2008080112Some people believe that in order to reduce crime, prisoners should be given longer prison sentence while some people think there are other alternative ways. Discuss the both viewpoints and give your opinion.080119Some people believe that older generation’s traditional ideas are not the right way to live, think and behave in modern society. To what extent do you agree or disagree？0801026Some people think that in some countries where the unemployment rate is high, there is no need to provide secondary education to pupils who are unlikely to find a job in the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 080202Some people believe that it is acceptable to use animals in any way for the benefits of human being. Some think it is wrong to exploit animals. Discuss the both viewpoints and give your own opinion.08216The famous actor John once said “tomorrow is important and precious”. How important is it to think about future rather than focusing on the present? 080223In some countries, it is possible for people to have a variety of food that has been transported from all over the world. To what extent do you think its benefits outweigh the drawbacks?080301Governments have recognized that it is important to keep the education system up-to-date. Which TWO of the following subjects are the most important to the students in your opinion and which ONE is the least important? Give your reasons. Subjects: Literature, Sports, Mathematics, Economy, Physics, History, Music, Geography, Philosophy, Foreign languages.080308As the number of cars increase, more money has to be spent on road systems. Some people think the government should pay for this. Others, however, think the users should cover the costs. Discuss the both viewpoints and give your own opinion.080329Some people think that it is the responsibility of government to ensure that people have healthy lifestyle. Others think people should be free to make their lifestyle decisions. Discuss the both viewpoints and give your own opinion.080405A long-distance flight consumes the fuel as much as a car consumes inseveral years time, and causes the same amount of pollution as cars. So some people think we should abandon the non-essential fights (such as for tourism), and it is more efficient than restricting the car use. Give your opinion about it.080412Nowadays, people are busy with their work and do not have enough time to spend with their families and friends. What are the reasons? What are the effects on the family life and the society as a whole?080419Some countries have ever-increasing proportion of population of those aged 15 or younger. What are the current and future effects for the society? 080510Some people believe that children can learn effectively by watching TV and they should be encouraged to watch TV both at home and school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?080522Some people believe that schools should only teach children subjects which are beneficial to their future career and therefore others subjects such as music and sports are not important. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 080605University students are more focused on specific subjects nowadays. Some people think universities should encourage students to study a range of subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?080614Some people believe cheap air travel is beneficial for people. Others argue that it contributes to environmental problems and thus the ticket price of air travel should be raised. Discuss the both viewpoints and give your own opinion.080621Some people believe that children should obey all the rules given by the teachers and parents. Others argue that children should be free from rules so that they can be independent in their adult life. Discuss the both viewpoints and give your own opinion.080628Nowadays, high-technologies such as mobile phones and internet are rarely used by old people. How should these technologies be useful to old people? How to encourage old people to use the technologies?080705Theoretical subjects such as mathematics and philosophy are taught in universities but students prefer more practical subjects such as accounting and computer programming. Some people believe theoretical subjects should be abandoned in universities. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 080712Some people believe that the government should support the development inagriculture such as farming and the creation of new types of fruits and vegetables. To what extent do you agree or disagree?080726Some people believe that the main benefit of international cooperation is in the environment, others maintain that the major profit is the development of world business. Discuss the both viewpoints and give your own opinion. 080809Some people believe that the government should encourage the business and industries moving from large cities into regional areas. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?080816Today, newspapers and televisions are giving detailed descriptions on crimes. Some people believe such a practice will cause bad consequences and thus media should be restricted. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 080821Today, international travel often leads to prejudice rather than widening people’s horizon. What are the reasons? What should be done to improve the situation? 080830Some people believe that students should study in groups while others that they should study independently. Discuss the both ways and give your own opinion.080906Some people believe that teachers play a more important role in the intellectual development and the social contact of children while some others believe that the parents are more important. Discuss the both viewpoints and give your own opinion.080913Some people claim it is important to protect the environment while doing nothing in action. What do you think of such a phenomenon and what should we do to protect the environment?080927Today, it is difficult for people who come from rural areas to receive university education. Some people propose that universities should make it easier for these students to study at. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 081011Today’s society is based on laws and rules. It can’t function well if individuals are free to do whatever they want. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 081025Some people believe that economic progress is the only factor that can be used to measure a country’s success. Some others argue that there are some other factors. Discuss the both viewpoints and give your own opinion. 081108Today, fashion is becoming more and more important in choosing clothes. What are the reasons? Do you think the trend positive or negative?081115Computers enable people to be able to work at home and children to study at home. Some people believe that it is convenient and cost-saving. Do you think the phenomenon positive or negative?081129Some people believe that traditional games can better develop children’s capabilities than modern games do. