Essay PDF by Manmeet

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TASK 2
1. The best way for a country to prepare for the future is to invest more
resources in its young people. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this opinion?
It is commonly believed that a nation can succeed in the future by spending

on its youth. In my opinion, nothing can actually stop a nation from
developing and succeeding if its youth are educated and healthy and thus that
there can be no better way than investing resources to prepare for the future.
The first reason why I believe that investing in youth should be a priority for
every country is that young people are the backbone of a country's economy.
The success of the economy depends upon whether the country's working age
population or in other words the youth is skilled, educated and healthy. If the
youth are not skilled and educated, rather than helping a country grow, they
would become a burden. Similarly, a country's success depends upon its
worker's productivity and productivity in turn depends upon people's physical
and mental health. Hence, countries must spend on their youth.
The second argument in support of my view is based on empirical evidence.

About half a century ago, when most of Asia got independence, most of the
countries like Korea, Indonesia, China and India had similar levels of
development. However, today some of these countries like Korea and China
are way ahead, while others like India and Indonesia are still facing many
challenges. The main reason that experts attribute for this is the level of
spending on health and education. Countries like Korea and China spent much
more heavily on health and education than India and Indonesia.
Last but not least, a country to grow today needs innovation and new ideas. I
believe that youth bring this to the table. Old people by nature are risk averse
and are resistant to change, while youth are open to new ideas and change. If
a country needs to really grow it must have young dynamic leaders with out
of the box thinking and ideas. Therefore, countries really need to spend
resources and time on developing such young leaders.
To conclude, I would like to reiterate that importance of youth to the future

success of a country cannot be overstated and thus investing in them is the
most effective way for a country.
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2. Some people think that robots are important for human’s future
development. Others think that robots have negative effects on society.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
In this era of advanced science and its applications, artificial intelligence seems
incredibly important for mankind, whereas, few people argue that its effects are
harmful and hazardous for the community. This essay will discuss both views and
elaborate on them in the upcoming paragraphs. Owing to the fact that robots
can achieve the tasks which are nearly impossible for human, I do believe that
they are vitally important for the human civilization.
To commence with, on one hand, people think high credibility of artificial

intelligence because of their efficiency to perform difficult activities like space
exploration and survival in critical medical conditions. As the building of the
robot is mechanical it can absolutely perform the task needed for human benefit
and a person can feed necessary information for the same in the robot brain. For
example, the GPS Map system, everyone is using nowadays became an
indistinguishable part of our life, this would not have been possible in absence
of robots. Human can’t move or fly in space to map not only the earth but also
the other planets. So, these discoveries now leading to growth in each and every
sector of community life such as economy, travel, medical sciences by exploring
various conditions across the world.
On the other hand, one cannot deny the harsh and troublesome situations
resulted from artificial Intelligence. Particularly in warfare and understanding
the emotions of living beings the robots are absolute failures. Even though, the
required information has been fed into the brain wire system of the robot, it
can’t judge and analyses the critical thinking and change of attitude which results
from an emotional state of mind. This is because it doesn’t have a mind. To
exemplify, the robots used for security check on borders might fail to distinguish
between a normal citizen and an intruder and the misjudgement can lead to loss
of innocent lives. Thus, it is obvious that the negative effect of them should be
taken into consideration. However, improvisation and higher research
methodology of Artificial Intelligence could help in alleviating such problems.
In conclusion, although the dangerous effects can hamper mankind to a certain

extent, it is vividly clear that one can be selected for their uses as well as there is
tremendous scope in improvement by doing proper research. Nevertheless, the
usefulness of robots is truly vital and necessary for mankind to live in better
condition of health, wealth and peace. This makes my opinion crystal clear that
robots are significantly important for life on the globe.
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3. Nowadays celebrities earn more money than politicians. What are the
reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
In major countries, celebrities are well known and have fans all over the world.
As a result, they earn much more money than some politicians who are either
from local areas or work at a national level. Moreover, people are intrigued more
by the gossip and entertainment provided by celebrities than the debates of the
politicians. But, in my opinion, I believe that it is a negative development overall.
There are two central reasons why celebrities generate more income than
politicians. One of them is that there are more ways available for celebrities to
earn money with the advent of the Internet, such as online streaming services.
They are no more dependent on movies or music videos to make them popular.
Platforms like Netflix, Youtube and television have opened up a lot of avenues
for them to maintain their traction and make money in the process. Secondly,
they showcase their talent with sheer hard work and maintain their stardom.
These starlets work day in and out throughout the year and keep themselves fit
through regular exercise and proper diet. Due to this, they become role models
of the youth who follow them on social media and increase their net worth.
In spite of these facts, the considerable difference in the earnings of politicians

and celebs is unfortunate. Celebrities may represent our country from the
entertainment field, but politicians are the leaders of our nation. However, due
to less pay, many politicians shirk from work which affects the administration of
the country. More pay would produce more attentive public servants and
encourage the youth to engage in politics for the betterment of the nation and
themselves. Secondly, high salaries would work as anti-corruption measures. For
example, in Singapore, the prime minister earns $1.7 million a year, which is four
times more than the salary of the US president. These high salaries in Singapore,
apart from decreasing corruption, are also seen to attract the best talent, who
would otherwise go into finance or computing. High salaries have seen these
politicians more eager to represent their constituents’ interests and reduce
corruption among these country’s heads.
In conclusion, the fact that celebrities are paid more than political leaders now is
caused by a wider variety of income sources available to them and supported by
the social norm that a politician should not be a profit-driven professional.
However, I believe this is a negative trend that may lead to more political
corruption and less talented governments.
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4. Some people think that governments should change the

way individuals live, while others believe they should
choose the way themselves. Discuss these both points of
view and give your opinion?
It is a highly controversial issue that whether should authorities

be involved in citizens’ way of lives or people have rights to
decide their lifestyles. In my opionion, inhabitants are entitled
to lead a life as per their own choice without any interference
of regime. This essay shall discuss both sides of the issue in
further detail before reaching a relevant conclusion.
On the one hand, there are those who maintain that on no

account can the governments control the way residents live.
Firstly, by determining their own lifestyles, people can get rids
of anxiety and stress without the control of government
bodies. Indeed, in some democratic nations, people believe
that the governments serve local residents, not vice versa,
therefore, if laws or regulations which are imposed by
authorities to shape their locals’ lives such as what to eat,
where to go or what to wear, their citizens will not satisfy with
their qualities of life. Secondly, the government has no
business to organize the way people want to live, as long as,
their activities do not harm others. To illustrate, a man can
drink alcohol or smoke, even these kinds of stuff can pose a
serious threat to his health. However, after that, if he can
control his actions as well as emotions to not harm other
people, he can be at liberty to use these things, because he is a
sole person who should take responsibility to his health, not
the government.
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On the other hand, other people claim that governments

should have some measures to change their individuals’ way of
lives. Firstly, it is obvious that in order to uphold an ordered
society, the governments enact new laws as well as allocate
money on education lead their locals to become law-abiding
citizens who can contribute to society. In fact, owing to the
rampant of crime rate because of negative lifestyles, the
authority restricts their citizens’ freedom to do whatever they
want so as to curb lawless behavior, because the safety of
residents is high on the government’s agenda. The second
reason is that via changing individuals’ lifestyles, the
governments can ensure the decent living standard for their
communities. The government who has a profound grasp of the
tendency of the world’ development can strengthen the living
income or standard for locals by encouraging them to develop
modern lifestyles such as: applying technologies for works,
using environmentally-friendly commodities and so on, so they
can become good citizens in the global village.
In conclusion, I believe that everyone should be at liberty to do

anything that they want under the limit of the governments
because we cannot downplay the importance of the
governments in our lifestyles’ decisions.
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5. Some people think that good health is very important to every person,
so medical services should not be run by profit-making companies. Do
the advantages of private health care outweigh the disadvantages?
Good healthcare service is a fundamental need for every citizen in a

country and when this sector is run by money-making private
organisations, it is clear that the government-provided health care service
is not up to mark and needs improvements. I believe that when the
healthcare service is owned and run by some bunch of money-makers,
most people would suffer to a great extent and this policy has far more
demerits than few advantages it offers.
Admittedly, when the government is incapable of providing sufficient

treatment and hospital facilities, the healthcare sector is then turning into
a profitable business sector for many private organisations. Those private
firms’ main objective is to make money and thus only rich citizens can
accommodate their treatment. Since the government does not have any
control over the treatment facilities of these hospitals and healthcare
centers, they charge people as much as they like. Thus, they make the
overall health care system expensive in a country.
On top of that, the private healthcare centers are often accused of

overcharging and wrong treatment and yet they are not punished for the
misdeed they conduct. Many people opine that private healthcare centers
and hospitals are far neater and clean and have more qualified doctors.
However, should not those doctors be treated in public hospitals instead
of making money? Therefore, the professional ethics of doctors are ruined
by their practice in private hospitals. Furthermore, the government collects
a huge amount of tax from its citizens and should be obliged to provide
health care services to people for free rather than letting private hospitals
loot people.
In conclusion, a better environment and more doctors and nurses in private

hospitals are often considered as great advantages for the patients.
However, the amount they charge for treatment is outrageous and mass
people cannot afford that. The government should ensure proper
healthcare facilities for all of its citizens and quality public health care
service is a better solution than allowing private companies to control this
important sector whose sole objective is to make profits.
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6. Some people think that newspapers are the best way to get news.
However, others believe that they can get news better through another
media platform. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Newspapers have been considered the most reliable news source for more
than a century but in recent decades newer forms of media have supplanted
their influence. Some feel that these new sources of news are better,
however, in my opinion, newspapers are by far better because of the amount
of time and research that writers put into their articles.
The main reason that many people prefer newer media outlets is that they
deliver news more quickly across a variety of convenient platforms. The most
notable example of this is online news. The vast majority of people get their
news from Facebook and other social media websites which aggregate articles
from various online publishers, including the online version of print
newspapers in some cases. The problem here is that websites are solely
concerned with increasing traffic and getting news up as fast as possible. It is
a common occurrence for a website to publish news quickly in order to beat
others to the scoop before it has been properly verified or even thoughtfully
analysed. The result is hordes of people clicking on links to amuse themselves
for a minute without casting a critical eye over the veracity of the news. These
articles are then shared online or by word of mouth and false information
spreads rapidly.
Despite the conveniences of online media, the news that is printed in

newspapers has been better researched and verified in most cases.
Newspapers frequently devote entire departments to long-term investigative
journalism. A standout example of this would be the Boston Globe’s years
long investigation into sexual abuse by the Catholic church. They carefully
interviewed victims and put together a convincing case which led to long-
lasting reforms and convictions of some individuals. They also published
stories on the topic for over a year which allowed for detailed and thoughtful
analysis of the problem, suggestions for solutions, and articles on wider
societal implications. This type of reporting is anathema to the fervent pace
of online media.
In conclusion, even though newspapers are a dying industry I think they are
more informative and trustworthy than the largely online institutions that are
replacing them. This trend is irreversible and will have consequences for the
future of democracies around the world as people become less informed.
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7. Newspapers have influenced people's ideas and opinions. What are the
reasons for this? Is this a positive or a negative situation?
Media has an indubitable role in refining the outlook of people. This essay
intends to analyze the reasons for this. Admittedly, the influence created by
media is largely positive, although there is a slight negative effect also.
Undoubtedly, the diverse news in print media brings out huge responses and
emotions in people. Newspapers have a wide coverage and manage to fetch
the latest happenings around the globe. The way news items are reported
influences the way people think and act. Moreover, media always presents
the news in an appealing way, which catches people's attention and they
want to dig into it deeper. People find such news hard to be neglected. The
quest of people to know more about the world is undoubtedly well looked
after by the media. It is the media because of which the people are aware
about what the government is doing for them, and through letters to the
editor they can reach out their voice to be heard by the government. People
realize that media is a link between them and the government, and so it
influences their opinions even more.
Apart from this, the influence created by the media is undoubtedly positive
as knowledge about one's fellow beings makes one more empathetic and
alert. The fact that media update people with both good and bad latest
happenings is a helpful influence. For example, media's wide coverage of
rapes and murders in surrounding areas creates sympathy as well as alertness
in people. The live television of instances like earthquakes and floods helps
people to be proactive. For example, when tsunami hit Japan in 2011, people
from all over the world came out to help. The varied other information like
entertainment, sports and arts is good enough to ease the stress level.
On the other hand, although there are some unhealthy practices like gutter-
press journalism, cheque-book journalism and libel writing, people today are
mature enough to take it all with a pinch of salt, and use their own analytical
ability to shape their judgement. Such media, which takes the help of ill-
founded news and other wrong means cannot sustain long. On the whole,
media always act as custodians of the interest of the general public.
To conclude, media is powerful enough to influence one's attitudes and

thought process because of many reasons. However, such changes always act
positively despite some drawbacks.
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8. Some people think watching TV is bad for children, while others think
that watching TV has more beneficial effects on children. Discuss both
views and give your own opinion.
People are divided on the role of TV in the development of children. Some

opine that watching TV develops children positively whereas others think the
opposite. This essay intends to discuss both viewpoints. In my personal
opinion television viewing may actually enhance children's intellectual
development, but if it is done in limit and the programs children watch are
selected wisely by parents.
There are many reasons why some people say that watching TV is beneficial
for children. Firstly, watching the right kinds of shows increases children's
knowledge and so they do better in academics. According to a research, young
children who spent a few hours a week watching educational programs such
as Sesame Street and curious George had higher academic test scores 3 years
later than those who didn't watch educational programs. Secondly, children
can be motivated to play sports by watching some sports on TV. Finally,
children can learn about different cultures and lifestyles of the world through
TV programs.
On the other hand, those who say that watching TV is detrimental for children
give their reasons as follows. First of all, it impacts their health negatively. It
reduces their physical activity and turns them into couch potatoes. Apart from
causing obesity, too much screen time is also bad for their eyesight. It also
impacts their social development as they do not get time to play and socialize.
Moreover, if the content they watch is not monitored, they may watch shows
full of violence and vulgarity, which may be bad for them and affect their
psyche.
Undoubtedly, I believe that watching TV is beneficial for children if done in

limit. The effects also depend on the content and genre of the programs.
Therefore, parents should set the TV time of the children and also select the
programs for them. They should preferably watch TV with them, especially
educational shows as these may seem boring to the children otherwise.
To conclude, I reiterate my view that TV is on the whole advantageous for

children. However, the effects of television viewing depend on program
content and genre, and parents should teach their children on choosing the
right TV program to watch.
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9. The increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to

the natural environment. What are the causes of this? What can be done
to solve this problem?
In today’s times, humans concede heavy reliance on consumer goods because

of a population boom and for convenience purposes. Unfortunately, such
developments have adversely affected our environment. This essay will
discuss its causes and what can be done to salvage the environment from it.
Admittedly, the increasing population has left many companies ramping up

their production capacity to satisfy the growing world’s needs. As a result,
factories are emitting tons of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere along with
industrial effluents, some of which are even dumped in the ocean without any
toxic treatment. These effluents are very poisonous and pose perilous
aftermaths to marine ecosystems. Some effluents even enter the
groundwater, which is a significant source of drinking water. Such is the
cascading effect of consumer goods on the environment, which eventually
harms humans. Apart from this, companies set up outlets and factories, which
lead to clearing forest areas and thereby causing deforestation and
disturbance of the local ecosystem.
Nevertheless, this whole process can be arrested by following certain steps.

