We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in businesses, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used for in future? Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more suspicious of their benefits?
In what ways has information technology changed work and working practices in the past 10 years?
'Telecommuting' refers to workers doing their jobs from home for part of each week and communicating with their office using computer technology. Telecommuting is growing in many countries and is expected to be common for most office workers in the coming decades. How do you think society will be affected by the growth of telecommuting?
Technology is making communication easier in today's world, but at the expense of personal contact as many people choose to work at home in front of a computer screen. What dangers are there for a society which depends on computer screens rather than face-to-face contact for its main means of communication?
Some businesses now say that no one can smoke cigarettes in any of their offices. Some governments have banned smoking in all public places. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons.
Should the same laws which prohibit the sale and consumption of heroin be applied to tobacco?
To what extent is the use of animals in scientific research acceptable?
Human beings do not need to eat meat in order to maintain good health because they can get all their food needs from meatless products and meatless substances. A vegetarian diet is as healthy as a diet containing meat. Argue for or against the opinion above.
Forests are the lungs of the earth. Destruction of the world's forests amounts to death of the world we currently know. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Are our zoos cruel to wild animals? Discuss.
Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but not poor alternatives to a natural environment. Discuss some of the arguments for and/or against keeping animals in zoos.
To what extent should economic planning be influenced by the need of environmental conservation?
Damage of the environment is an inevitable consequence of worldwide improvements in the standard of living. Discuss.
The rising levels of congestion and air pollution found in most of the world cities can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private cars in use. In order to reverse this decline in the quality of life in cities, attempts must be made to encourage people to use their cars less and public transport more. Discuss possible ways to encourage the use of public transport.
Education is the single most important factor in the development of a country. Do you agree?
What are factors which are related to academic success in high-school students?
Do the benefits of study abroad justify the difficulties? What advice would you offer to a prospective student?
The idea of going overseas for university study is an exciting prospect for many people. But while it may offer some advantages, it is probably better to stay home because of the difficulties a student inevitably encounters living and studying in a different culture. To what extent do you agree or disagree this statement? Give reasons for your answer.
Write a report to your sponsoring agency describing the English-language skills overseas students require. Make any recommendations you feel are necessary.
What kind of listening challenges do overseas students face in tertiary education? What recommendations would you offer?
Write a report to your sponsoring agency describing the accommodation problems faced by foreign students in Britain/US/Australia, etc. Make any necessary recommendations.
Education is recognized as vital to the future of any society in today's world. Governments throughout the world should make education compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 and 15. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten. Discuss.
Children should never be educated at home by their parents. Do you agree or disagree?
Children learn best by observing behavior of adults and copying it. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
To what extent should universities function as training grounds for employment?
To what extent should university courses be geared to the economic needs of society?
Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by providing such things as food and education? Or is it a responsibility of the governments of poorer nations to look after their citizens themselves?
To what extent will migration from the developing world to the developed world become a social and political issue in the 21st century?
The dominance of black people in US sport is due to sociological rather than physiological factors. Discuss.
In Britain, when someone gets old, they often go to live in a home with other old people where there are nurses to look after them. Sometimes the government has to pay for this care. Who should be responsible for our old people? Give reasons.
In some countries the average worker is obliged to retire at the age of 50, while in others people can work until they are 65 or 70. Until what age do you think people should be encouraged to remain in paid employment? Give reasons for your answer.