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 081213Some people believe that a country will benefit greatly by a high percentage of young people going to universities while others argue that it only leads to higher unemployment rate. Discuss the both viewpoints and give your own opinion.081220Today, many charities and organizations are naming days as special days such as National Children’s Day, National non-smoking day and etc. What are the reasons? How effective do you think the measures are?2009090110Some people think that the range of technology available to individuals is increasing the gap between rich people and poor people, while others hold the opposite opinion. Discuss these points of view. What is your opinion? 090115Some people think students at school and university can learn more from teachers and lessons than from TV and the Internet. To what extent do you agree or disagree?090117Today, people can work and live in anywhere they want, because of the improvement of communication technology and transport. Do advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?090207Rich countries often give financial aid to poor countries, but it does not solve the poverty, so some people think that rich countries should give other types of help to the poor countries rather than the financial aid. To what extent do you agree or disagree?090212Development in technology leads to environmental problems, and some people think that the solution to these problems is for everyone to lead a simpler way of life, while others say that technology can solve these problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.090221Some think that environmental problems are too big for individuals to solve, while others think the problems cannot solve unless individuals take someactions. Discuss both views and give your opinion.090228Some people think that increasing the number of sports facilities is the best way to improve public health, but others believe that it has little effects and we need other measures to improve it. Discuss both views and give your opinion.090305Newspapers have a big influence on people's ideas and opinions. Why is it? To what extent do you think it is positive or negative?090307Some people think music plays an important role in society, while others believe music is simply a form of entertainment for individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.090314More and more students choose to move to other countries to have higher education. Do you think the benefits of going abroad outweigh its problem? 090321Some people think it is more important for government to spend public money on promoting healthy lifestyle in order to prevent illness than to spend it on the treatment of people who are already ill. To what extent do you agree or disagree?090404Nowadays，people live in the society where consumer goods are cheaper to buy.Do you think its advantages outweigh disadvantages?090418If a product is good or it meets people needs, people will buy it. So advertising is unnecessary and no more than an entertainment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?090425Some people think that computers and the Internet are more important for a child's education than going to school. But others believe that schools and teachers are essential for children to learn effectively. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.090430Some people think museums should be enjoyable places to attract and entertain young people. But others think the purpose of museums is to educate, not to entertain. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 090509Some people believe that teenagers should concentrate on all school subjects. But, others believe that teenagers should focus on the subject that they are best at or that they find the most interest. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.090516It has been believed that people who read for pleasure have developed imagination and language skills better than people who prefer to watch TV. To what extent do you agree or disagree?090521A hundred years ago, people think that human race is steadily improving in every area of life. Now it seems this is not certain in that situation. In which areas do you think we have made important progress nowadays? In which areas do you think we still need to make progress?090530Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) are the main sources in many countries, but in some countries the use of alternative sources of energy (wind energy and solar energy) is encouraged. To what extent do you think it is a positive or negative development?090611The food travels thousands of miles from farm to consumer. Some people think it would be better to our environment and economy if people only ate local produced food. What extend does the advantage outweigh disadvantage?090613Report research suggests that majority of criminals who were sent to prison would commit crimes when set free. What do you think of this case? What to be done to solve this problem?090620Some believe that those who are not talented in language learning should not be required to learn a foreign language. Do you think school should required students to learn a foreign language?090627Developing countries require international organizations’ help. Some people think that financial aid is important. However, others believe that practical aid and advice is more important. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.090704Money for postgraduate research is limited. Therefore some people think financial support from governments should be only provided for scientific research of useful subjects rather than research for less useful subjects. Do you agree or disagree?090711Many people think that companies and private individuals, not governments, should pay for the pollutions they have produced. To what extent do you agree or disagree?090723Some people are optimistic about the 21st century and see it as an opportunity to make positive changes to the world. To what extent do you agree?090725Some people think students should go to boarding schools instead of living at home. Do you agree or disagree?090808The development of technology has changed the way people interact with each other. In which ways does it change the types of relationship that people make with each other? Does it have positive or negative effect on society? 090813The subjects and lesson contents for children are decided by the authorities, such as central government. Some people think that teachers should decide these for students. To what extent do you agree of disagree with this opinion? 