First and foremost, governments and governing bodies need to lay down strict
laws and penalties for manufacturers so that the harm caused by their waste
and emissions to the environment is minimal. Moreover, people should be
conscious of their consumption. They should not litter openly and utilise the
3 R’s – Reuse, Reduce and Recycle – as much as possible. Furthermore,
spreading awareness of these detrimental effects on nature and steps to
avoid them should become the priority for the government and other
organisations. It will not only prevent the misuse by the consumer goods-
based companies but also make the public aware of their initiative. Lastly,
manufacturers should be encouraged to switch towards greener initiatives
and environment-friendly products.
In conclusion, the increasing production of consumer goods is causing a

detrimental impact on our environment, and if it is left unchecked, the point
from which there’s no return will soon pass. Hence, every individual should
contribute as much as possible to avoid that.
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10. Some people think that in the modern world, getting old is entirely bad.
Others, however, think that the life of elderly in the modern world is
much better than it was in the past. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
It is believed by some that the changes brought by modernization have

made the lives of the elderly worse whereas others believe that it has
improved their lives. In this essay, I will discuss both perspectives, but I
agree with the latter side.
Admittedly, the main reason given by those who believe that getting old
is bad is that industrialization has reduced the social status of the
elderly. Younger people have more wealth, power, and hold higher-level
positions in companies. Older people are not given the same respect and
reverence as in the past. Instead of valuing them for their experience
and knowledge, the younger generation is too busy to even listen to
them.
On the other hand, many people think life is better now for the elderly
because new technologies and treatments are slowing down the aging
process. The technological advancements in the medical field have
made it possible to detect, prevent and treat many diseases prevalent
among the old. Not only that, now there are new smart living devices
that use VR, robotics, etc. that help the elderly live longer, healthier
lives. For example, VR headsets for seniors with Alzheimer's and fall
detection watches.
I believe that many great inventions of the modern world have made
the life of older people better. The Internet gives them the ability to stay
connected to friends and families with messages, video chats, etc. They
can shop online and even have their groceries delivered to their homes.
They can learn new things and explore different places through the
educational resources available online.
To conclude, getting old is better now as elders are spending the extra
years of life in good health and they also have a more busy, entertaining
life and a world that they can explore from the comfort of their home.
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11. In the modern world, it is possible to shop, work and communicate

online and live without any face-to-face contact with others. Is this a
positive or negative development?
It is true that in contemporary life, people in many parts of the world

are able to do their shopping, work, and communicate with each other
via the internet. While there are clear positive aspects of this trend,
there are also negative aspects of having less face-to-face contact with
other people.
On the one hand, the internet can be very handy in many ways. Many
people use it to keep in touch with friends and family, using Facebook,
Skype, or WhatsApp to send instant messages or to enjoy a quick chat.
Many also use the internet for online shopping, thus saving time and
petrol on trips to the supermarket as well as hunting around different
sites for bargains. However, it is in terms of work that the internet offers
the most potential benefits. More and more people are working or even
studying from home, at hours which suit their own schedules. Many
hours are saved each week by eliminating the daily commute and the
stress of coping with the rush hour.
Nevertheless, as social beings, people need personal contact. Firstly,

virtual friendships that are formed online may not be genuine. The
media carries many horror stories of youngsters who have fallen prey to
paedophiles, for example. Furthermore, online shopping is not always
appropriate, depending on the item. It is best, for instance, to try on
clothes before buying, and while a bookworm can find almost any book
title that they want online, they will certainly miss browsing the shelves
of bookstores. Last but not the least, personal interaction with work
colleagues can generate ideas and avoid misunderstandings.
In conclusion, although there are positive aspects of this trend, there are
also aspects of face-to-face contact, which it would be a shame to lose.
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12. In some cities, people are choosing cars instead of

bicycles, while other people believe riding bikes are
replacing cars. The reason for this development? Which
development do you think is better?
Advancements in technology have brought many changes to

various parts of the world. In the fast-paced life and ever-
changing world of today, in some cities, people are switching
to cars from bicycles as a popular means of transport, whereas
in some other cities the reverse of this trend is seen, with
bicycles gaining more popularity than cars, among the masses.
There are many reasons why such trends are being observed.
In my opinion, in the present scenario, the shift towards more
eco-friendly modes, as bicycles is a better development.
There are many reasons why people prefer motorized means

of transport, like cars, to bicycles. This is mostly observed in
developing cities and towns, which are experiencing a progress
in technology, more job opportunities and thus new facilities,
like in transport, education and in healthcare. So, in these
places people are adopting modern means of transport, like
private cars. It is a sign of progress in such places. Moreover,
people have moved their residences from crowded urban areas
to the quieter suburbs, because of which cars have become a
necessity to commute daily for work to the cities. They are
more comfortable, faster, safer and more convenient than
bikes. Cars are also better for the elderly, the handicapped and
the sick people.
Nevertheless, as humans are becoming more aware of the

damage being caused to the environment, many developed
nations and cities are moving towards more eco-friendly
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modes of transport, like bicycles. The major cause of the

degradation of the environment is the pollution caused by the
vehicles. People have started realizing this fact and to prevent
further damage, switching to bicycles has become a solution.
Governments in many parts of the world are working towards
promoting this trend by making special lanes for cyclists, so
that they can ride safely. It would be worthwhile to cite the
example of Denmark, where the government has provided
19000 km of bicycle tracks, which has encouraged many people
to switch from cars to bicycles.
Another very important reason for investing in the cycling

industry is the potential of this industry to provide jobs. Every
cycle lane, which is made, and every cyclist, who is created
contributes to job growth. For example, in Europe alone, more
than 6 lac people are employed in the cycling industry more
jobs than even the automobile industry. The Netherlands,
Denmark, Sweden, Japan, Switzerland and many more
countries have started investing in a big way and have seen
many positive effects. The overall economy of these countries
has been boosted.
To conclude, I would reiterate my view that even though the

car has some advantages over the bicycle, the use of bicycles is
better, as it is not only a step towards saving our environment;
it is also an economical way to remain fit and healthy.
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13. The best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase
the cost of fuel for cars and other vehicles. To what extent do you agree
or disagree?
Raising fuel prices is believed to be the best solution to the planet’s

environmental problem. Although this measure may reduce the amount of
toxic fumes that are released into the atmosphere to some extent, I believe
there are several more effective alternatives to tackle environmental
issues.
On the one hand, such a policy may help to lower emissions from certain
modes of transport. As the price of fuel increases, commuters may resort
to using public transport instead of using their own vehicles in order to
save money. Moreover, drivers who are unwilling to spend more money
on petrol will be encouraged to use vehicles that run on renewable and
environmentally-friendly energy sources as an alternative, such as electric
cars and bicycles. As a consequence, the number of privately-owned
vehicles travelling on public roads would be significantly reduced, which in
turn would significantly reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into
the atmosphere each year. This would effectively enhance the air quality.
However, as environmental issues stem from many causes, there are

several more suitable ways to address these problems. People’s lack of
awareness and knowledge about such problems is one of the primary
underlying issues that results in pollution. Therefore, the government must
educate the public about the current state of their environment and
negative lifestyles in order to reduce the long-term impacts of their
ignorance. Additionally, water pollution is a severe issue in many
developing countries these days and is often found downstream from
industrial zones where factories discharge toxic waste without proper
treatment. Such an issue requires governments to implement stricter
regulations to minimize the negative health impacts and help sustain the
economy.
In conclusion, since each problem requires a unique solution, it is justifiable

to say that increasing the price of fuel is not the single best resolution for
environmental issues.
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14. Some experts believe that when a country is already rich, any additional
increase in economic wealth does not make its citizens any more
satisfied. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Whether economic growth in a well-off country would increase its

citizens’ satisfaction has become a topic of discussion. In my opinion, I
agree that while there is a limit to what money can bring, an increase in
a country’s economic situation would always delight the people.
Admittedly, economic wealth is only a part of life satisfaction, therefore,

it can only please people to an extent. From my point of view, there is a
limitation of material possessions that a person could hoard. Most
people only need a roof over their head, food and money that are used
to pay for other necessities. Therefore, once these needs are fulfilled, a
surplus of other properties is no longer desirable. Additionally, a
person’s satisfaction is not made of economic wealth alone but also of
their well-being and relationships. To be more specific, a person could
be the richest, yet if he were to suffer from a prolonged illness, he would
not achieve true satisfaction.
Nevertheless, I believe that however prosperous a country is, additional

economic growth would always appease its citizens. There are aspects
that only a nation’s monetary reserve can solve, thus, the larger the
reserve becomes, the more problems it can tackle. Take road
infrastructure for example, even if a person drives the most expensive
car but the road is bumpy, he would not be able to fully enjoy the
experience. In these cases, a country’s economic wealth is important
since more money equals better infrastructure. Furthermore, an
abundance of possessions will lead to advancements in technology and
healthcare. These in turn will benefit its citizens beyond materialistic
satisfaction.
In conclusion, although people require more than wealth to be

appeased, I strongly support the view that economic prosperity will
result in increased satisfaction of a nation’s citizens.
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15. More people put their personal information online (address, telephone
number…) for everyday activities such as socializing on social networks
or banking. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
With the advancement of technology, more people are opening accounts

for social media and online banking purposes. This has led to the question
of whether it is beneficial to put personal information online. I think that,
despite the convenience it brings, people should not put their personal
information online.
On the one hand, I can understand why people would put their personal
information online. Firstly, it makes signing up for accounts much more
convenient for users. For example, in the past, to open up a stock account,
people would have to go to a stock company and complete lots of
paperwork. By providing personal information online, people save time
doing these registrations. Another benefit is that this makes signing in to
these accounts easier for users. Instead of choosing security questions and
remembering the answer for them like in the past, nowadays, users only
need to provide their phone number or email address to get verified. This
feature is useful when someone is trying to sign in to a bank account during
an emergency.
Nevertheless, there are multiple problems with readily providing one’s

personal information online. The first one is that, by doing so, the user will
become a target for not just material but also identity thefts. Social media
accounts are prone to be hacked. Once the thief acquires the person’s
address, they can easily break into that person's house, especially with
other information already posted on social media, like vacation plans. Even
worse, they can impersonate the user to claim insurance. On a less serious
note, when users give out their information to the social media company
or the bank, there is still a slight chance that these companies will sell it to
telesales people. There have been reports that some social media
platforms, such as Tiktok, collect and sell user's personal information.
In conclusion, although providing personal information makes registration

convenient for people, it has to be done carefully since currently, it still
does more harm than good.
Ph: 9256182000
16. Some people feel that there is too much emphasis on getting an
education, and that the government should spend money on leisure time
activities for young people too. To what extent do you agree or disagree.
It is true that spending on education is top priority for many governments

across the world, and It is true that spending on education is top priority
for many governments across the world, and in doing so they ignore the
recreational activities, which are as important. Therefore, I agree that the
government should allocate more funds for such leisure time activities. A
number of arguments surround my opinion.
Undoubtedly, spending on education is very essential for the progress of

any nation. Educated people get higher paid jobs and add to the economy
of the country. To add to it, educated societies are crime free and peaceful
societies. That is why literacy rate is an important factor in determining the
status of any country in the world.
However, spending on free-time activities is equally important. Such

activities benefit students academically. They learn character-building
lessons that they can apply to their study habits and to their lives. Activities
such as athletics, music, theater, and organizations teach students how to
discipline themselves through drills, practices, or rehearsals. In addition,
extracurricular activities in the arts teach students analytical skills and
creative problem-solving skills since they have to think creatively to
successfully perform music, act in a play, or produce a work of art.
Furthermore, life is stressful and free time activities act as stress-busters.

They break the monotony of hectic day-to-day life. They also build
community spirit among people as during free time people meet each
other and socialize. It is the responsibility of the governments to provide
stadiums, playgrounds, gyms and community centres where people can do
free-time activities.
To conclude, I would like to reiterate my opinion that apart from

education, spending on recreational activities is a must. These activities are
as important as education for the overall development of any society.
Ph: 9256182000
17. Some believe that younger family members should be legally

responsible for supporting older family members when they become
physically, mentally and financially unable to look after themselves. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that younger family members be held legally

responsible for supporting elderly individuals who are no longer physically,
mentally, or financially capable of caring for themselves. I wholeheartedly
agree with this proposition and firmly believe that legal obligations should
be imposed to ensure the well-being and support of elderly family
members.
Admittedly, younger family members have an inherent moral obligation to

assume legal responsibility for the care and support of their elderly
relatives. Family bonds are built on love, care, and mutual support.
Therefore, when elderly individuals reach a point where they are unable to
care for themselves, it is the responsibility of younger family members to
step in and provide the necessary assistance. For instance, an aging parent
who once devoted their time and resources to raising their children should
be able to rely on their children's support when they require it the most.
Legal obligations, thus, reinforce this moral duty and create a framework
for ensuring the welfare of elderly family members.
Another compelling reason for legal responsibility is the practical

advantages that younger family members possess. Younger individuals are
often in better physical and mental health, enabling them to provide the
physical assistance and emotional support that elderly relatives need.
Additionally, younger family members are typically at a stage in their lives
where they have a more stable financial situation. This financial stability
allows them to bear the financial burdens of healthcare, housing, and other
essential needs that may arise. By establishing legal responsibilities, the
burden of care is distributed more fairly among family members, ensuring
that elderly individuals receive the support they require.
In conclusion, I firmly support the notion that younger family members

should be held legally accountable for providing assistance to their old
relatives who are unable to independently care for themselves.
Ph: 9256182000
18. Environmental protection is the responsibility of politicians, not

individuals as individuals can do too little. To what extent do you agree
or disagree?
With regards to protecting the environment, there are those who

believe that governments and politicians should be responsible, for
individuals can only achieve so much. Personally, I believe that the
government should indeed take up this mantle as it is their sworn duty
to make decisions in the best interests of the populace and the country
as a whole.
Admittedly, environmental protections are in everyone’s best economic

interests for long term, and a government that aims to represent the will
of the people should step in to make sure these are enforced. A healthy
environment not only decreases the chances of the population
succumbing to health-related issues, it can also attract more tourists as
well. Countries such as Singapore, for example, attract millions of
people each year because of green spaces such as its Gardens by the Bay,
showing that green investments might be both economically and
socially helpful.
In addition, it is indeed true that individual action can only do so much

in tackling environmental problems. It is incredibly difficult to mobilize
individuals on a massive scale in order to have enough influence to
incentivize high ranking political officials enough to inspire them to pass
environmental protection laws. Instead, when government officials
undertake ecological responsibilities, more gets done than could ever be
accomplished by private individuals. For example, under Narendra Modi
as prime minister, in India, many green spaces were put under
government protection, saving many species of wildlife.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that environmentalism is a duty that

should be undertaken by the government in order to improve the social
and economic lives of its citizens, who can only achieve so much
individually.
Ph: 9256182000
19. Advertisements are becoming more and more common in our everyday
life. Is it a positive or negative development?
The pervasive presence of advertising in modern society has raised

significant concerns, leading to a growing debate about whether this trend
is a positive or negative development. This essay contends that the
increasing ubiquity of advertising in everyday life is primarily a negative
development.
It is unquestionable that there are several benefits of advertising. By dint

of the large-scale expansion of advertising in almost every kind of mass
media and nearly all hoardings, this sector is likely to generate a diversity
of employment opportunities. In other words, it provides occupations for
artists, painters or copywriters in designing and preparing logos, contents
or ideas for advertisements. Another advantage is that advertising may
enable the messages involved in products and services to reach potential
customers, followed by an increase in sales for businesses. Additionally,
only thanks to advertisements, can customers be kept informed about
newly-launched products. Therefore, they have more choices to make
about their beloved products, contributing to the enhancement of their
comforts and standard of living.
However, advertising could cause several disadvantages for customers. No

sooner might companies or business exaggerate or even distort the facts
related to their products for commercial purposes than the customers can
experience feelings of confusion about these items, making them have
troubles selecting the products to their taste. Furthermore, the facts show
that the more advertising expenses increase, the higher the product price
is. The reason can be that the selling price of the advertised items covers
the high cost of advertisements. As a result, the advertised products can
cost more than they should. Finally, when customers cannot resist the
temptation of products which are advertised beyond customers’
expectations, there is every likelihood of them purchasing products which
may be unnecessary. This trend could be seen as a waste of money.
In conclusion, based on the aforementioned explanations, individuals may

gain both considerable benefits and drawbacks through the growing
prevalence of advertisements.
Ph: 9256182000
20. Many countries are spending a huge amount of money on supporting

their competitors to take part in some worldwide competitions. Other
argue that it would be better if these countries can spend money on the
children to take part in sports. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
These days, a great deal of interest is being invested by the government in

nourishing the competitors in order to gain reputation in world sports
battle. Nevertheless, many people hold the view that it is crucial to keep
the expenditure on supporting children’s practice in sports. From my
perspective, whereas it is momentous to spend money on big games,
money should also be allocated for children’s opportunities to play sports.
On the one hand, it is undeniable that the amount of money flown into
national teams is an indispensable part of the development of a national
sports background. When a well-prepared team joins and gains high prizes
from the international competitions, it will be a pleasure for not only the
players themselves but also for the whole nation. Furthermore, world-class
games such as the Olympics and World Cup present as the ultimate goal
which could evoke passion inside each individual who is likely to involve in
sports. More importantly, players who achieve fame from various
worldwide contests, Lionel Messi or Cristiana Ronaldo, for instance, can be
iconic models for youths who are passionate about playing sports.
Nevertheless, notwithstanding the aforementioned benefits, youngsters

should be cared for when considering the growth of sports in a country. To
begin with, motivating juveniles to play sports could help them practice a
wonderful habit that could improve and strengthen their body. Some
researchers elucidated that if a person could spend thirty minutes working
out, they would likely reduce the risks of hypertension disease.
Additionally, if adolescents are allowed to enroll in sports, some young
gifted individuals could be discovered soon. Thus, they would be
introduced to some advanced training methods for their further leaps and
future pathways.
To conclude, it is an advantageous thing when a massive amount of cash is

being put on sport especially in national sports teams. However, paying
more attention to youth’s development in sports should not be neglected
as the young generation is a bright future that represents the country’s
reputation.
Ph: 9256182000
21. Nowadays, young people admire stars though they

often do not set a good example. Do you think this is a
In the modern society, youngsters often look up to well-known

entertainers and athletes. Many people believe that these
celebrities are not good role models for young individuals.
Thus, they are concerned about the influence of such
admiration. From my perspective, whether that idolisation is
beneficial or detrimental depends merely on the young
generation’s attitudes.
Admittedly, youngsters’ adoration towards celebrities can

bring about several positive effects to themselves. First of all,
individuals who are selective will filter out all the negative
characteristics and only opt for good traits in famous figures to
emulate. This consciousness ensures that adolescents will not
blindly reduplicate improper actions from celebrities. For
example, even though singer Michael Jackson was involved in
several allegations, his talent, perseverance and work ethic still
inspire many youngsters around the world. Secondly,
teenagers can also take valuable lessons from their idols’
mistakes. Since celebrities’ actions are often publicized,
adolescents have the opportunities to observe various
examples of misconducts and learn from them. For instance,
upon hearing the doping accusation of Louis Armstrong, many
of the biker’s fans realize that there is no shortcut which leads
to success and honesty should be of paramount importance.
On the second hand, idolizing entertainers and sportsmen may

result in adverse effects. To begin with, since most adolescents
are malleable, bad examples from celebrities can develop
Ph: 9256182000
moral issues in them. Many teenagers who look up to

