chance to write even half of them – So don’t
be intimidated.)
• Please feel free to take crazy notes on the paper. You
don’t have to keep it clean.
Each year, the crime rate increases. What are the causes of
crime and what could be done to prevent this rise in criminal
activity?
1
Modern communications mean that it’s no longer necessary to
write letters. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?
Many childhood diseases can now be prevented through the
use of vaccines. Should parents be made by law to immunise
their children against common diseases or should individuals
have the right to choose not to immunise their children?
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
In some countries an increasing number of people are suffering
from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food.
It is therefore necessary for governments to impose a higher
tax on this kind of food. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this opinion?
5
Film stars and music celebrities may earn a great deal of money
and live in luxurious surroundings, but many of them lead
unhappy lives. Do you agree?
In today's job market it is far more important to have practical
skills than theoretical knowledge. In the future, job applicants
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may not need any formal qualifications. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
Motorways help people travel quickly and cover long distances
but they also cause problems. What are the problems of
motorways and what are solutions?
It is generally believed that the Internet is an excellent means
of communication but some people suggest that it may not be
the best place to find information. Discuss both these views
and give your own opinion.
Celebrities make a very good living out of media attention and
have chosen to live in the public spotlight. They have no right
to complain when they feel the media are intruding on their
privacy. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
opinion?
10
Some parents buy their children a large number of toys to play
with. What are the advantages and disadvantages for the child
of having a large number of toys?
In general, people do not have such a close relationship with
their neighbours as they did in the past. Why is this so, and what
can be done to improve contact between neighbours?
Some people think that human history has been a journey from
ignorance to knowledge. Others argue that this underestimates
the achievements of ancient cultures, and overvalues our
achievements. Discuss both these views and give your own
opinion.
Some people think that there are things individuals can do to
help prevent global climate change. Others believe that action
by individuals is useless and irrelevant and that it is only
governments and large businesses which can make a difference.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Many people believe that media coverage of celebrities is
having a negative effect on children. To what extent do you
agree?
15
As the number of private cars has increased, so too has the level
of pollution in many cities. What can be done to tackle this
increasingly common problem?
Some people think that professional athletes make good role
models for young people, while others believe they don’t.
Discuss both these points of views and give your own opinion.
Some people think women should be allowed to join the army,
the navy and the air force just like men. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
Machine translation (MT) is slower and less accurate than
human translation and there is no immediate or predictable
likelihood of machines taking over this role from humans.
Some people consider computers to be more of a hindrance
than a help. Others believe that they have greatly increased
human potential. How could computers be considered a
hindrance?
20
Modern lifestyles mean that many parents have little time for
their children. Many children suffer because they do not get as
much attention from their parents as children did in the past.
Do you agree or disagree?
In most countries multinational companies and their products
are becoming more and more important.
This trend is
seriously damaging our quality of life. Do you agree or disagree?
More and more qualified people are moving from poor to rich
countries to fill vacancies in specialist areas like engineering,
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computing and medicine.
Some people believe that by
encouraging the movement of such people, rich countries are
stealing from poor countries. Others feel that this is only part
of the natural movement of workers around the world. Do you
agree or disagree?
Computers and modems have made it possible for office
workers to do much of their work from home instead of
working in offices every day. Working from home should be
encouraged as it is good for workers and employers. Do you
agree or disagree?
Nowadays many students have the opportunity to study for
part or all of their courses in foreign countries.
While studying
abroad brings many benefits to individual students, it also has
a number of disadvantages. Do you agree or disagree?
25
As mass communication and transport continue to grow,
societies are becoming more and more alike leading to a
phenomenon known as globalization. Some people fear that
globalization will inevitably lead to the total loss of cultural
identity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?
In some countries young people have little leisure time and are
under a lot of pressure to work hard in their studies. What do
you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you
suggest?
It is becoming more and more difficult to escape the influence
of the media on our lives. Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of living in a media rich society.
Many people say that the only way to guarantee getting a good
job is to complete a course of university education. Others
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claim that it is better to start work after school and gain
experience in the world of work. How far do you agree or
disagree with the above views?
In today's competitive world, many families find it necessary
for both parents to go out to work. While some say the children
in these families benefit from the additional income, others feel
they lack support because of their parents' absence.
30
Governments should make more effort to promote alternative
sources of energy. To what extent do you agree or disagree with
this opinion?
