Today people are living in a throwaway society where they use things for a short time only and then throw them away. What are the causes of this and what problems can it lead to?
In some countries, young people are not only richer but also safer and healthier than ever before. However, they are often less happy. What do you think are the reasons for this and what can be done to help?
Successful companies use advertisements to make more sales. What can make an advertisement effective? Do you think advertisements are a bad thing or a good thing for society?
Nowadays many people aim to create a balance between their work and other aspects of their life, however, only a few achieve it. What are the problems in doing this and what solutions can you suggest?
Oil and natural gas reserves are decreasing nowadays. Countries are looking at areas which are not explored till now. Do you think this is a positive development? Discuss.
Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists and not local people. Why is this the case? What can be done to attract more local people?
Scientists have been warning for many years that to protect the environment, we have to limit the use of energy in our daily lives. Despite warning many people do not pay attention to this. What are the reasons for this and how can people be encouraged to save the environment?
Demand for food is increasing worldwide. What is the cause of this? What measures can the international community take to make sure the supply of food is enough?
In some societies, more and more people are choosing to live on their own? What are the reasons people choose to do this? Is it a positive or negative trend?
Many parents think that it is good to teach children about the value of money. Why do you think it is important to teach them the value of money? In what ways can you help children learn the value of money?
The number of people interested in cosmetic surgery is increasing in order to improve their physical appearance. Why do people do operations to change the way they look? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
Nowadays more and more people want to get things done instantly. Why is it? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
Some people think that children should start formal education as early as possible, whereas other people think children should not start until the age of Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that technology has made the lives of workers easier whilst other people disagree. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
People today increasingly use credit cards to make monthly purchases. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people believe that the best way to travel within a city is by car. Others believe it is best to travel by bicycle. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that individuals are becoming more and more dependent on each other, whereas others believe that people are becoming more independent of each other. Discuss both the views and give your opinion.
The number of old people is increasing in many countries. Some people think this causes problems, whilst other people think that old people have an important role to play. How far do you agree or disagree?
In some countries, the elderly are highly valued and respected, while in other youth is more highly valued. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Some people prefer hobbies that require technology, whereas others prefer hobbies that do not require technology. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people say that the current level of air travel is acceptable whereas other people believe air travel should be reduced and the government should play a role in this. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Nowadays culture is much the same all around the world when compared to previous times. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Some people believe that a greater difference in age between parents and children is more beneficial than less of a difference. Do you think the advantages of a greater age difference outweigh the disadvantages?
Some psychologists say that doing absolutely nothing for a period of time each day is the key to decreasing stress in everyday life. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In the world of the internet, people write product reviews of products and services. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Billions of dollars are being wasted each year on space research. The money could be better used to improve the conditions on earth. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
More and more people are finding it increasingly important to wear fashionable clothes. Is this attitude to wearing clothes a positive development or negative?
Many people spend money and not save it. What are the reasons? Is it a positive or negative development?
Nowadays, more people are choosing to socialize online rather than face to face. Is this a positive or negative development?
Today, more and more full-time university students focus on other activities rather than spend a lot of time studying. Some people think it is essential for university students to be involved in other activities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The fast-food industry has negative effects on our health, the environment, and family eating habits. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that too many resources and attention are devoted to the protection of wild animals and birds. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The most effective way to solve traffic and transport problems in the cities is to encourage people from the suburbs or the countryside to live in the cities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people suggest that international news should study as a subject in secondary school. However, others say that it will be a waste of valuable school time. Discuss both views and give your opinion
Even though doctors advise old people to get more exercise, many old people do not get enough. What are the reasons for this? What are some possible solutions for this?
It is better to go out for a live performance (a show or concert) than stay at home watching TV or using the computer. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
If you sell a product and people buy it, then advertising it is not necessary and considered as a kind of entertainment. Do you agree or disagree?
The housing shortage in big cities can cause severe social consequences. Some people think only government action can solve this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Schools are no longer necessary because children can get so much information available through the Internet and they can study just as well at home. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays movies and computer games containing violence are very popular. Some people believe that they have a negative effect on society and should be banned, others, however, believe that it is harmless entertainment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
International sporting events are costly and bring problems to the hosting country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that watching television does not make people smarter. Other people think that watching television can be informative. Which opinion do you agree with and why?
Some people participate in extra‐curricular activities such as volunteering in charitable events or joining dance groups to gain more knowledge and experience. Others simply focus on their goals such as academic studies or work. Which do you think helps in improving a person’s knowledge and experience and why?
There are severe social consequences to housing shortages in cities and only the government can solve these problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that smartphones are destroying social interaction today. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some think that having ambition is good quality. Is it important to be ambitious? Is it a positive or negative characteristic?
Nowadays more tasks at home and work are being performed by robots. Is this a negative or positive development?
Many believe that the best way to ensure a happier society is to reduce the difference in income earnings between the rich and poor. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people feel that students should learn from online materials while others feel that it is better to use printed materials. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Employers should focus on personal qualities instead of qualifications and experience when choosing someone for a job. To what extent do you agree?
Some people think that the best way to get the news is through newspapers while others think it is through online media. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Getting promotions is one of the biggest motivators for hard work in the modern workplace. Why are people so driven to receive promotions? What other factors motivate people to work hard?