Hollywood figures such as Paris Hilton believe that they should
pursue a glamorous, material life with parties and nightclubs.
Other celebrities like Kim Kardashian present a wrong message
to the young generation, suggesting that using scandals and PR
stunts are the most effective methods to gain attention and be
successful. Furthermore, there are considered to be better role
models for the young to hold in high regards, such as activists
or philanthropists. However, the popularity of celebrities may
sway teenagers’ interest away from these individuals. To be
more specific, many teenagers do not care much about politics
and other social issues since their attention is solely devoted to
entertaining figures.
All things considered, I believe that the adoration which

youngsters dedicate to media and sports stars have both
strengths and weaknesses. While this admiration allows
youngsters to emulate celebrities’ good traits and draw a
lesson from their mishaps, it also develops moral issues in them
and takes the spotlight away from the more deserving role
models.
Ph: 9256182000
22. Young people are often influenced in their behaviour

and attitudes by other people in the same age group. Do
the disadvantages outweigh the advantages?
Stress that peers have exerted on juveniles can be the main

contributor to the changes in their demeanor. This essay argues that
the benefits are eclipsed by the drawbacks involved because such
pressure, despite facilitating behavioral and academic progress, can
create detrimental impacts on adolescents’ mental health.
The main advantage is that being influenced by those who belong to

the same age group or social group could play a crucial role in
reinforcing positive habits and attitudes in social and scholastic
terms. Some may say that young people usually take others,
especially with whom they have close intimacy, as role models.
Therefore, if peers can set a good example for their counterparts,
they will probably achieve improvement in both academic and social
aspects. For example, watching someone of the same age
completing the Road to Mount Olympia successfully promoted the
desire to be more goal-oriented and fulfill one's own dream of such
intellectual accomplishment.
Nevertheless, I believe that the disadvantages of peer pressure are

more significant because of mental issues arising from this tendency.
It is worth mentioning that the stress originating from comparison
among children would make them feel inferior to others, which
leads to the fear of expressing themselves as well as potential self-
distancing from family and friends. This can be an alarming issue as
the worst consequence that may follow is suicide. The dramatic
increase in youth suicide in Japan can be a good illustration of this
as it is recorded that in 2019, 70% of suicide was among men aged
20 - 44.
In conclusion, although peer pressure may be beneficial as an

encouragement in promoting personal development, paramount
consideration should be taken into account towards the adverse
influence, namely mental problems.
Ph: 9256182000
23. Some people say free time activities for children should be
organized by parents. Others say that children should be free to
choose what they do in their free time. Discuss both views and give
your opinion.
Some individuals believe that parents should plan children's free

time activities, while others believe children should be able to pick
their activities. A balanced approach is the most effective method to
guarantee that children's leisure time is useful and pleasurable.
On the one hand, those in favour of parent-organized activities

argue that parents are better equipped to choose appropriate and
productive activities for their children. This is because parents can
select enjoyable and educational activities, thus contributing to
their children's development. Additionally, organizing a schedule for
children's free time can instil a sense of discipline and time
management skills, which are valuable traits children can carry into
adulthood. For example, parents may organize a weekly family game
night where they play board games or engage in other group
activities that develop social and cognitive skills.
On the other hand, proponents of child-led free time argue that

children should choose what they want to do. Children can benefit
from exploring their interests and discovering new hobbies, which
can help them develop a sense of independence and self-confidence.
Furthermore, allowing children to make decisions can foster
creativity and critical thinking skills. For instance, children may
participate in extracurricular activities such as sports or music
lessons, which can help them discover and develop their talents.
Nevertheless, while both approaches have advantages, parents can
take responsibility for organizing educational activities while
permitting children to explore their interests is the best way to
ensure that children have productive and enjoyable free time.
In conclusion, parents can ensure that their children's free time is

productive and enjoyable by planning educational activities while
still allowing them to pursue their interests.
Ph: 9256182000
24. Intelligence is the most important component of leadership. Do

you agree or disagree?
Leadership is an arduous task and it requires various essential

qualities to carry out various types of responsibilities. People argue
that one such pivotal quality for good leadership is intelligence. I
definitely agree with the aforementioned statement because
intelligence allows leaders to think rationally and also helps them to
gain public acceptance.
Admittedly, leaders need intelligence to think critically and

rationally. It is not possible to make the right decision at the right
time without intelligence. Decisions made by leaders could have a
significant impact on our lives, so it is vital for leaders to be smart
enough to understand the consequences of their actions. Moreover,
the person in command should keep the lines of communication
open between him and his team. It is imperative as it encourages
staff to come up with and discuss their problems at the workplace
openly and frankly so that their head can guide them to find the right
solution.
An intelligent leader can make wise decisions by observing the

behaviour of their peers. If he/she is smart, they will learn from the
mistakes of their predecessors and colleagues and make their
administration more effective. With their dedication, they will help
make a positive difference in the lives of their followers. These
qualities, on the whole, make them think that such leaders are
trustworthy and mature enough to lead them.
However, apart from intelligence alone, a few other components are

equally crucial for reliable and successful leadership: observation,
humility, and zeal to do good for all and treat everyone equally to
work are also necessary skills. But, if the leader is not sensible
enough to know how to use these qualities in the right place at the
right time, they all become useless.
To recapitulate, I strongly agree with the notion that intelligence is

necessary for leaders because it helps in critical thinking and
improves the public perception of leaders.
Ph: 9256182000
25. Some people think that parents should read stories to their
children while others argue that is no longer necessary as we have
modern technology such as television and films. Discuss both
The argument over whether parents should actively engage in

reading or telling stories to their children versus allowing them to
explore books, TV, or movies independently has been going on for a
while. Both perspectives have their merits, and in my opinion, a
balanced approach may benefit a child’s overall development.
On the one hand, supporters of parent-child storytelling argue that

it builds a unique bond between parents and their children. The act
of storytelling not only provides an opportunity for quality time
together but also helps in the mental and emotional development
of the child. Additionally, storytelling allows parents to impart
values and morals through descriptions, offering a personalized
touch that may be lacking in television shows or movies.
On the flip side, those who approve of independent exploration

argue that exposure to various media can enhance a child’s
creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. Books, TV
shows, and movies can introduce children to multiple perspectives,
experiences, and knowledge that parents may not cover in their
stories. Also, encouraging independent reading and viewing habits
can encourage a sense of independence and a love for learning.
In conclusion, I would like to point out that a balanced approach is

the most effective. While parent-child storytelling provides a special
connection and a path for passing on values, independent
exploration through books, TV, and movies develops a child’s mind.
Parents reading the books aloud or allowing children to explore
them independently can contribute positively to a child’s
development.
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26. In many countries, a small number of people earn extremely high

salaries. Some people believe that this is good for the country, but
others think that governments should not allow salaries above a
certain level. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Unequal economic distribution among the different sections of the

population incites various sorts of repartee from people. While few consider
that the gap between high salary and low earning is detrimental to the
country, others speculate that the higher the income, the more progressive
the nation will be. Therefore, in this discussion essay, both viewpoints will
be taken into consideration to reach a final conclusion.
It is widely accepted that a bounteous emolument is always invigorating for

any hard-working individual, especially an ambitious one. It is quid pro quo
for the hard work and assiduous effort that the person puts in his/her work.
As a result, high salaries are a stimulus for every human to keep on working.
Additionally, high-salaried people can contribute to the burgeoning
development of the country as the government works on the basic
infrastructure like healthcare, housing, communication and commerce. For
example, affluent people like Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, Gautam Adani
and others not only bestow economic support to the Indian economy but
also create employment that aids a large section of the population of the
country. Additionally, if the well-off earner is settled in a foreign country and
invests in their native land, it is conducive to both nations. It is because it is
increasing the national income of the country they live in through the taxes
and offering more foreign revenue to their motherland.
Nevertheless, if the government imposes a limit on income, the economy

may face certain consequences. Many people who are motivated to work for
the money will lose interest in labouring with so little in return. The
limitation on their income will also curb them to put in the cent percent
effort, which might reduce the gross profit of the company. It will not only
minimize the national income but also encourage people to migrate to
foreign countries, welcoming them, aggravating the ‘brain drain’ situation.
Moreover, honest people will tend to deviate from earning through honest
means and also evade paying taxes for their own benefit.
To conclude, instead of controlling the modes of income and restraining high

salaries, the government can counter this imbalance by levying a reasonable
amount according to the income of an individual and validating that they pay
it. It can also provide opportunities to the impoverished so that they can earn
their livelihood and help in bridging the gap between rich and poor.
Ph: 9256182000
27. Rich countries often give financial aid to poor countries, but it
does not solve the poverty, so 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?
Many people argue that developed countries should financially help

poor countries while others insist that financial aid is not effective
at curbing poverty and therefore other forms of assistance are
required. In my opinion, rich nations should provide other forms of
aids besides economic help to those countries in need.
First of all, providing financial help may seem like a solution as it will
temporarily relieve a country of its economic problems. However,
financial help alone will not work in the long term for several
reasons. To start with, financial assistance does not always reach the
poor and the needy. Some of the poorest countries have corrupt
governments that misappropriate foreign aids to serve their own
interests. Needless to say, the poor will remain poor even after
receiving assistance from abroad. Thus, obviously, financial help has
its limitations and often times, it is equally important or even better
to provide practical assistance. For example, rich countries can help
to construct schools and hospitals in poor countries. They can also
invest in poor nations to create job opportunities there.
On top of that, when rich countries offer practical assistance to poor

nations, they can produce better results. For example, investing in
the educational infrastructure is one of the most effective ways for
rich nations to offer assistance. Lack of education is often the root
cause of poverty. Rich nations can also share their knowledge of
improved agricultural practices with poor nations. This will help the
latter increase their yield.
To recapitulate, I favor the opinion that rich countries should

provide practical help in order to improve the economic status of
poor countries. Financial assistance can only help to a certain extent
and is definitely not the definite way to eliminate poverty.
Ph: 9256182000
28. In many parts of the world, children are given

more freedom than in the past. Is this a positive or
negative development?
Nowadays, in many countries, children are being given

more independence as compared to earlier times. This
trend has sparked a debate over whether this
development is positive or negative. In my opinion, there
are both merits and demerits associated with this
approach.
To start with the positives, when children have more

freedom, they have the opportunity to do what they want
with their life. For example, they will be able to decide
what they want to become in future. Likewise, they will
be able to decide what to wear, what to eat or what to
watch on TV. This freedom to choose for themselves will
certainly make them more confident and independent.
Earlier, young people depended entirely on their parents’
advice and some of them were not able to think or act
independently even after they turned twenty or thirty.
This is not the case today. Children as young as ten or
twelve now know what they want in life. I certainly
believe that this is a positive development.
On the flip side, children are too young to know what is

right or wrong for them. Oftentimes, when they choose
for themselves, they have a tendency to make the wrong
choices. For instance, if children are given total freedom
to decide what to eat, nine out of ten times, they will
choose junk food. If parents permit this, it will have
disastrous consequences for the child. Likewise, children
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should not be given unmonitored access to the television

or internet. These days, in many families, even very young
children insist on having privacy. Parents who give into
that demand often regret it later when their children get
into bad relationships or develop bad habits. So,
obviously, there are downsides to giving children too
much freedom. Personally, I believe that freedom is
important for everyone and children are not different.
However, the amount of freedom each person enjoys
should depend on their age and level of maturity.
To conclude, it is true that today’s children have a lot

more freedom than their parents or grandparents had in
their childhood. While having freedom certainly enables
children to make independent decisions, there are
several downsides to this. Hence, it is never a good idea
to give unlimited freedom to young children. They need
parental guidance and supervision until they are old
enough to know what is good for them.
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29. Young people are highly influenced by famous

people and they look up to them as role models. Is that a
In the modern society, youngsters often look up to well-known

entertainers and athletes. Many people believe that these
celebrities are not good role models for young individuals. Thus,
they are concerned about the influence of such admiration. From
my perspective, whether that idolisation is beneficial or
detrimental depends merely on the young generation’s attitudes.
On the one hand, youngsters’ adoration towards celebrities can

bring about several positive effects to themselves. First of all,
individuals who are selective will filter out all the negative
characteristics and only opt for good traits in famous figures to
emulate. This consciousness ensures that adolescents will not
blindly reduplicate improper actions from celebrities. For
example, even though singer Michael Jackson was involved in
several allegations, his talent, perseverance and work ethic still
inspire many youngsters around the world. Secondly, teenagers
can also take valuable lessons from their idols’ mistakes. Since
celebrities’ actions are often publicized, adolescents have the
opportunities to observe various examples of misconducts and
learn from them. For instance, upon hearing the doping
accusation of Louis Armstrong, many of the biker’s fans realize
that there is no shortcut which leads to success and honesty
should be of paramount importance.
On the second hand, idolizing entertainers and sportsmen may

result in adverse effects. To begin with, since most adolescents
are malleable, bad examples from celebrities can develop moral
issues in them. Many teenagers who look up to Bollywood figures
such as Ranveer Singh believe that they should pursue a
glamorous, material life with parties and nightclubs. Other
celebrities like Kim Kardashian present a wrong message to the
Ph: 9256182000
young generation, suggesting that using scandals and PR stunts

are the most effective methods to gain attention and be
successful. Furthermore, there are considered to be better role
models for the young to hold in high regards, such as activists or
philanthropists. However, the popularity of celebrities may sway
teenagers’ interest away from these individuals. To be more
specific, many teenagers do not care much about politics and
other social issues since their attention is solely devoted to
entertaining figures.
All things considered, I believe that the adoration which

youngsters dedicate to media and sports stars have both
strengths and weaknesses. While this admiration allows
youngsters to emulate celebrities’ good traits and draw a lesson
from their mishaps, it also develops moral issues in them and
takes the spotlight away from the more deserving role models.
Ph: 9256182000
30. Some 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.
Some argue that governments should regulate citizen’s

behaviour to make them adopt healthy lifestyles.
Although I agree that guidance and intervention from
authorities can benefit people’s well-being, I am
convinced that one’s freedom to decide how to live
should be protected, provided that it does not interfere
with other people.
It is true that government should take some actions to

make sure that citizens are protected from some
unhealthy behaviours. It cannot be denied that it is
difficult for some to discipline themselves from yielding
up to unhealthy indulgences, which not only damage
their own health but also others. Therefore it is important
that governments impose restrictions on these
behaviours. For example, no smoking should be allowed
in public places.
On the other hand, it is absolutely against the respect for

basic human rights if people’s freedom of choice of their
own lifestyles is completely deprived. They will live under
tremendous pressure if they have to worry about toeing
the line because of strict government regulations, which,
for instance, specify the exact proportion of vegetables in
a meal. Therefore, the government should not enforce
such laws on citizens.
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In my opinion, governments’ priority in terms of public