Counties such as China, India and Japan have unsustainable
population growths. In fact, many experts are of the opinion
that the population ‘explosion’ which is now a very worrying
concern, is the most serious threat to life on this planet. Give
some suggestions to address this problem.
Illiteracy has traditionally been viewed as largely a third world
problem.
However, it is becoming apparent that in countries
such as the USA and Australia, illiteracy is on the increase.
Discuss possible causes for this and its effect on society.
Using a computer every day can have more negative than
positive effects on your children.
Do you agree or disagree?
Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more
money than people in other important professions. Some
people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
35
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents
are the best teachers.
In many countries today, the eating habits and lifestyle of
children are different from those of previous generations. Some
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people say this has had a negative effect on their health. To
what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
The number of overweight children in developed countries is
increasing. Some people think this is due to problems such as
the growing number of fast food outlets. Others believe that
parents are to blame for not looking after their children's
health. To what extent do you agree with these views?
Nowadays we are producing more and more rubbish. Why do
you think this is happening? What can governments do to help
reduce the amount of rubbish produced?
Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things
that 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?
40
According to those in the travel business, the nature of the
average 'holiday' is changing. Rather than seeking a relaxing
break in a far-away place, people now want excitement on their
holidays and are keen to participate in unusual and challenging
activities. Do you agree or disagree?
In some countries, marriages are arranged by the parents but in
other cases, people choose their own marriage partner.
Discuss both systems.
People who have original ideas are of much greater value to
society than those who are simply able to copy the ideas of
others well. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?
Some people believe that computers are more a hindrance than
a help in today's world. Others feel that they are such
indispensable tools that they would not be able to live or work
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without them. In what ways are computers a hindrance? What
is your opinion?
Children should never be educated at home by their parents.
Do you agree or disagree?
45
In some countries young people are encouraged to work or
travel for a year between finishing high school and starting
university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages
for young people who decide to do this.
By punishing murderers with the death penalty, society is also
guilt of committing murder. Therefore, life in prison is a better
punishment for murderers. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this statement?
Some people think that a sense of competition in children
should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are
taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful
adults.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Traffic and housing problems in major cities could be solved
by moving large companies and factories and their employees
to the countryside. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this opinion?
Companies should encourage employees who work in a high
position to leave at the age of 55 in order to give opportunities
to the new generation. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this opinion?
50
Some people say the government should not put money into
building theatres and sports stadiums; they should spend more
money on medical care and education. To what extent do you
agree or disagree with this opinion?
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Some people think that it is important to have a single language
as an international official language. Others think that it will
make it difficult to identify countries and cause a loss of culture.
What are your opinions on this?
Fashion trends are difficult to follow these days and it’s widely
believed that they primarily exist just to sell clothes. Some
people believe that we shouldn’t follow them and that we
should dress in what we like and feel comfortable in. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Nowadays, international tourism is the biggest industry in the
world. Unfortunately, international tourism creates tension
rather than understanding between people from different
cultures. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
opinion?
People have different job expectations for jobs. Some people
prefer to do the same job for the same company, whereas
others prefer to change jobs frequently. Write about the
advantages and disadvantages of each viewpoint?
55
It is widely believed that children of different levels of
intelligence should be taught together, while others think that
more intelligent children should be taught separately. Discuss
and present your own opinion.
Some people think that universities should not provide so
much theoretical knowledge but give more practical training
throughout their courses. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this opinion?
The costs of medical health care are increasing all the time.
Governments are finding it difficult to balance the health care
budget.
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Should citizens be totally responsible for their own health costs
and take out private health insurance, or is it better to have a
comprehensive health care system which provides free health
services for all? Discuss both sides and give your opinion
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?
60
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.
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.
Some people say that computers have made life easier and more
convenient. Other people say that computers have made life
more complex and stressful. Discuss both views and give your
opinionUse specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Television has destroyed communication among friends and
family.
It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a
big city. Do you agree or disagree?
65
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?
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Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as
they start school.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents
or other adult relatives should make important decisions for
their (15 to 18 year-old) teenage children.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Children should be required to help with household tasks as
soon as they are able to do so.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Businesses should do anything they can to make a profit.
70
Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives. Do you
agree or disagree?
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.
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?