090822The news media are increasingly influential today. To what extent do you think this is a positive development?090829When we travel to foreign countries, we tend to see the same things as we see in our home countries. What are the causes of this phenomenon and do you think this is positive or negative?090905Some people think that students should go to college for further education. However, some others claim that students should go to learn the skills such as fixing cars or construction. What is your opinion?090912Caring for children is an important thing of the society. It is suggested that all mothers and fathers should be required to take childcare training courses. To what extent do you agree or disagree?090917Do you think giving criminals longer terms in prison is a good way to reduce crimes?091008Some people think family members have stronger influence on children than teachers and friends. Do you agree?091010Some people think the production of consumer goods damages the environment. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?091024Some people think university education should prepare students for employment while others think it should help students acquire theoretical knowledge. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.091031Environmental problems are too serious for individuals to solve. Only governments and big companies can solve them. Do you agree?09117There is a higher rate of juvenile delinquency (youth crime) today. What arethe causes and what are your solutions?091114Professionals such as doctors, nurses and teachers should be paid more than sports and entertainment personalities. To what extent do you agree? 091118Some people think governments should introduce new technology to improve the lives in developing countries while others think they should provide free education to achieve that. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 091121International organizations have failed to help everyone who needs help so they should only focus on helping communities and countries. To what extent do you agree?2010100109Some people believe that the charity organizations should give aid to those in greatest need，wherever they live. Some people believe that the charity organizations would better concentrate on helping people who live in own country instead. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.100109Some people argue that the technology such as mobile phone (cell phone) destroys social interaction. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 100114In today’s world, it is private companies rather than government who pay for and carry out most on scientific research. To what extent do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?100123The gap between the rich and the poor is becoming much wider, the rich richer, the poor even poorer. What problems can the situation cause and give the solutions.100123Many people are moving to big cities. Why is that? To what extent do you think it is a good trend?100130Today there is a great increase in anti-social behavior and lack of respect to others. What are the causes of this? What measures can be taken to reduce this problem?100206Air travel can only benefit the richest people in the world. The ordinary people can get no advantage with the development of air travel. To what extent do you agree or disagree?100211Some people think that politicians have the greatest influence on the world.Other people, however, believe that scientists have the greatest influence. Discuss both of views and give your own opinion.100211Young people have different ideas and attitudes with their parents and grandparents. What are the differences? What problems may be caused? 100220Most countries want to improve standard of living through economic development, however, others think social value is lost as a result. Do you think the advantages of economic development outweigh the disadvantages? 100220Some people argue that the purpose of zoos is only to entertain people. What do you think? What other purposes of zoos?100227Technological progress in the past century has its negative effect, despite its remarkable contribution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?100306The survey shows that in many countries, the people are living longer but increased life expectancy has many implications for the aging individuals and for society as a whole. What are the possible effects of longer living for individuals and society?100306Wearing fashionable clothes is becoming important today. Is the attitude to wearing fashionable clothes leading to a positive development or negative development?100318Some people think zoos are cruel and all the zoos should be closed. However, some people think zoos are useful to protect the rare animals. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion100320Lately, more and more work has to be done by machines. To what extent do you think the positive effects of this development outweigh the negative effects on individuals and society?100320Some people who failed at school can be highly successful in their adult life. Discuss why does this happen? And what are the main factors to get a successful life?100327Studies suggest that children spend more time on watching TV than they did in the past and spend less on doing active or creative things. Why do you think this is a case? What measurement and methods can be used to tackle with it?100410Some people think that cheaper and cheaper travel by air is beneficial but other people think it has drawbacks to environment and the resources of theworld. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.100410In some societies, more and more people choose to live on their own. What is the reason for this, and is it a positive or negative trend?100415Some people think that men and women have different qualities. Therefore, some certain jobs are suitable for men and some jobs are suitable for women. To what extent do you agree or disagree?100417Some people think the governments should act to decide how people live in order to make a healthier life. Others think individual should decide their own lifestyle. Discuss both views, and give your opinion.100417More and more young children have mobile phone. Some people say it is a good thing for them, while others say it is a bad thing. What is your opinion? 100424It has been suggested that everyone in the world want to own a car, a TV and a fridge. Do you think disadvantages of such a development outweigh the advantages?100508Schools should concentrate on teaching students the academic subjects that will be useful for their future careers. Subjects such as music and sports are not useful. To what extent do you agree or disagree?100508Some people think dangerous sports should be banned. Do you agree or disagree?100515Nowadays, distance-learning programs are such common thing for us (the study material by post, by Internet), but some people argue that courses can never be taken as good as those by attending in a college or university in person. To what extent do you agree or disagree?100520Some people think children should obey the rules their parents and teachers set and listen to them, but others think less control will help children to deal with their future adult life. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 100520In some countries, age of 18 means adults, while in other countries, it should be older. Give your own opinion and talk about the responsibility of an adult. 100529Many people who leave school hold a negative attitude towards learning. Why does this happen? How to solve the problem?100605Some groups, such as poor people and people from rural areas, think universities should make it especially easy for them to get access touniversity education. To what extent do you agree or disagree?100605Travel to and from work has become more difficult for many people to solve this situation. Employers should allow people to do some work at home. What’s your opinion and discuss the advantage and disadvantage.100617To what extent do you agree that societies benefit from international tourism and business?100619An increasing number of people change their career and place of residence several times during their life time. Is this a positive or negative development?100626International travel often leads people to have some prejudices rather than broad-mind. What are the main reasons of this phenomenon? What do you think people can do to get better understanding of the countries they visit? 100626In many countries, workers over 60 can still be found in the workplace. However, some people think it may cause some social problems and they should get retired. To what extent do you agree or disagree?100710More and more young people hold important positions in government. Some people think it is not suitable but others think otherwise. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.100715Some people think adults should learn practical skills by themselves, while others think they should learn from teachers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.100717The movement of people from agricultural areas to cities to work can cause serious problems in both places. What are the serious problems and what measures can be taken to solve this problem?100717People nowadays are more easily influenced by fashion, especially on their clothes and hairstyle. What factors lead to the phenomenon? Is it a positive or negative trend?100731Some people believe that university students should pay all the cost of studies because university education only benefit the students themselves not the society as a whole. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 100731Nowadays, some people believe advertising is useful and informative. Others believe advertising gives false information about the products and increase the price of goods, what is your opinion?In many parts of the world children and teenagers are committing more crimes. Why is this case happening? How should children or teenagers be punished?100805Money makes people's life much easier, but too much money can bring problems. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having lots of money?100814The major cities in the world are growing fast, as well as their problems. What are the problems that young people living in cities are facing with? Give solutions to these problems.100821Charities and organizations always give special names to particular days such as “National Children's Day” and “National Non-smoking Day”. What are the causes of these particular days? How effective are they?100821Students in school should learn practical skills such as car maintenance and managing a bank account, as well as the traditional academic subject. Do you agree or disagree?100828In many cities, planners have separated schools, homes, shops, offices in specific areas which were widely separated from each other. Do you think advantages of this policy outweigh disadvantages to the city residents? 100904Mobile phones have made life easier you can answer the work call and home call at any place, any time. Does this development have more positive or negative effects on both individuals and society?100911Some people think it is necessary to use animals for testing medicines intended for human use. Others, however, think it is cruel to do that. Discuss both of these views and give you own opinion.100911Schools should teach children good behavior and introduce ideas of “right” and “wrong”. It should not only be left to parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?100916Society is based on rules and laws. It would not function if individuals are free to do whatever they want to. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 100925A report indicated that many children between 7 and 11 spend too much time watching television and playing video games. How does the problem affect the children, their families and society? What measures can be taken to control it?Modern lifestyles make many people hard to lead active and health lives. What are the factors contributing to that? How to suggest the governments and other large companies to help them do more exercise?101009Some countries have introduced a law to limit working hours for employees. How this law can be introduced? Do you think it is a positive or a negative development?101009In many parts of the world, shopping is no longer just buying what you need. It has been transformed into a form of entertainment. Why does this happen? Is it a positive or negative development?101014In some countries, it is illegal for companies to reject job applicant for their age. Is this a positive or negative development?101023Some people think pollution and damage of environment are resulted from a country developing and becoming richer, and this is hard to be avoided. To what extent do you agree or disagree?101030Some people think that by paying taxes they have made enough contribution to their society, others think there are more responsibilities than paying taxes. Discuss both views and give your opinion.101030Some people believe that young people (children and teenagers) are better at learning a foreign language; others think that adults are more successful at this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.101104Some parents need to spend time on reading or telling stories to Children, while others think Children can read through a variety of sources, such as book, TV and internet by themselves. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.101104In some countries, young criminals were not put in prison, instead, they are required to do unpaid work in community. Do you think it has more advantages or disadvantages?101106Everybody should stay in school until 18. To what extent do you agree or disagree?101120Some people have benefited from modern communication technology, and some people have not benefited from it at all. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this point?101127。