health is to launch awareness campaigns to guide people
to choose a healthy lifestyle according to their own
situations. It is difficult to define what qualifies a healthy
lifestyle, because every individual has different physical
condition. As a result, different lifestyles should be
chosen on an individual basis, and the government’s role
is to guide people to make their own choices by providing
sufficient information about health.
In conclusion, governments should set some guidelines to

encourage citizens to choose a healthy lifestyle instead of
imposing laws on them.
Ph: 9256182000
31. Some people think that it is good for a country’s

culture to show imported foreign film and TV
programmes. Others think that it is better to produce
these locally. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people believe that broadcasting foreign TV

programs and movies is better for a country's culture,
whereas others believe that it is beneficial to make
movies and TV shows locally. In this essay I will discuss
both perspectives, but I agree with the latter side.
On the one hand, the main reason why some people think
that foreign movies and tv soaps help a county's culture
is that such media promotes awareness, curiosity, and
interest in other cultures. People start respecting
diversity and understand why people from different
countries do some things that they themselves don't
value. Furthermore, people can learn a lot from other
cultures and try to adopt the good values of other
cultures.
Nevertheless, there are many reasons why some people

believe that it is better to create films locally. First of all,
films and tv serials are the carriers of a country's culture.
The local film and TV industry enables a country to spread
its culture and be recognized worldwide. In addition, the
film industry promotes economic growth by creating so
many jobs for thousands of people like actors, directors,
choreographers, editors, cinematographers, makeup
artists, etc.
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I also believe that a country benefits by keeping cinema

production in-house. Revenue earned from local movies
and TV series boosts a country's economy. For example,
Indian films like 'RRR, "Bahubali,' 'Jawan,' 'Lagaan' etc.,
have done business worth crores not only in India but
abroad as well. Local movies can also highlight social
issues and problems relevant to the country. Thus, they
influence citizens to address these issues and improve
their country.
To conclude, while purchasing foreign movies is beneficial

for acquiring knowledge about people from different
backgrounds, I would like to reiterate that creating tv
programs and movies domestically is better for the
cultural and economic growth of a nation.
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32. Some people think that children should aim to their best
at what they are doing while others believe it is not necessary
for them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Nowadays, many people think that younger generation should get

the best results for what they do. Meanwhile, others argue that it
is not necessary for them to do so. These two opposing viewpoints
have sparked a lot of debates. In this essay, I will look at the issue
from both sides. From my point of view, I think it is imperative for
the youth to put in the necessary effort in whatever they do.
Admittedly, the great efforts improve the quality of the

population. Once teenagers have determined their own path,
they will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. For example,
a child has a dream of becoming a successful businessman, and in
order to make it come true, this child will definitely study hard to
broaden his horizons. In the future, this child will become a
productive person and join forces in promoting the community. In
addition, a big goal can change the way children think and act.
From simple thoughts to deeper thoughts, they gradually form in
the minds of children when they think big. They will become more
confident, independent and responsible.
However, some adults believe that their adolescence may have

developmental and health problems if they are too stressed out
to try to achieve their goals. Modern children have a boring daily
routine. They only go to school, then graduate and return home,
but continue to study. They learn like a machine, they do not
participate in fewer outdoor activities, their days are not as
colorful as many other children. Also, when they spend all their
time sitting and studying, they can have many health problems,
according to WHO.
To conclude, the issue is still half-finished. Children may get

better, but they may also have health issues. However, they
should still have ambition in the work, for it is better than in vain
and lost.
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Task 2
Some people argue that arts, such as paintings and music, are a waste of
money and the government should spend its money on other public services
instead of arts. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?
Some people argue that arts like painting and music fail to directly improve people's
quality of life and consequently government should allocate money on other things
like infrastructures to promote people's quality of life. However, I disagree with this
view. In this essay, I will explain why I think that arts, such as music and painting, is
as essential for people as other public services.
The advantages of spending money on arts cannot be overlooked. The arts clearly
make people's lives better. To begin with, the arts give us immense joy and
relaxation. Consider listening to a beautiful song sitting on the sofa after a whole
day's work; it really relieves the tiredness and we feel rejuvenated. Paintings,
photographs and other pictures add color to our lives and often inspire people to
create works of art of their own. I am not only thinking of artistic works produced
by renowned artists, but also those produced by children for their parents to attach
to refrigerators using magnets.
Furthermore, the arts like music and painting are part of our culture and give identity
to the country. Arts also bring people together. By appreciating arts, individuals
from different parts of the nation could feel connected and related. Moreover, arts
like music and painting can help us express our emotions. It is a basic human need
to be able to express themselves. Art is what differentiates us from animals. As
humans, most of us need an outlet for our creative and emotional needs and the
best way to express this is through arts like music and painting.
Many people feel that the government should spend money only on certain things,
such as defense, health and education. Whilst I agree that these things are
important, I think that governments should be able to find a little money to spend
on arts, not only because they raise our quality of life, but because they can remind
us of our heritage and show the world what kind of a country and people we are.
To conclude, our government is responsible for improving the quality of people's

lives both physically and spiritually, therefore proper amount of money should be
allocated wisely on arts. Only by this can we progress our society in a more balanced
and more sustainable way.
Nowadays young people spend too much of their free time in shopping
malls. Some people think that this may have negative effects on young
people and the society. To what extent do you agree or disagree.
There are those who opine that the practice of spending too much time in
shopping centres could be detrimental for young people and the society as a
whole. I fully agree with this view. In my opinion, if youngsters spend too
much time on shopping or in malls, it can hurt not only their grades but also
their financial situation because shopping requires both time and money.
Admittedly, when young people become obsessed with shopping, they will
find themselves in serious financial difficulties. If they hang out in the malls,
they will want to buy many things even if they do not really need them. As
shopping requires money, youngsters will have to find a source of income.
Consequently, some of them may choose to work part time or some might
even quit their studies and work full time. Both are detrimental to their
academic progress and career. Working part time will reduce the amount of
time they can focus on their studies and thus affect their grades. Now if they
choose to quit studies to work full time, they will seriously hurt their career
prospects as well-paying jobs require at least a university degree. Some young
people may choose not to work. Instead, they will get into crime such as
robbery. Obviously, spending excessive time in malls has a seriously negative
impact on young people.
In addition, excessive shopping also affects the society. It leads to excessive

consumption which is detrimental for the environment. Also, when young
people are obsessed with spending, they will fall into the debt trap. This is
bad for the society as well. When they cannot find enough money to fulfil
their shopping goals or to pay off their debts caused by excessive shopping,
youngsters may get into illegal activities like robbery, shop lifting or even
smuggling. All of these has a detrimental effect on the society.
In conclusion, shopping is good so long as it is done in moderation. If young

people spend an excessive amount of time in malls, they will not have much
time to focus on their studies and they will also fall into debt. Obviously, this
hurts them as well as their society.
When new towns are planned, it is important to build more public parks
and sports facilities rather than shopping centres for people to spend
their time in. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The planning of new towns is a critical undertaking that sets the foundation
for a community's development and the quality of life it offers to its residents.
In this regard, I wholeheartedly agree that a greater emphasis should be
placed on constructing public parks and sports facilities rather than
prioritizing shopping centres. This essay will expound on the reasons behind
this perspective.
Admittedly, the provision of ample public parks and sports facilities

contributes significantly to the physical and mental well-being of the
residents. These spaces serve as venues for exercise, recreation, and social
interaction. For instance, a well-maintained park provides an environment for
people of all ages to engage in various physical activities, from jogging and
yoga to team sports. Such activities not only promote a healthier lifestyle but
also foster a sense of community and belonging among the residents.
On top of that, public parks and sports facilities play a pivotal role in
enhancing overall aesthetics and ambiance of a town. Lush green spaces, well-
designed playgrounds, and sports fields create an inviting and pleasant
environment for residents to enjoy. This not only adds to the town's aesthetic
appeal but also contributes to a higher quality of life for its inhabitants. On
the other hand, an overemphasis on shopping centres may lead to congestion,
increased traffic, and a more commercialized atmosphere, which could
detract from the town's overall liveability.
In conclusion, prioritisation of public parks and sports facilities while planning

for new towns is paramount for fostering a healthier, more vibrant, and
cohesive community. By creating spaces that facilitate physical activity,
recreation, and social interaction, towns can promote the well-being and
happiness of their residents. This approach ensures that the development of
new towns aligns with the broader goal of enhancing the overall quality of life
for its inhabitants.
Some people say that in our modern age, it is unnecessary to teach

children about the skills of handwriting. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Many people believe that handwriting skill is no longer important in this era
of technology, and children do not require investing time to hone their
handwriting, especially when they will most likely type instead of writing for
the rest of their life. Unfortunately, this opinion is misguided. I strongly
believe that handwriting skill is important even in today’s digital world.
Good handwriting is important because when children learn to write clearly

and concisely, they also learn how to express themselves properly. This leads
to better academic and professional performance. I reckon handwriting is
much more than simply putting letters on a page; it is a key part of learning
and expressing ideas. Scrawls that cannot be read may be compared to
speaking that cannot be understood. Handwriting is also important because
children are required to use it daily in school, and those who struggle with the
mechanics of handwriting may have trouble taking notes or completing their
schoolwork. This can affect both their self-esteem and their attitude toward
school. Good penmanship means better grades as studies show that the same
mediocre paper is graded much higher if the handwriting is neat.
On top of that, handwriting proficiency inspires confidence despite some

people's belief that handwriting is not related to better academic
performance. The more children practise a skill such as handwriting, the
stronger the motor pathways become until the skill becomes automatic.
Furthermore, handwriting aids memory. For example, if a person writes a list
or a note and then loses it, he is more likely to remember what he wrote than
if he just tries to memorize it.
In conclusion, computer and digital data have no way replaced the necessity
of handwriting skills. They are even more prevalent in this era of technology
where good handwriting is related to academic performance and success, on
the one hand, and inspires confidence, on the other hand.
In the future robots may do more of the work that is done by humans
today. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
The future competition between robots and humans has been much
debated recently. Evidence suggests that more of the work could be
done by robots rather than humans in the future. Although there are a
number of benefits accruing from this development, I believe the
drawbacks involved are more.
On the plus side, there are some advantages to using robots. To begin
with, robots never get tired and do not need to have a break. In other
words, on the contrary to humans who need to rest on a regular basis,
machines can work for a prolonged time with succession. Clearly, this
can boost the efficiency of production lines and other parts of a
company. Another positive aspect of using robots is that they are less
likely to make mistakes. Take those machines being used in industrial
organizations as an example; since they can be programmed before
doing their tasks, they are able to carry out the tasks more accurately.
Despite the aforementioned advantages, robots doing more of the work

has serious consequences. The most axiomatic argument is concerned
with people being laid off by their employers. This is mainly because the
more job prospects shrink in favor of robots, the fewer job vacancies are
available for humans, and in turn, the less need is felt by employers to
keep their human workers. Obviously, after being made redundant,
these workers will find it a struggle to earn a decent living. As a result,
they probably turn to crime in order to cover their expenses. In addition,
robots cannot be always reliable; in cases when there is no electricity,
they will be useless.
In conclusion, irrespective of the benefits of jobs being done more by

robots, I think it can be more problematic for humans. Provisions should
also be made to ensure that humans’ job prospects are in first priority
in job markets in future societies.
Some believe that people will buy a product based on their needs, and
there is no need for advertising. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Marketing and advertising have always been an integral part of the sales process.
The question of whether advertisement serves no real purpose has become
progressively contentious as some argue necessity is a driving force for all
purchases. In my opinion, while their viewpoints seem legitimate, adverts help
consumers develop needs for novelty.
Admittedly, the most frequently cited rationale for the unnecessary ads is that
consumers understand their demands when it comes to shopping. This argument
rests on the fact that advertising can be rather a nuisance than a motivator
influencing people's buying behaviours. For example, this can be most
apparently seen in myriad supermarkets, which organise a wide breadth of
product launches that spontaneously disturb their shoppers with obsolete
goods. Most supermarket-goers know their needs when they enter the store and
attracting them with a list of sponsorship deals could make them annoyed and
refuse to come back again. Thus, the accumulated evidence has reasoned why
ads should be solely present when consumers reach out to them.
On the other hand, albeit conceding that customers are often aware of what they
want, I would still contend that advertising does not simply meet needs but
creates them. To begin with, this is predicated based on the assumption that
people can have more fulfilling lives with innovative products which would
benefit them in their daily activities. For instance, one of the salient illustrations
of this is often indicated in the advent of Apple products dating back 10 years
ago, which has brought in the frenzy for electronics like smartphones, tablets and
earphones. Had they not utilised the role of advertising, they would not have
fostered their dominance in the market like today and the desire of the citizenry
worldwide to become part of the Apple community. Therefore, marketing
campaigns play a pivotal role in stimulating people's buying habits, providing
high-quality products and services and improving the diversionary experience of
consumers overall.
In conclusion, whilst the use of adverts should be limited to a certain degree, it

confers a valid standpoint as it does wonders for the shopping experience of the
general populace. In my final thought, retailers and advertisers should jointly
propose a more holistic approach in order to promote appropriate products that
meet the authentic needs of buyers.
The best way to protect the environment is to use local resource, such as
food or building materials rather than transporting resources from other
places. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Unquestionably, sound and healthy surroundings make life more pleasant. It

is commonly acknowledged that, rather than procuring resources from other
places for the environment’s health, one should use indigenous assets
employed in the house and food preparation; nonetheless, each resource has
its value. However, I believe locally produced items should be prioritized
above imported goods. In the following paragraphs, I shall discuss my
viewpoint in detail.
Admittedly, the main reason for importing different types of resources from
abroad is the conducive environment for producing goods. In other words,
foreign countries produce some of the equipment that our domestic
environment is not conducive to; as a result, so many types of equipment are
imported. For example, India imports some of the most precious metals and
stones from the United States, which are produced only in the United States
worldwide because the Americans have so much money available. In contrast,
it is impossible to make so many investments in India. Neither can be
established in the agrarian considering low economy as a foremost reason or
population growth. Only a few rich Indians can use such innumerable
valuables. Hence, some foreign material is imported from abroad.
Nevertheless, ordering some goods from abroad can be attributed to the lack
of conservation of the nation. Put differently, the government of a country
needs to invest a lot of money to import any property from abroad, which has
a very adverse effect on the economy of the province. The regime can support
the same amount in the modern and fundamental development of the
environment. For instance, the Malaysian government expends around 2
million dollars annually to import material from abroad, and their economic
situation has been impacted drastically. Thus, the loss of imports for the usage
of any equipment from outside the country is sufficient to weaken the
economic condition of the nation.
In conclusion, from the aforementioned statement, I believe and agree up to

some extent the many reasons for the use of foreign goods, the country is
facing the adverse effects of this investment. Therefore, native time should
be used as much as possible to keep the atmosphere balanced.
In the past people made better use of their time than they do today. To
From the past few years, people's lifestyles have changed. Nowadays
looking tired is a common characteristic among citizens. Some may
believe that individuals are really bad at managing their time, in
comparison to earlier days. I completely disagree with the statement
due to the complexity of our current society.
On the one hand, a few decades ago, inhabitants had more leisure time
because they used to live in smaller cities. Then, they had easy access to
amenities such as banks, schools and, markets. For example, workers
travelled just for a few minutes to get to their offices. That advantage
no longer exists. Another reason is that there were fewer crimes in those
years. So, children were able to walk safely from school without their
parents' presence. During that time parents could be developing any
other activity.
Nevertheless, these days, each person has to do several things at the

same time in order to accomplish their responsibilities. Since most of
the cities around the world have shown dramatic growth, society has
changed as well. For instance, it is no longer possible for kids to walk
from their academic activities. The reason is the crime increasing rate.
As a result, parents have to use their lunchtime to drop their kids at
home and eat while driving. Traffic congestion is another people's time
consumer. Moreover, health information is now available and more
people are aware of exercise importance. Developing a sports activity is
a crucial task for the current population. Those are several more
activities to be completed than there were at other times.
To conclude, having more spare time was a major advantage in the past
but now is not available due to the several activities that become crucial
with the past of the years. Therefore, I believe that people are more
productive than others were before.
Some people believe that certain old buildings should be preserved more
than others. What types of old buildings should be preserved? Do you
think the advantages of preserving old buildings outweigh the
disadvantages?
Undoubtedly, opinions vary widely when it comes to preserving historical

monuments, as many favor the preservation of some specific structures, not
all. The aim of this essay is to justify what type of building should be kept
intact, along with the advantages that supersede disadvantages of
maintaining old buildings as per my personal opinion.
Admittedly, the old structures that should be preserved are temples,