Some people like to do only what they already do well. Discuss
both views and give your opinion.
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?
75
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Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Advertising can tell you a lot about a country.
All education, primary, secondary and further education,
should be free to all people and paid for by the government.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Trade and travel
would be a lot easier with a single, global currency that we all
use.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? 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?
A lot of people believe that the amount of violence shown on
TV and in the cinema affects the actions of our young people
and therefore increases the amount of violence in our society
today. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
80
With the pressures on today’s young people to succeed
academically, some people believe that non-academic subjects
at school (eg: physical education and cookery) should be
removed from the syllabus so that children can concentrate
wholly on academic subjects. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Children who are brought up in the family that do not have a
lot of money are better prepared to deal with problems when
they become adults than children who are brought up by
wealthy parent. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Learning a foreign language offers an insight into how people
from other cultures think and see the world.
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The teaching of a foreign language should be compulsory at all
primary schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree with
this view?
With the rise of e-books comes the decline in paper books.
Some people see this as a good step forward while others do
not. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
The rise of convenience foods has helped people keep up with
the speed of the modern life style. What are the advantages of
this trend? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
85
There seems to be an increasing trend towards assessing
students through exams rather than continual assessment.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of exams as a form
of assessment?
Space exploration costs tax payers an exorbitant amount of
money each year. What are the advantages and disadvantage of
spending money on space exploration?
Many elderly people are no long looked after by their families
but are put in care homes or nursing homes. What are the
advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
It is often considered that change is more beneficial to people
than trying to avoid it and have everything remain the same.
Do you think the advantages of change outweigh the
disadvantages?
“Prevention is better than cure”. Researching and treating
diseases is too costly so it would be better to invest in
preventative measures. To what extent do you agree.
90
With the increased global demand in oil and gas, undiscovered
areas of the world should be opened up to access more
resources. To what extent do you agree?
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We live in a world of technology these days. While the internet
brings with it clear advantages, the problems in terms of control
and security of information outweighs the advantages. To what
extent do you agree?
In many countries today, parents are able to choose to send
their children to single-sex schools or co-educational schools.
Some people think that children going to single-sex schools
have disadvantages later in life. To what extent do you agree?
Scientists and technology experts seem to be more valued by
modern society than musicians and artists. To what extent do
you agree?
Some people think that success is the best measure for
intelligence, while others think that intelligence can be
measured in other ways. What is your opinion?
95
Some people believe that men and women are equal and so
women should be able to do any job they want. Others feel that
men and women are not equal and therefore there are certain
jobs which are not suitable for women. Discuss both views and
give your opinion.
Some people think that more money should be spent on
protecting endangered species while others think it is a waste
of valuable money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that environmental problems should be
solved on a global scale while others believe it is better to deal
with them nationally. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
There seems to be an increasing number of serious crimes
committed each year. While some think the best way is to use
the death penalty as a deterrent, many people believe that other
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measures will be needed. Discuss both sides and give your
opinion.
Some people think that exercise is the key to health while others
feel that having a balanced diet is more important. Discuss both
sides and give your opinion.
100
Some people think that the internet has brought people closer
together while others think that people and communities are
become more isolated. Discuss both sides and give your
opinion.
Overpopulation in many major urban centers around the world
is a major problem. What are the causes of this? How can this
problem be solved?
More and more wild animals are on the verge of extinction and
others are on the endangered list. What are the reasons for this?
What can be done to solve this problem?
Many small, local shops are closing as they are unable to
compete with large supermarkets in the area. How does this
effect local communities? How could this situation be
improved?
An increasing number of professionals, such as doctors and
teachers, are leaving their own poorer countries to work in
developed countries. What problems does this cause? What
solutions can you suggest to deal with this situation?
105
News plays an important part of most people’s lives. Why is
news so important to people? Why is so much news dedicated
to bad news? Should the news focus on good news instead?
The internet is a great course of information and has opened
up opportunities for people to learn all over the world. Is all
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information reliable on the internet? What could be done to
control information online?
Art and music are considered some of the fundamental
elements of all societies. Do you think art and music still have
a place in today’s modern world of technology? Should children
spend more time learning art and music at school?
108
It is often said “when is Rome, do as the Romans do”. Do you
think people should adapt and accept the culture of the country
they are visit? do you think it is possible to learn a culture
without learning the language?
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