architectural wonders and shrines rather than the castle and forts and the
predominant benefit of this would be to let people remain connected to their
past. Needless to say, temples and shrines have always been integral to the
people to which they feel spiritually as well as emotionally connected. By
visiting these monuments, they not only acquire religious knowledge but also
related to their history and culture and frequent gatherings at such places
promote the essence of community. For example, Golden temple in India is
visited by millions each year, where visitors observe the past architecture,
artefacts, traditions and others which help them to feel connected to the rich
heritage.
Yet another advantage of focusing only on such historical structures is the

growing concern of land scarcity. The fact is that the prime objective behind
demolishing old structures is waste of land. Unlike temples and shrines, Forts
and castles have no practical use in today's time, which are generally
constructed on a huge piece of land. Thus, it is reasonable to bulldoze such
structures and replace with modern buildings, while keeping the former
intact. Last but not the least, maintaining past marvels can be a source of
generating revenue for a nation, considering the interest people show to visit
such amazing architectures. For instance, Taj Mahal, the seventh wonder is
visited by 20 million tourist each year, which gives a huge boost to the
economy of my country.
To conclude, I would like to restate, historical buildings have a significant

importance and they should be protected, however, there is no harm in
demolishing those which are of no public interest or practical use.
It is better to learn the way people lived in the past through films and
video records than written documents. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
It is important for people to become educated about events that happened

in the past. Whereas some people believe that learning through films or
videos is better, while it is helpful, I would argue that learning from written
documents such as books or by surfing the internet should be also taken
into consideration.
One of the most crucial advantages behind the education about people
who lived in the past via watching a movie is simplicity in receiving the
required information. This is because the duration of a movie is usually one
to two hours, and this makes it easier for the receiver to build a background
when compared with the traditional way of learning. Troy, for instance,
was one of the most successful true-story films that presented the life of
the ancient Romans. The film’s content had some vital details that cannot
be easily found in books. Consequently, some people will find it difficult to
search for the same content in books as it might take a longer period of
time than watching a movie.
Moreover, many people would find it boring to learn about a certain event
via written documents. The reason behind this is that these written
documents do not have graphics or audio to attract learners. It has been
shown that the vast majority of people would prefer to learn through
watching a movie faster than the written documents. Nevertheless, some
people, especially the elderly who are interested in learning about people’s
old lives have libraries that include some of the old books to return to them
when needed specific information. Not only this, but some of them would
use the internet in terms of educating about the past.
In conclusion, although having appropriate knowledge about past lives by

watching movies is much more entertaining and easier than learning via
written documents, I believe that the latter should not be neglected.
More and more people are becoming seriously overweight. Some people
say that increasing the price of fattening foods will solve this problem.
In many countries around the world, a large number of people are

getting obese. It is argued by some people that raising the price of high-
fat food will reduce its consumption and thereby people’s overweight
issue will be addressed. I disagree with the opinion because some
people are addicted to fast food which contains high amount of fat and
simply increasing the price will not cut down their fat intake. There are
some other additional reasons for my view which will be stated in this
essay.
The most compelling reason for holding my view is that many

youngsters are not ready to avoid ready-made food and its unique taste
just because of a rise in price. Therefore, they continue to consume high-
fat food items and ignore their health problems. For instance,
McDonald’s outlets around the world deliver food which contains
enormous amount of saturated fat. However, a study found that most
people prefer McDonald food over healthy alternatives because of its
distinctive taste. Thus, people are ready to buy those foods even for a
higher price.
Apart from this, high-fat foods are not the only reason for obesity among
people. Nowadays, a large number of people are leading a sedentary
lifestyle which is considered as one of the major reasons for obesity.
Therefore, physical exercise plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy
body. Due to this reason, increasing the price of fatty foods does not
solely address the overweight problem.
In conclusion, I totally disagree with the opinion that increasing the price
of fattening food is the ideal solution to control overweight of people.
People are ready to pay higher price for foods which are easily available
and having pleasant taste even if the fat content is higher. In addition, I
believe that encouraging / promoting physical exercise is more crucial
for maintaining body weight than regulating fatty food.
People are encouraged to get rid of things in order to get newest fashion
and latest technologies. Do the disadvantages of throwaway society
outweigh the economic advantages?
It is irrefutable that consumerism is promoted in many nations of the

world. This essay intends to analyse the positive and negative effects of
this use-and-throw culture. I personally believe that the disadvantages
outstrip the advantages.
On the positive side, consumerism leads to mass production, which is

something good for the employment sector. Mass manufacturing
definitely leads to mass employment. This is undoubtedly beneficial for
the overall economy of the country. Furthermore, because of
consumerism, people get choices. When there is demand, more and
more manufacturers come in the market. For instance, about two
decades ago, there was only Kissan tomato ketchup in the market; but
today we have Heinz, Del Monte, Cremica, Maggi and so many more
varieties of tomato ketchups in the market.
Nevertheless, consumerism promotes a use-and-throw culture, which is

very bad for the environment. There is a lot of rubbish generated
because of excessive consumerism. Unnecessary packaging is also done
to make these goods appealing to the eye. Often, this rubbish is not
decomposed and ends up in rivers and waterways. This is definitely
harmful to the environment. In addition, consumerism makes people
work more and more to afford these products. This workaholism makes
them forget to draw a line between work and leisure and also between
work and family. The desires never end and consequently over-working
becomes a part of life. This leads to stress and strain in life. Another
negative point is that when children or youngsters are lured by these
things and their parents cannot afford them, then they resort to petty
crime such as pick-pocketing and chain snatching, which is certainly not
good for any society.
To conclude, although a throwaway society has few merits which relates

to financial growth of a country, the negative aspects are way more
which can be deleterious for both individuals and society.
The use of social media is replacing face-to-face interaction among

many people in society. Do you think the advantages outweigh the
disadvantages?
It is true that more and more people all over the world rely on social
networking sites to keep in touch with people that they know. Despite some
obvious positive aspects of this trend, I would argue that overall, these are
outweighed by the disadvantages.
On the one hand, there are two major advantages of using social media rather
than depending on face-to-face communication. Firstly, in the modern world,
members of families or friends may often be scattered across continents in
the world because of work or study commitments. Family reunions may be
unachievable and impossible to organize, and, without the revolution and
development of social media, people might be deprived of the possibility to
contact relatives or close friends. Secondly, thanks to such platforms as
Instagram or Facebook, it is now possible to remain in contact with a large
number of people, keeping abreast of news, exchanging pleasantries, and
sharing photos. For example, from a business perspective, many companies
have organized virtual meetings due to a spread of infectious diseases.
However, I believe that face-to-face communication cannot be substituted.

One reason for this is that social media prevent real interaction and
discourage users from working on necessary social skills. Humans use all their
senses in order to comprehensively interact with each other, such as touch
and gestures. It limits one’s self-expression, particularly of love, sympathy
and other forms that require a sense of touch. This is exemplified by most of
the overseas workers pursuing to go home every year to be with their families
and spend special occasions with their loved ones physically, other than that,
being with their significant others is an effective way to reduce stress induced
by work. Another reason is that interaction which takes place in person avoids
some of the potential dangers of social media. To illustrate, these include
intelligence criminals such as hackers or online frauds, who aim at stealing
personal information or money on networking sites.
In conclusion, although there are convincing arguments both for and against
face-to-face interaction being replaced by social networks, I consider the
drawbacks of lack of personal contact outweigh the benefits of virtual
communication.
People’s lives are now surrounded by advertisement. This

affects what people consider important and has a negative
impact on people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Advertisement is dominant in people’s daily lives nowadays, with the

high frequency of people having to see the same products or services
over and over again. Some people think that this phenomenon is
negative because it distorts people’s perspective on life. I completely
agree with this statement.
Admittedly, advertisements have certain benefits to modern lives. First

of all, the purpose of a piece of advertising is to deliver essential
information about a product to the public. This would assist a person in
choosing a product, saving both time researching for the right product
and potentially, money from overspending. Secondly, the advertising
industry is getting more creative than ever, incorporating many current
social issues in ads. Some people even consider advertisement
nowadays as a form of entertainment, especially with commercials in
forms of short movies or music videos.
Nevertheless, I believe that the ubiquity of advertisement is distorting

people’s perception of what is important in life. Seeing too many
advertisements is thought by many experts to be the cause of excessive
consumerism. People are encouraged by these ads to buy and own more
stuff than needed. One consequence of this indulgence in buying new
things is that people are buying more. They are also throwing out more
stuff than ever, causing a burden on the environment. Another
consequence of this phenomenon is that it makes younger generations
become more superficial and only care about owning whatever’s
considered popular.
In conclusion, although advertisement can introduce many benefits to

its audience, I still think that the oversaturation of advertising can bring
negative impacts on individuals and society as a whole.
Popular hobbies and interests change over time and are more a
reflection of trends and fashions than an indication of what individuals
really want to do in their spare time. To what extent do you agree with
this statement?
The popularity of hobbies and interests changes over time, seemingly

influenced by trends rather than reflecting individuals’ genuine desires.
I believe that personal preferences play a larger role than societal trends
in shaping people’s leisure choices. In the following essay, I will explore
this dynamic interaction between trends and individual desires.
Admittedly, some people believe that hobbies are mostly influenced by

external factors, such as popular trends. For example, the recent
increase in popularity of fitness activities is due to society’s focus on
health and wellness. However, it is important to remember that these
trends often emerge from people’s changing needs and wants. The rise
of fitness activities may also be a collective response to growing
awareness of health issues, showing that people genuinely want to live
healthier lives.
On the other hand, hobbies can also be a true reflection of people’s

inner interests and preferences. Think about how popular classic
hobbies like reading and painting have been for generations. These
activities are still popular today, which suggests that they have a
timeless appeal that goes beyond passing trends. Additionally, people
may use hobbies as a way to express themselves by choosing activities
that align with their values and personal interests. For example,
someone who is passionate about environmental conservation might
choose to spend their free time doing outdoor activities, not just
because they are trendy, but because they align with their values.
In conclusion, popular hobbies may be influenced by trends and fashions

to some extent, but they also reflect people’s true interests and goals.
The relationship between societal influences and personal choices is
complex and ever-changing. Therefore, we need to consider both
external trends and people’s intrinsic desires to get a complete
understanding of what shapes their leisure activities.
Exam Material
1. More and more people want to buy famous brands with
clothes, cars and other items. What are the reasons? Do
you think it is a positive or negative development?
In today’s modern era, people tend to purchase clothes, cars and other items
from well-known brands. The chief reasons that could explain this
phenomenon are the credibility of famous brands and people’s desire to show
off their status. Personally, I opine that this is a largely negative development
as it leads to the growing disparity between the wealthy and the poor.
There are two main factors that shed light on why people want to buy famous
brands’ items. First, noted brands offer goods of better quality in comparison
with small brands. It can be seen that innumerable counterfeit products are
sold at cheaper prices, meaning that buyers can only use them for a short
period of time. In contrast, those from popular brand names can be more
expensive, but they are credible and give people a sense of satisfaction when
using them. Second, people nowadays want to show off their social status or
their wealth. A standout example for this is cars from luxurious brands such
as Porsche and Mercedes. These are often exorbitant due to their materials
and unique features. Hence, they are considered a tool for the rich.
From my perspective, it is apt to say that this trend has a negative impact on
the development of society as this might cause various social problems
related to the rich and the poor. As impoverished people are rarely provided
with lucrative jobs, they might find it extremely challenging to make their
ends meet, not to mention buying things from luxurious brands. On the
contrary, the wealthy are eligible to not only accommodate their lives with
fundamental necessities but also afford expensive goods that could bring
them happiness. This discrepancy between rich people and the destitute
could result in tension and conflicts within a society.
In conclusion, purchasing things from famous brands is becoming ubiquitous

as they are of high quality and could show off the wealth of buyers. However,
I argue that this may pose a serious threat to the safety and stability of
society.
2. Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at

persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is
so common that we no longer pay attention to it. Discuss both these
Some people feel that advertising effectively influences consumers’ buying

decisions. In contrast, others claim that it is so commonplace and, as a result,
cannot draw people’s attention anymore. Although social media has made
advertising more common than ever before, I think it is still compelling
because it creates the desire for the products it is selling.
On the one hand, nowadays, industries are using a plethora of marketing

strategies such as captivating packaging designs, coupons, hefty discounts
and other alluring offers to attract customers and amplify their sales.
Moreover, not only do some companies reach their target audience with the
help of sophisticated technological advancements such as email newsletters
and online promotions but they also increase their customer count. For
instance, according to a survey conducted by the Times of India, there was a
massive rise in online sales in the past five years with a considerable change
in the advertising strategies used to charm consumers. Hence, it is discernible
that although there are reforms in the advertising approaches, they still have
an indispensable job to play in persuading people.
On the other hand, as most people are aware of the traps of these
advertisements, they are now avoided. Online advertising is an excellent
example of this. Potential customers scarcely click on or even glance at a
website’s combination of pop-up ads, banners, spam or promotional mailing
list requests, and auto-playing video advertisements. These have become so
frequent that consumers have evolved the unconscious practice of skipping
ads on YouTube, swiftly closing pop-ups and scrolling past in-page
advertisements. Advertisers have struggled to counter this by making their
marketing less conspicuous, like ads that resemble actual posts on social
media sites like Instagram. Still, their sheer frequency means they can quickly
identify and do not stand out.
In conclusion, in my opinion, in some ways, giant advertisements have

achieved their objective of persuading demand amongst consumers, to the
extent that we tend to buy and possess multiple products. Regardless, to a
smaller extent, we do not pay attention to some advertising on various media
channels.
3. Cycling is more environmentally friendly than other forms of

transport. Why is it not popular in many places? And how to
increase its popularity?
Although riding a bicycle is clearly a better way to protect the environment

than using other types of vehicles, not many people worldwide prefer this
means of transport. There are several causes of this unpopularity, and some
solutions could be proposed to promote the usage of bicycles.
To begin with, there are several reasons why few people use bicycles to travel
regularly. Firstly, since modern life is getting much busier than in the past,
individuals nowadays want to spend as little time on transport as possible.
Therefore, they prefer to use other vehicles, such as motorbikes or cars, which
would take less time. Secondly, cycling is more physically demanding than
riding a motorbike or driving a car. This tends to discourage people from
choosing this method, especially on a hot and sunny day or when they have
to travel a long distance.
Nevertheless, several actions can be taken to increase the popularity of

bicycles. The first solution would be to make it more costly to own a
motorbike or a car. This can be done by increasing the price of petrol or raising
the tax on these vehicles. As a result, more people would choose bicycles as
their primary means of transport. Additionally, more lanes should be built to
serve only cyclists, which would make it much faster to travel with bicycles.
The final solution is to launch campaigns to raise citizens’ awareness of the
harmful effects of motorbikes and cars on the environment, encouraging
people to cycle more often.
In conclusion, there are some reasons why bicycles are becoming less
common in today’s world, and solutions should be produced early to promote
this environmentally friendly means of transport.
4. Every day, millions of tons of food are wasted all over the world.
Why do you think this is happening? And how can we solve this
problem?
There has been an ever-increasing trend that people discard an excessive

amount of food waste from all corners of the world. This issue can be ascribed
to a great number of reasons, and it must be addressed by definite actions.
The reasons for the issue vary. The primary reason is due to the higher
standard of living, which results in the depreciation of food regarded as a
physiological need. Another clear reason is that young people who make up
for almost half of the world’s population, haven’t been cultivated an
appreciation of food from the previous generation. This boils down to the
exponential rise in food waste in recent years. These two main reasons have
contributed to food loss, which takes place in all parts of the world.
A wide range of strong measures must be implemented to combat food

waste. This first solution is that the government can develop some action
plans to raise consumers’ awareness of food appreciation and becoming a
more conscious consumer & mindful eater. This could be done by getting
people involved in global food campaigns such as ‘Wise Food’ anti-food waste
campaign. In regards to food retailers, they can lend a helping hand by
distributing posters or flyers to every single customer when they come across
any shopping mall, food supermarket, etc., or sticking posters on the
restaurants to encourage customers to use food economically and become a
leftovers guru. These mentioned measures can definitely help shape a
sustainable future.
To conclude, there are obvious reasons why there is a considerable magnitude

of food wasted in much of the world. This negative trend could be tackled by
a number of remedies, such as enhancing the public awareness of the
significance of using food economically with the help of the government and
food retailers.
5. It is more important for school children to learn about local history

than world history. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Learning history is important because it helps us understand not only the

present world but also avoid committing the mistakes of the past generations.
I believe both local and world history are equally important. While local
history enables children to learn about regional culture and politics, world
history allows them to understand how global events shape their region.
Local history is the history of one’s own ancestors living in the same
geographical area. It helps children connect with the past and learn about the
innumerable sacrifices the past generations made to create a vibrant present.
For instance, Punjab’s history teaches Sikh children how their gurus made
sacrifices to protect the residents from religious persecution of the Mughal
government. Similarly, the local history of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa
civilizations teaches students how the forces of nature, if disturbed, can
destroy human civilizations. It also teaches them about regional geography,
culture, and religious identities.
The world history complements the local history in helping a student

understand the world. Undoubtedly, the present world is a product of the
past, and future generations should avoid the mistakes of the past
generations to create a sustainable ecosystem. For instance, understanding
the reasons behind world wars and genocides helps students appreciate the
need for an inclusive and consensus-based approach to solving problems.
Moreover, understanding past global events in other countries helps students
understand the present problems in their locality. For example, the Great
Depression of the 1930s and global financial crisis of 2008 had similar causes.
Understanding these two financial events, separated by more than seven
decades, will help students prevent future financial catastrophes.
In conclusion, both global history and local history are important in shaping
students’ understanding of the modern world. They are equally necessary for
understanding the society and politics of a region along with preventing any
future calamity.
6. Some people think that planning for the future is a waste of time.
They believe that it is more important to focus on the present. To
People have always been concerned with their future. Some individuals
believe that a person should not worry about the time ahead but live in the
present instead. As per my perspective, a person who wants to succeed in life
is better off making strategies for the future instead of focusing on the
present.
Admittedly, a plan for the future is similar to a roadmap for life, and it would
be equivalent to living a meaningless life if one did not spend time setting
goals. The present activities are strongly influenced by what one hopes to
achieve in the long run. Similarly, having no plans for the future leaves you
uncertain of what to do in the present. When people have goals, their actions
will be aligned and they will dictate their actions. Setting a fair goal can
motivate long-term career decisions and make an individual more likely to
work hard for success.
Furthermore, achieving career goals and objectives is more likely to motivate

a person to work hard. Therefore, planning ahead is a vital factor for success,
as those who do it are the ones who see the benefit of it in the long run.
Additionally, today’s environment is extremely uncertain, and stability in
both life and health is essential. Making no plans can lead to significant
consequences in one’s life. For instance, many people today are investing in
stocks and bonds, not only for themselves but also for their family and
children, so that they can have a secure future.
However, people may argue that planning for the future puts them under
pressure and reduces their happiness, but it is not the right approach.
Planning ahead will help us to cope better at difficult times.
In conclusion, calling future planning a waste of time is inappropriate as it

offers direction to life and saves from uncertainties. Thus, I strongly support
the idea of investing time in making plans for the upcoming years.
7. Many people like to wear fashionable clothes. Why do you think

this is the case? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
Fashion plays a vital role in today’s world. People of all ages have become
fashion-conscious. They prefer wearing branded and trendy clothes as they
want to look stylish. Moreover, the selection of clothes entirely depends on
an individual’s choice and a change in the way of dressing is definitely a
positive impact. This essay will look into the details and weigh if the following
fashion is good or bad for society.
There are myriad of reasons why people prefer wearing trendy clothes. The
predominant reason is that they want to stay in the competition, keep up with
the modern world, and adjust to society. Moreover, the fashion industry has
constantly been growing and releasing unique trends and styles with the help
of advertisements, which attracts the attention of the younger generation
who spend heavily on such fashionable clothes. According to these
youngster’s perception, their personality and character level gels up when
they wear fashionable outfits. Such youngsters are always following fashion
in each season. Therefore, in order to survive in the competitive rat race of
becoming a fashion icon in the fashion world, people wear trendy attires.
Some people suspect that following fashion trends and wearing stylish clothes
are not suitable for society. They think that it will have a negative impact on
their tradition and culture. But, in reality, it actually depends on the
perspective of an individual. In my point of view, it would be apparently
wrong to judge a person based on their way of styling and clothing as it’s a
personal choice. However, youngsters should avoid spending exorbitant
amounts of money purchasing fashionable clothes as the fashion trend
changes every now and then.
To reiterate, dressing up according to the latest fashion trend is good until an

individual feels confident and comfortable wearing them. Because at the end
of the day, fashionable or non-fashionable clothes don’t matter. All that
matters is comfort, self-confidence, and relief.
8. Some people say that too much attention and too many resources
are given in the protection of wild animals and birds. Do you agree
or disagree about this opinion?
For centuries, deforestation, farming, urbanization and other human

activities have wreaked havoc with wild animal species and sent them to the
verge of extinction. Regarding wildlife protection, awareness has been raised
and attempts have been made. However, some hold the idea that the
protection of endangered species has been given inordinate amount of
attention and resources. Personally, I do not see eye to eye with this point of
view.
In the first place, wildlife protection has never taken center stage on the
media. Compared with celebrities, for example, the amount of coverage of
wild animals is infinitesimal. Clearly, the reason is profits. In other words,
programs featuring wild animals do not generate interest of the public and
accordingly returns for the producers. The absence of educational programs
concerning the lives of wild animals has blinded people to the reality that wild
animals are dying and the ecological system are being disrupted severely.
In addition, governments around the world do not prioritise wildlife

conservation in their agenda’s. As a matter of fact, laws to save wild animals
have been introduced, but they are loosely enforced. Because of this, every
man can freely exploit land, chop down forests, and divert the water sources,
all of which combine to destroy the natural habitats of threatened animals.
In every corners of the world, with or without intention, human are still
causing changes in climatic and geographical conditions, which accelerates of
animal extinction. In light of this fact, I feel that not enough attention and
resources are being given in the conservation of wild flora and fauna and
stronger actions need to be taken to save them.
9. Governments should spend more money on education than on

recreation and sports. To what extent do you agree or disagree with
this statement?
It is argued that countries should allocate more funds to education

than to leisure and competitive games. It is agreed that national
budgets should prioritise schools and universities over sports and
play. This essay will discuss firstly, the economic benefits education
can bring to a nation and secondly, the social benefits it has;
followed by a reasoned conclusion.
Investment in its education system is one of the best ways to

improve a country’s economy in the long term. The more students
entering third level education, the more skilled a workforce will be
and this leads to higher innovation and productivity. For example,
South Korea and Finland took the decision to invest a large
proportion of their budget in education and this has reaped
benefits in the form of high-tech companies such as Samsung and
Nokia. However, people cannot work hard all the time and these
companies do provide leisure facilities for their workers.
Education is not just about improving the economy it also has many
social benefits. Well educated people tend to be more aware of
social evils such as drugs, alcohol and sexual health. For example,
Singapore educates all of its citizens on the dangers of drugs and
this has resulted in one of the lowest levels of drug abuse in the
world. Despite this, sports can also teach children valuable soft
skills, such as teamwork and work ethic which also help curb social
ills.
In conclusion, education should take precedence over sports when

it comes to funding due to the many socio-economic benefits it
brings. It is recommended that governments continue to pump
money into schools and universities in order to realize long-term
goals.
10.Some people think that famous people can help international aid
organizations to draw attention to important problems. Others
believe that the celebrities can make the problems seem less
important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
From the perspective of some people, aid agencies can take advantage of
celebrities’ fame to raise public awareness of certain important matters.
Others, however, hold the view that such a method may only bring
counterproductive results. I find the latter argument more convincing.
Those who support the idea of using famed individuals’ assistance have their
own justifications. First of all, people who are considered role models have
considerable influence on the public. Emma Watson, for instance, being a
prominent actress, is currently the goodwill ambassador for the United
Nations, promoting gender equality and undoubtedly drawing a great deal of
attention from her admirers. Furthermore, a wider range of population can
be reached if an organisation’s campaign is represented by a popular star. In
many parts of the world, some film stars are even more well-known to the
locals than the organisation itself owing to their appearance in familiar
cinematic products. Therefore, the introduction of a humanitarian campaign
can be further facilitated thanks to the artists.
Nevertheless, I can understand why other people are against inviting

celebrities for assistance. When relying on the fame of some people to attract
more public attention, an aid programme can also be affected by their
scandals. Mass public disapproval may arise from a representative receiving
a speeding ticket, or getting caught using illegal drugs, undervaluing the
significance of the aid programme. Another foreseeable drawback is that the
public might take the presence of famous entertainers as a mere publicity
stunt. Without the evidence of real actions taken to mitigate a problem, such
as participating in a voluntary team to help the people in need, famous people
may fail to draw the attention of people to the situation.
In conclusion, while some people have reasons to believe in the success of

celebrities in getting people to pay attention, I tend to think that such an
approach might not prove to be effective for aid organisations as expected.
11.Creative artist should always be given the freedom to express their own ideas
(in words, pictures, music or film) in whichever way they wish. There should
be no government restrictions on what they do. To what extent do you agree
or disagree with this opinion?
It is irrefutable that creativity is playing a paramount role in the field of development

as it is an effective way of inverting new ideas or things that could contribute to the
growth of a country. Another fact that cannot be denied is that creativity cannot be
improved with restrictions; hence, there should be complete freedom given to the
artists. I think artists should be free from any boundary. And so, I shall discuss my
perception in the upcoming paragraphs.
There are a variety of methods through which creative artists communicate their
ideas to spread a positive message. First, a lot of writers launch diverse novels,
poems, and articles to describe the government system, crime, culture, society, and
more genres. This practice motivates other people to raise their voices against crime
and injustice. And then, a painter may express a completely different type of society,
issues, problems and a country as a whole through creative art, such as global
warming, corruption, and more. Through this, an artist can invoke thoughts into
people and make them cognizant of mishappenings around them. Also, by
presenting their art at international or national levels, artists can gain popularity,
name, and fame, which could be helpful to bring fortune. Therefore, restrictions can
impact their artwork, and it could be challenging to express ideas and earn money.
Moreover, a majority of youngsters are interested in watching TV shows, web series,

and movies; thus, these are the best ways to convey creative ideas through movies.
This is because people tend to copy varying styles that the filmmakers use. For
instance, a movie based on an original and motivational theme will encourage the
viewers to make the most out of their work or life. Lastly, an art that has boundaries
will impact both the artist as well as the art lover. Since art never flourishes under
limitations, there is a need for a free mind to demonstrate the message.
However, it is also true that not every artist would present a positive message; thus,
restrictions are justifiable. When it comes to authentic, pure art, it should always be
limitless.
To conclude, in society, people are mature enough to understand the difference

between right and wrong. Hence, if an art form doesn’t please them, the audience
will not support it and vice versa. Keeping this in mind, artists should not be put in
restricted cages but should be free to create anything out of their own will.
12.Consumers are faced with increasing numbers of advertisements

from competing companies. To what extent do you think are
consumers influenced by advertisements? What measures can be
taken to protect them?
Advertisement is a powerful and persuasive medium that influences

consumers in both positive and negative ways. In order to survive in the
competitive marketing world, every company believes in advertising its
product. Thus, it is undeniably true that advertisements have significant
impacts on consumers. In my opinion, I believe that excessive popularity of
advertisements has adverse effects, but some measures should be taken to
curb this issue.
There is no doubt that advertisements influence people’s minds. Several

corporate organizations and local companies use advertisements as a way to
promote and provide essential information about their products to the
consumers. For instance, there are companies that promote health drinks and
immune boosting medicines with the help of top celebrities. These
advertisements create an illusion in the consumer’s minds that their health
drinks and immune-boosting medicines will help them maintain their immune
system and acquire a well-balanced body. Thus, people are swayed by these
advertisements and instantly purchase such products. Moreover, the most
susceptible target for advertisements is children because they lack the
information and maturity to make informed judgments. In this way, they
pester their parents to purchase those products. Further, stealth advertising
and celebrity endorsements sway people into tempting and purchasing goods
that they actually don’t use often.
There are some ways to deal with these issues. First, the government should
impose strict laws and regulations on advertising companies to not pressurize
the public to purchase unnecessary products. The advertising agencies should
be aware of launching ethical advertisements. Furthermore, the consumers
should protect themselves from being persuaded by celebrity endorsements.
To sum up, although advertising is an effective way to increase a company’s

sales and brand, they are more often than not a negative influence on
people’s lives. I believe that governments should exert more regulations on
advertising agencies to mitigate the issues mentioned above, and consumers
should use their wisdom to purchase only the necessary products without
being influenced by advertisements.
13.When choosing a job, the salary is the most important

consideration. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The salary is regarded as one of the most important factors while making a
choice between jobs. Salary is the real outcome of the job performed and
hence it becomes a prominent part in job selection. However, I completely
disagree that salary is the most important part of choosing a job. Job
satisfaction and career growth are equally important aspects of the job to be
considered. I shall prove these parts in following paragraphs with more
details.
Most people give preference to job satisfaction over the salary. Job
satisfaction includes work-life balance, vacation, quality work and many more
parameters. It is scientifically proven that job satisfaction adds to well-being
and happiness to human lives. For example, a person earning less will be
happier than the person earning big bucks but going through extreme stress
and pressure at a workplace. Thus, job satisfaction should be considered as
an important factor while choosing a job.
People also give equal importance to career growth when it comes to

selecting a job. Promotions, new skills, job responsibilities are some of the
parts of career growth. People tend to give importance to these attributes of
the job as it becomes path breaker for their future career. For example,
sometimes more salary can be only claimed if a person is holding a certain
level of position in an organisational hierarchy, thus, it becomes vital for
people to be considerate about this career growth aspect also.
In conclusion, I completely disregard the salary aspect of a job while choosing

it. In my view, job satisfaction and career growth should be seen as the most
vital aspect while making a choice between jobs. In the modern world, it is
advisable to become circumspect about job choices by equally evaluating all
aspects of the job.
14.Some people think international car-free days are an effective way

of reducing air pollution, others think there are some other ways.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
The ubiquity of cars is often considered as a major culprit of air quality

degradation in many countries. To combat atmospheric pollution, many
suggest that car-free days should be held internationally. However, I contend
that these events may achieve little success, and there are more effective
methods to preserve the atmosphere.
Advocates of organising global car-free days may argue that the absence of
cars promotes the use of public transport and activities such as cycling and
walking, which all contribute considerably to the reduction of traffic
emissions. This argument, from my perspective, is flawed, because of two
facts. The first is that a few days without cars out of 365 days of the year may
help cut down as little as one percent of the annual amount of traffic fumes,
so the assertion that this short-term reduction is significant is a mere
exaggeration. The second is that this solution does not limit the massive
amount of air contaminants being released from industrial zones. It is,
therefore, a one-sided approach and arguably not an effective way to address
the problem of air pollution.
There are, in my opinion, better measures to minimise air pollution. One of

them is constructing dedicated lanes for public means of transport. These
lanes guarantee that public transport is relatively faster than individual
vehicles in rush hours, which may encourage a majority of commuters to
eschew their personal vehicles in favour of mass transit. The implication is
that motor vehicle use may be reduced throughout the year, which exerts a
longer-lasting impact on minimising traffic fumes than international car-free
days may do. Another measure is levying a tax on carbon usage in all areas,
including transport and industrial production. This measure has been adopted
in several countries, including the United Kingdom, and has proven its
effectiveness as a holistic approach to curtail emissions in all fields.
To sum up, I believe the organisation of world car-free days may produce little
effect on protecting the atmosphere. Other solutions, namely building
designated lanes for public vehicles and taxing all industries on carbon usage,
produce more sustainable effects on a larger scale.
15.Some people think that developing countries need financial help

from international organizations. Others think that it is practical
aid and advice that is needed. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.
People have different views about the kind of support that wealthy nations
should provide for poorer ones. Although some say that non-financial support
is beneficial for poor countries, my own view is that international aid should
be in the form of financial assistance.
There are several reasons to believe that practical assistance and advice are
what developing countries need. Firstly, an effective education system is a
key factor in the growth of a country, so advice on how to build such a system
should be given to less wealthy countries. For example, since Somalia’s school
curriculum focuses heavily on theories, students cannot apply what they learn
into practice and come up with creative ideas, which is why the country fails
to make technological and economic progress. Advice and instructions from
developed countries are therefore expected to help Somalia improve their
education system. Secondly, foreign assistance can also be given in terms of
providing human resources. By having an additional number of well-educated
and knowledgeable individuals work in their nations, hopefully less
developed countries can escape from poverty.
However, I believe that financial support would be more useful for poorer
nations. One argument is that even valuable ideas for education reform may
be irrelevant if a country is financially disadvantaged. In the aforementioned
example about Somalia, while it seems beneficial to re-organise the education
system, this cannot happen in the short run because there are a variety of
costs associated with education reform, such as purchasing learning tools and
training teachers. Furthermore, financial resources provided by rich countries
may help poorer ones invest in medical and scientific research. If a sufficient
amount of money is spent on these areas, technological advances are
significantly more likely to be made, and such innovations can help improve
the economic growth of a nation.
In conclusion, while some people argue that foreign aid given to poor
countries should be non-financial, it seems to me that it is financial support
that helps these nations escape from poverty.
16.Children can learn effectively by watching television. Therefore,

they should be encouraged to watch television both at home and at
school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
With the development of technology, media plays an important role in the

field of education. Many people are of the opinion that when students are
taught with the help of computers, mobile phones, and even television, they
learn productively. As far as I am concerned, educating a child with the help
of television at school and home is commendable, but there should be a limit
to the exposure, otherwise, there may be a hindrance to their mental and
physical development.
Childhood is a period when everyone enjoys the simple pleasures of life.

Running with friends, pursuing adventures, enjoying ice cream and chocolates
are some of the activities that make them happy. Nowadays, children are
glued to their television or computer screens. There is no scope for physical
activity, and they become obese or unhealthy. If the children continuously
come in contact with television at home as well as at school, the rays from the
screen may affect their eyesight.
Apart from this, when children watch television at home and school, they
become addicted. For example, when a child is shown animated videos to
understand certain topics, they get an excuse to watch videos on youtube.
They tell their parents that the teacher had asked them to watch those videos
to understand the topic better. In this way, the parents are bound to allow
them and are unable to keep track of their activity. Moreover, some programs
on television show excessive violence, which excites the children. They may
try to copy their favourite superhero and get hurt in the process. The crime
shows may even instigate them to behave in a rude or anti-social way which
ultimately becomes detrimental to their development.
Yet, it is irrefutable that television is an effective tool to educate children and

adults alike. While shows on National Geography, Animal Planet and
Discovery tap on the scientific evolution of a child’s mind, cartoons or game
shows help them relax after a long day of study and activities.
To put it in a nutshell, even though watching television both at home and

school might help the children, the negative effects outweigh the positive
side. So, according to me, elders should keep an eye on their wards and allow
them limited time to television at home and school.
17.With deforestation, urban development and illegal hunting, many animal

species are becoming endangered as they lose their habitat and some are
even threatened to the point of extinction. Do you think it is important to
protect animals? What measures can be taken to deal with this problem?
Human activity has had a detrimental effect on animals. Many of them have
already become extinct and many more are on the endangered list. In my
opinion, it is crucial to protect wildlife because all species of plants and animals
are interdependent and if some of them vanish from the surface of earth, others
will have to face the ramifications. Endangered animals can be saved from
extinction by creating wildlife sanctuaries where all human activities are banned.
Contrary to what a lot of people think, animals are an indispensable part of the
ecosystem. It is our paramount duty to protect wildlife in general and
endangered species in particular as uncontrolled and unsustainable human
activities are the root causes of their extinction. When a particular species
becomes extinct, it has a domino effect on the entire ecosystem. It disrupts the
food chain, sending shockwaves through the environment. For instance, when
apex predators like lions, tigers or leopards die out, the population of herbivores
will explode. They will eat up all the plants and small trees causing considerable
damage to the forest and when they cannot find enough food in the forest, they
will start raiding farms. This leads to human-animal conflict. Likewise, if
honeybees are threatened, it affects pollination and thus reduce yield. This will
force humans to bring more land under cultivation and that will lead to further
destruction of animals. Obviously, there is a need to protect wildlife; otherwise,
the survival of all species will be in danger.
Since human activity is the root cause of the extinction of animals, taking
measures to reverse the damage is also our responsibility. People can contribute
their bit by making sure that they do not engage in activities that threaten plants
or animals. Governments can and should do a lot more. There should be stringent
wildlife protection laws. Activities like hunting and poaching should be severely
dealt with. In addition, the government should protect core areas of the forests
by banning all human activities there. In India, for example, the government has
created several wildlife sanctuaries under the Project Tiger initiative. This
measure has been quite successful in increasing the number of tigers.
In conclusion, protecting wildlife is our need and responsibility as our own

survival depends on their survival. Enacting strict wildlife laws and creating
protected forests are some of the ways to preserve wildlife.
18.People’s shopping habits depend more on the age group that they belong to
than other factors. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In the current times, shopping has more functions than it used to have earlier.
Though its main motive is to buy essential goods for your living, many people
shop to reduce stress, as a hobby or as a status symbol. So, the stimulus behind
shopping may depend on many factors like socio-economic status, age, gender,
need and advertisements. In spite of age being one of the determinants, I
disagree with the fact that it is more important than the other factors.
The most important factor that influences a person to go shopping is the needs
or wants of the individual or people related to him/her. For example, everyone
goes to the mall to buy basic necessities like food, clothes, health supplies and
others. Irrespective of the age being 16 or 60, the person will have to go to the
shop or buy it online. They will shop less if they have less mouth to feed and shop
more if the number of dependents is more. Secondly, a person cannot purchase
anything unless he/she has the monetary means to do so. This means that if one
has more money, one will spend equally on luxury items and fundamental needs.
On the other hand, a person with less financial stability will focus more on vital
merchandise.
Advertisements are the third important factor that appeals to our senses more
than our actual needs, and we are compelled to buy the thing/s. On television or
social media, the advertisements make us feel that we need their product, and
as we go to the shop, the convincing power of the shopkeeper makes us shop
more. Finally, it can be said that a girl or woman shops more than a man.
Although it is more of a social conception than a scientific fact, it is widely
accepted by both genders that one buys more than the other.
However, age may affect the shopping pattern of a person to a certain extent.
For example, the things that a 15-year old girl/boy buys are different from a 35-
year old woman/man or a 55-year old woman/man. These differences may vary
because, in most cases, people continue to buy the same things to maintain the
standard and comfort the product provides. Similarly, the number of goods
bought may change as age increases, but it mostly depends on the needs of the
person.
In conclusion, it can be stated that classifying the buyers according to their

shopping habits is an effective method. But, I would reinforce the fact that even
if age determines a certain aspect of shopping, it does not affect or can compete
with other factors like money, demand, gender and advertisements.
19.The exploration and development of safe alternatives to fossil fuels

should be the most important global priority today. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?
The reliance on fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil has surged in recent
years. Many environmentalists argue that alternate techniques are needed since
many businesses and economies rely on fossil fuels. I absolutely concur that fossil
fuels affect individuals in the most treacherous ways. In the forthcoming
paragraphs, I shall explain my point of view and give supporting reasons.
Admittedly, fossil fuel resources are finite, and using them at such a high rate will
eventually have pressure on them and ultimately lead to depletion. Coal-burning
must be halted, as it contributes to poor air quality. In addition, hazardous gas
emissions wreak havoc on the ecosystem. As a result, it would have a
catastrophic effect on all species on the planet, including humans, raising the
chance of death from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory sickness
in individuals who are exposed. Moreover, the continued use of fossil fuels such
as coal, oil, and gases is causing dangerous levels of global warming.
Undoubtedly, due to the stringent conditions and scarcity of resources, the

request of a backup resource is emerging as a top priority among the world
nations which on the long-run would be safer and less damaging to the
environment, when compared with existing sources. Moreover, the new
alternative has to match the expectations and the efficacy should be more or less
the same, when compared to the conventional fuels. Also, it has to be abundant
and more quick in replenishing. For instance, hydro power is safe and a reliable
source, if it is developed well, it can replace the existing source and can emerge
as a highly desirable source. Thus, it is clear that, we are on the verge of adopting
to a newer condition.
To sum up, continued fossil fuel consumption would have pernicious effects on
humans. Hence, developing innovative ways to create energy that does not rely
on fossil fuels is critical today, as burning them has a detrimental impact on
human health.
20.The prevention of health problems and illness is more important

than treatment and medicine. Government funding should reflect
this. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is sometimes argued that more money should be spent on preventive

measures than treatments, as they are of greater importance. However, I
would argue that cure and prevention are equally important when it comes
to spending money in these areas.
There are several reasons why it can be argued that government should spend
money on tackling the causes of diseases. Cost-effectiveness is the key
element when placing more importance on these initiatives. By allowing
people to have access to these health monitoring strategies, governments can
avoid the hefty priced hospitalised treatments or other extravagantly
expensive medicines. Take the modified gene coding as an example, the
technique of relocating genes in the DNA of human beings can help
deliberately avoiding inherited lethal illnesses in newborns such as diabetes.
In this way, not only the financial pressure on health care departments can be
reduced, but also the painful suffering caused by these contagious sicknesses.
Hence, an improved quality of life for those who take these measures is a
better alternative. So, if government prioritises preventative approaches as a
mandatory element in tackling health problems, people would surely be
leading healthy lives in a near future.
I also believe that spending on treatments or medicines has of

proportionately equal importance as of managing causes. Some diseases are
too fatal that cannot be left without an intensive, holistic and advanced
treatment. For instance, carcinogenic patients would have never been
recovered with ever greater speed today, if huge state budget were not
invested to produce chemotherapy. Similarly, without enough government
funds for the best possible treatments to vulnerable patients, people' life
expectancy will be affected devastatingly. So both these departments should
be given equal money to keep them going.
In conclusion, governments have to make health reforms properly by

investing equally in the cure and prevention of epidemic health illnesses in
order to have better outcomes from health deprived people as well as
ensuring a healthy and energetic living for them.
21.Some people believe today that everyone has a right to access to

the Internet and that governments should provide this access for
free. Other people believe that access to the internet is not a right
and should be paid for like other services. Discuss both these views
and give your opinion.
Nowadays, many individuals think that everyone should have free

access to the internet. However, I believe that internet access shouldn’t
be regarded as a right, but should be charged. The following paragraphs
provide an explanation of both views.
Various reasons have made the internet a necessity in today’s world.

With no internet access, it is nearly impossible to manage both personal
and professional life. Online portals enable access to a variety of services
from education to utilities to financial services from almost anywhere.
Since everyone was working/studying from home due to the covid
situation, internet usage was a critical component of their lives.
Therefore, users’ access to the internet should be considered one of
their fundamental rights and people should have unhindered access to
it.
On the contrary, when something is free, its quality is affected for

obvious reasons. Internet service must be fast and available at all times
for things to run smoothly. Further, cybercriminal activity and hacking
are on the rise these days. In public places, people usually do not
connect to free wifi because they know it cannot be trusted. Secure
connections to the internet are therefore essential. Moreover, internet
usage is very wide and common nowadays, which makes it a reliable
source of revenue for the government.
Despite the fact that the internet is a necessity, I believe it should not
be free and should be paid for like other services. Revenue generated
from this sector is huge and could be used for further development.
22.With increasing populations and ever-growing urban centers, many

countries are losing their natural beauty spots. What benefits are
there to protecting places of natural beauty? How can this be
solved?
It is argued that the growth in population, along with the enlargement of

metropolitan areas during recent years has caused a decrease in the number
of natural beauty objects. The ever-increasing number of people living on
earth may in future lead to a loss of many natural sightseeing places. This
essay will firstly discuss the advantages of keeping natural places of interest
safe and secondly, will suggest solutions to the above-mentioned issue.
There are many positive impacts of natural beauty spots, including their effect
on health and economy. First of all, such places help people obtain mental
stability and peace, which is especially important for those, who live in big
cities most of the time. Secondly, this kind of vacation spots can be a key for
the development of tourism and help out a country’s economy, as a result.
Hot springs, snowy mountains, cliffy beaches and endless forests are what
people look for when they want to rest their minds from daily routine.
There are various steps that can be taken to solve the problem of damaging
natural beauty spots, such as control over the number of population and
usage of living areas more wisely. During recent years, the number of
populations has been increasing at the highest rates ever in the history. As a
measure of dealing with the phenomenon, governments may use some birth
controlling tools. For instance, Chinese government has set taxes for every
next child born, starting from the second. Another way to reduce the treat is
using living space more efficiently, instead of enlarging cities at the expense
of the nature. As an example, local authorities and those charged with
governance may set limitations on living areas per person. For example, a
single person can only have a large apartment for additional charges or taxes.
To conclude, in my opinion increasing population is a possible threat to spots

of natural beauty worldwide, however there are several actions that can be
taken to avoid any bad result.
23. Better driver education for better driving habits is more effective
than heavier punishments for driving offences. To what extent do
In today’s fast-paced world, road safety has become a significant concern for
everyone, with the rise of automobiles paving the way for more accidents. It
is argued that people should be educated and trained to use vehicles properly,
which is better than punishments for driving offenses. However, in my
opinion, I believe that the government should initiate some laws and
implement some penalties to bring better driving habits among the drivers.
It is undoubtedly true that the new era of technological advancement in the

automobile domain has been on the rise, albeit with some consequences.
Implementation of strict punishments can definitely encourage people to
drive more carefully and safely. Therefore, the government should introduce
serious penalties and severe sanctions such as heavy fines for rash driving,
license suspension, or prison charges for aggressive drivers, which will deter
reckless driving and over-speeding.
If the government introduces such punishments for aggressive drivers, they

will understand that their careless driving actions have adverse
consequences. As a result, they’d become more disciplined and alert while
being on the road and follow the rules faithfully, which could reduce road
accidents. Further, they would follow the road safety rules and regulations to
avoid paying hefty charges as penalties.
It is true that individuals should learn to drive the vehicles properly by

following the prescribed speed limits on the various roads and national
highways to avoid minor and major accidents. Even though educational
institutions can supervise and encourage the student’s driving skills at an
early age, harsh punishments and strict laws introduced by the government
will do better to prevent reckless driving.
To sum up, I strongly feel that strict punishments and severe penalties are far
more likely to avoid catastrophic accidents when compared to better driving
education. Thus, the government should initiate strict road rules and
regulations and severe punishments for being careless on roads.
24.Modern technology is now very common in most workplaces. How

do you think it has changed the way we work? Do you think there
are disadvantages to relying too much on technology?
In the last two decades, offices and other work environments have
astonishingly changed as computer systems, cellphones, and other
electronic gadgets have taken control. This innovation and
transformation have had a significant influence on nearly every area of
employment. As a result, working habits, the quality and amount of
work completed, and interpersonal relationships have all changed
dramatically for the worse.
Advances in technology have indeed increased the efficiency of

employees by 50 percent. Employee productivity has increased because
of computer applications such as Microsoft Excel sheets and word
processing. Maintaining data used to be a tedious process, but current
technology has made it easier by reducing the number of potential
mistakes. Besides that, modern technologies have made it easier for
numerous employees from all over the world to collaborate. People may
now easily communicate via email and video conferencing using portals
such as Google Meet and Skype.
Admittedly, too much reliance on technology has more drawbacks than

benefits. Documents uploaded to the program are vulnerable to being
hacked. Another downside is that system files might become corrupted,
resulting in the loss of important data. Because of the ease with which
technology is used, the pressure on people to work for long hours has
risen. Employees become more paranoid in their job as a result of being
inundated with emails seeking immediate responses.
To conclude, employee productivity has unquestionably risen as a result

of technological advancements that have simplified their job processes.
However, the significant detrimental consequences of technology on
employee information must not be disregarded.
25. Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative forms of

medicine however at best these methods are ineffective and at
worst they may be dangerous. To what extent do you agree with
this statement?
Alternative medicine is not new. It is accepted that it pre-dates

conventional medicine and it is still used by many people all over the
world. I am unconvinced that it is dangerous, and feel that both
alternative and conventional medicine can be useful.
There are several reasons why the conventional medical community is

often dismissive of alternatives. Firstly, there has been little scientific
research into such medicine, so there is a scarcity of evidence to support
the claims of their supporters. Furthermore, people often try such
treatment because of recommendations from friends, and therefore
come to the therapist with a very positive attitude, which may be part
of the reason for the cure. Moreover, these therapies are usually only
useful for long-term, chronic conditions. Acute medical problems, such
as accidental injury, often require more conventional methods.
On the other hand, there remain strong arguments for the use of
alternatives. Despite the lack of scientific proof, there is a lot of
anecdotal evidence to suggest that these therapies work. In addition, far
from being dangerous, they often have few or no side effects, so the
worst outcome would be no change. One of the strongest arguments for
the effectiveness of alternative therapies in the West is that, whilst
conventional medicine is available without charge, many people are
prepared to pay considerable sums for alternatives. If they were totally
unhelpful, it would be surprising if this continued.
To conclude, I strongly believe that conventional medicine and

alternative therapies can and should coexist. They have different
strengths, and can both be used effectively to target particular medical
problems. The best situation would be for alternative therapies to be
used to support and complement conventional medicine.
26. Some people get into debt by buying things they don’t need and
can’t afford. What are the reasons for this behavior? What action
can be taken to prevent from having this problem?
People are inherently drawn to possess expensive things. Consequently,

some people become debt-ridden by buying things they don’t need and
are unable to afford. Several factors, including reckless spending by
individuals, have caused the current problem. In this essay, I will discuss
my view of the situation and try to provide a solution for the same.
The fact is, people are never satisfied with what they have, and they
have a constant urge to acquire more. People nowadays want a
luxurious lifestyle. With the implementation of technology, new tools
and gadgets are being designed to make our lives easier; however, they
are constantly becoming cost-prohibitive. Most of the time, individuals
buy extravagant items that they don’t really need and have no
inclination to use them for anything other than showing off. Likewise,
when someone lives in a high-class society, they tend to try to keep up
with the level of their culture, as a result, they often end up spending on
items they can not afford. Indians, for instance, regard cars as status
symbols, so many of them take loans to buy a car, putting themselves
under credit pressure.
Creating a budget is an effective way to prevent this problem. People

should cease competing pointlessly and accept whatever their budgets
allow instead of living beyond their means. We can’t stop ourselves from
purchasing unnecessary things unless we take responsibility for our
actions. Also, the government should make strict rules, and more rigidity
should be added to the lending process.
To summarize, the availability of a wide range of product choices

combined with unbridled spending may lead to financial debts. Keeping
these behaviours under control requires clever budgetary planning.
27. The use of corporal punishment (physically hitting students) in

schools is in decline, yet it should be used to improve behavior. To
what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Education institutions no longer use corporal punishment, but some believe

that it helped to improve behaviour. I totally disagree with this view. Teachers
have a number of responsibilities and are in an authoritative position. It is not
uncommon for them to misuse this position by hitting students physically to
punish them for doing anything wrong. Nowadays, parents disapprove of
corporal punishment in schools as they do not want to see their children
getting hurt physically. Thus, these actions are becoming less common, which
is a good sign.
Students understand better when they learn with a free and calm mind. If one
forces them to perform activities by physically hitting them, the overall result
may be quite disappointing. It is possible that they will not be able to
demonstrate their actual capabilities because of fear and stress. Being beaten
in front of classmates can also be infuriating and insulting for some students,
which may cause them to avoid school altogether.
The consequences of violent discipline are detrimental to students. It is

undeniable that corporal punishment can cause physical injury and long-term
mental distress to children. The use of physical punishment in childhood is
associated with maladaptive behaviour patterns in later life, such as
aggression or delinquency. Also, schools are more successful when they
articulate nicely and do not get offensive with children when addressing the
issues. Furthermore, when a child does an unacceptable act, other forms of
punishment are available, such as suspension or expulsion rather than
correcting with physical force.
Although some believe that corporal punishment can help improve a child’s
behaviour, in my opinion, it is more important to teach a child with love and
patience.
In conclusion, physically hitting a child will not necessarily improve their

behaviour, as some children may become more aggressive and stubborn.
They need to be treated gently and respectfully.
28. In order to learn a language well, we should also learn about the
country as well as the cultures and lifestyles of the people who
speak it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In today’s advanced world, the trend of learning new languages is gaining a

lot of popularity. Some people suggest that it is essential to understand the
culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the people from a certain region in order
to learn their language, while others disagree. However, I firmly agree with
the former statement.
Admittedly, some people opine that it is indispensable for an individual to

understand the culture & traditions behind a specific language because,
without the knowledge of certain words, a language can’t be spoken fluently.
It will bring in a lot of misconceptions, even if there’s the slightest variation.
For instance, an individual must be conscious of the words used while
communicating in a new language. If any term is misspelled or
misunderstood, it might create chaos among the country’s people who own
the language.
Furthermore, an individual must have in-depth knowledge and awareness

about the cultural values of a country, the lifestyle of local people residing,
and the traditional aspects of the specific language to be more accurate while
communicating. Speakers should also understand the mindset of local people
and use proper slang and idioms accordingly in their communication. Thus,
people need to understand the customs of a country before learning the
language.
However, in today’s interconnected and independent world, it is not

necessary for an individual to learn about a culture to learn a language. With
the help of modern translation softwares and applications, they can easily
translate and communicate with others in any language.
To conclude, understanding the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of people in

a country is more important in order to learn a new language and be proficient
in it. Further, it should be a priority for beginners. In my perspective, I believe
that a language is better learned when we are aware of the country, its
culture, traditional aspects, and the lifestyle of the people who speak it.
29.Some student work while studying. This often results in lacking time
for education and constantly feeling under pressure. What do you
think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?
Recent trends exhibit that most students, especially the ones pursuing higher
education, work while studying. This tendency to balance work and education
is becoming more of a norm than an exception lately. In most cases, this leads
to a rigorous routine of juggling both work and academic life. As a result,
students often fall behind in academics and are left with only a minuscule
amount of time for recreation and rest. The following paragraphs will discuss
various reasons for students following such a trend, along with certain
remedies to curb this phenomenon.
A student may wish to be employed while simultaneously pursuing their

education for various reasons. However, any financial predicament is the
most common reason for students to take up work along with their education.
Higher education is an expensive investment for many individuals and bearing
all the expenses involved can be a herculean task. Further, they may also take
up jobs to enhance their experience. Thus, to ease financial burdens as well
as earn extra credits in the resume, students often look for part-time jobs
during the hours they do not spend studying.
The hindrances faced by students to provide an extra source of income can be

reduced if more financial aid is provided to students who are eager to pursue
higher education. Although fee waivers should be made more common
among popular academic institutes, the government should put more effort
into scholarships and complete financial aid for higher education for
meticulous students. It would also encourage students to focus more on their
studies rather than looking for ways to pay their tuition fees.
In conclusion, I would like to say that work and education seldom make a good
pair as both need the full attention of the individual and switching back and
forth between the two is not a prudent decision for a student. Accordingly,
efforts from the government and academic organizations in the form of
scholarships and grants for students should help diminish this problem
effectively.
30.Air traffic is increasingly leading to more noise, pollution and airport

construction. One reason for this is the growth in low-cost passenger flights,
often to holiday destinations. Some people might say that governments
should try to reduce air traffic by taxing it more heavily. Do you agree or
disagree?
The proclivity for air travel has seen a substantial increase over the recent
years. This has led to first-hand issues like noise and air pollution and several
other indirect consequences owing to a hike in air traffic. Consequently, it has
become a matter of debate whether or not this occurrence should be curbed
by increasing taxation. In my opinion, this solution is precarious in the least,
and I will elaborate my views in the subsequent paragraphs.
It is a well-known fact that the airline industry is booming, and commercial

activity in and around this sector is following an upward trend. At the same
time, the number of individuals employed by this industry has also grown.
More jobs are being created, and the demand for human resources in this area
is expanding. However, if the authorities decide to implement stringent tax
obligations on air travel, then, it would possibly lead to hike in the overall
operational costs, which will be detrimental to these developments and the
livelihoods of numerous people working for the airlines.
Furthermore, the adversities experienced will not be limited to air companies

alone but will have a trickle-down effect on nearly every segment of the global
economy. For instance, the tourism industry will suffer tremendously because
air travel is the most common and preferred means to reach holiday
destinations. Apart from that, businesses that depend on air transportation
for the import and export of commodities will also face losses on a huge scale
leading to a decline in economic growth worldwide.
Nevertheless, issues like increased noise pollution around airports, rising

emissions from plane engines and turbines, and the scarcity of land due to the
construction of massive airports and terminals cannot be ignored. That being
said, simply increasing taxes and reducing business for the airlines might seem
to improve the situation but, in reality, has unfavourable after-effects.
In conclusion, I agree that there are some negative outcomes of growing air
traffic which are quite concerning and have to be acknowledged. However,
restraining the growth of this field is not a feasible remedy, and alternatives
have to be found to tackle the situation.
31.Demand for food is increasing worldwide. What is the cause of this?

What measures can the international community take to meet this
demand?
Food is one of the most basic necessities of a human being and the demand
for food on a global scale has invariably been following an upwards trajectory
for the past few years. Although there are various facets to this issue, the
demand for food as a commodity is always reaching new heights to the point
where it leads to a crisis and mass hunger in some cases. In the following
essay, I will discuss the questions posed by the given topic regarding the
causes and possible solutions to this issue.
When probing for causes for this surge in demand for food worldwide, an
obvious reason that any rational individual can deduce is overpopulation. It is
a very simple fact that more people will require more food and with the global
population standing strong at 7.8 billion, it is quite evident that it is the
primary reason for this increase in the worldwide demand for food. Although
improving living standards is not a negative issue in itself, it has also been a
catalyst in expanding food demand worldwide. Since the standard income of
people from countries such as China, India, and Brazil has increased in the
past few years, the demand for better living conditions, including better food
and meals, has also grown. The rapidly escalating population and more
disposable income can be deemed the root causes for the increase in demand
for food worldwide.
Although the answer to this problem can be to produce more food, the
solution is not as black and white as it may sound. Efforts from the
international community alone will not suffice in curbing this rise in demand
for food. Efforts from governments and other interest groups are also
necessary. Governments should focus more on the agricultural sector and
allocate more resources to improve the food industry and research and
development of better farming and food production techniques.
In conclusion, the causes behind the increasing demand for food are
multifaceted and diverse, just like the intensity and seriousness of the issue is
varied in different regions of the world, with the principal cause being
overpopulation. This demand for food can only be met by increasing the food
production itself, which can be achieved when the agricultural and other
food-related sectors and industries are invested in and improved upon.
32.In recent years, many small local shops have closed because
customers travel to large shopping centres or malls to do their
shopping. Is this a positive or negative development?
Nowadays a lot of people prefer to purchase at large shopping centres

instead of going to small stores. This has led to the closure of many retail
outlets in recent times. In my opinion, it is not a positive development
and will give my reasons supporting the argument.
Since the advent of large shopping complexes, the fortune of small retail
traders has flipped as many of these are on the verge of or are already
out of business. The low turnout at these stores can be attributed to the
fact that buying goods in a supermarket is far easier and convenient for
customers rather than in a small shop. For instance, the options buyers
can get in a superstore is far more compared to a single outlet.
Moreover, these supermarkets tend to offer different sorts of schemes
for consumers which a retailer cannot afford. For example, there are
often discounts on bulk purchases of grocery or cosmetics in a mall or a
big complex.
The impact of low footfall in such shops can be devastating for the
shopkeepers as they are not able to generate enough revenues to meet
even their basic needs like rent, electricity and so on. For malls and
shops to coexist, the government will have to step in by providing aids
to these shop owners which will help them in competing against the
giants of malls or supermarkets. For example, collateral-free or low-
interest rate loans can be provided to help them expand their business
and somehow match the facilities or buying experience a supermarket
is offering to its customers. In addition, the number of big complexes
can be limited in a particular location so that local vendors are not
forced to shut.
In conclusion, although, large supermarkets are important, yet, local

vendors or small shop owners should be aided or helped to survive the
changing customer needs. Both malls and shops should coexist for
better socio-economic growth.
33. More and more students are choosing to study at colleges and
universities in a foreign country. Do the benefits of studying
abroad outweigh the drawbacks?
It is true that the number of students who choose to study overseas has
increased rapidly in the past few years. Studying in a foreign country has its
own positive and negative sides, but I personally believe that it has more
benefits for the students themselves.
On the one hand, some believe that the choice of studying abroad have some
disadvantages. One of the reasons is that studying overseas will cost more
than studying in the home country. It is necessary for parents to spend more
money on airplane tickets, accommodations, foods and clothes, besides
tuition fees and uniforms. Another reason is that students might be unfamiliar
and uncomfortable with the culture, environment and language of the new
country. As a consequence, it might have a negative effect on their mental
condition and academic performance. Adopting in a new environment often
hampers the natural flow of study for many students and some students do
not continue their study to earn money when they are abroad.
On the other hand, another group of people think that studying in another
country brings so many positive aspects for the students themselves. Firstly,
by studying in a new country, students will have a chance to learn new
languages and new cultures. Secondly, students will learn about how to live
independently, like cleaning their own rooms or doing the laundry by
themselves. Thirdly, they could make new friends with people from other
countries and get familiar with multicultural environments. Lastly, it is a fact
that in certain countries, international graduate certificate gives additional
values when the students search for jobs.
In conclusion, it is undeniable that the preference of studying in a foreign

country has its own benefits and drawbacks. Despite all the disadvantages, I
believe that it has more advantages for the students themselves, therefore
young people should be encouraged to study in a new country. Although
some of them might have difficulties with the fees, but many international
scholarships are offered these days.
34. Due to development and rapid expansion supermarkets in some countries

many small local businesses are unable to compete. Some people think that
the closure of local business will bring about the death of local communities.
Some countries are experiencing the development and rapid expansion of

supermarkets, making small local businesses difficult to compete. People believe
that closing local businesses will result in local communities going under. I
disagree with the above viewpoint as even though closing regional enterprises
may pose some difficulties to the local community, it doesn’t threaten their
existence, and I’ll explain my thoughts in the following paragraphs.
Almost all cities and towns are dotted with supermarkets and shopping malls
today. Shopping at these places is a favourite pastime for people. People in
today’s society prefer to buy items from supermarkets and shopping centres as
these places offer many amenities such as cinemas and restaurants. Further,
many people are enticed to different supermarket schemes like the added
discounts and offers that they receive regularly. As a consequence, local markets
face stiff competition nowadays from supermarkets. In other words, even if a
small business dies, the local communities will not suffer because there are
enough alternatives available for them.
Further, because of the wide selection of shops available at one location,

shopkeepers will be more motivated to maintain product quality and tough
competition will prevent them from raising the price. This will benefit the local
communities. A wide variety of products are offered in a single location, and so
people nowadays find supermarkets more convenient. It is tedious and time-
consuming to go to different shops to acquire different items.
However, there is an argument that supermarkets are typically located in the

town center and people find it inconvenient to travel so far, however modern
technological advances have increased the ease and affordability of traveling
through inventions like metros.
In conclusion, the closing of regional shops would have some negative

consequences for locals, but not enough to threaten their existence. It is
imperative that the growth and sustenance of supermarkets will fuel the survival
of local communities and it is expected that more initiatives would be taken to
expand supermarkets where local products are displayed and sold.
35.Discipline is an ever-increasing problem in modern schools. Some

people think that discipline should be the responsibility of teachers,
while others think that this is the role of parents. Discuss both the
views and give your opinion.
Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments. If you want to

be successful, you need to maintain self-restraint. But the question is who will
inculcate this caliber in the children. While some believe it is the exclusive
responsibility of the teachers, others opine that only parents should be held
accountable for it. In this essay, both these views will be considered and
elucidated.
When a child is born, the things or people he/she knows are mainly coached
by the parents. Whether it is as important as talking, walking or learning
etiquette or minor ones like learning what to call others or basic sounds, the
parents teach them. So, technically, parents are the first teachers as well as
the main upholders of discipline in a child’s life. For example, parents teach
their children to get up early in the morning, complete their homework,
involve in physical activities, participate in chores and go to sleep at the right
time. These fundamental steps stay with the child as good habits throughout
their lives. Even as they grow up, parents maneuver their children to follow
their conscience and do the right thing.
Parents can school their children at home. But what happens when they go
out? That is where the role of the teacher comes into play. At school or higher
institutions, the obligation of sustaining discipline lies with the teacher.
He/she helps the student understand how to work in a team without fuss,
follow the rules, help others in need and never give up. While the parents can
be biased toward their children, the teacher handles different kinds of
students and treats them equally. In a similar way, when the teacher finds it
difficult to maintain discipline, parents can take the charge.
In conclusion, it can be said that the liability to preserve discipline among

children is a combined responsibility of both parents and teachers. Where one
cannot watch over, the other will find a way to direct the youngsters towards
their goal.
36.Government should pay for the course fees for everyone who wants to
study at the university. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Education is the backbone of a nation and the development of a country largely

depends on its educational policy. The rapid development of the world and the
ever-increasing competition are two reasons so many young students and
professionals are looking for university education these days. The high cost of
university education is still a reason many talented individuals cannot afford to
get a higher degree and I strongly believe that it should be the government’s
responsibility to make the education free and bear the expenses of university
education.
First, the government has a huge budget for the development of education sector
and the money could be better utilised by ensuring university education for
talented individuals. The government already funds the public university
education and taking full responsibility of the cost would ensure quality
education for all. The difficult admission process in the university level filters out
the talented students to take part in university education and they should be
backed up by the government funds to let them concentrate on their studies. In
order to encourage graduate students and professionals to further their
education government should pay for their courses as it would bring more
benefits in the future for the country. Many European countries have already
implemented this method and they have a huge number of skilled professionals
who not only serve the country but also the whole world.
More importantly, when citizens would be assured that the government will bear
the cost of their children’s university education, they would be more interested
in preparing their children for the university degree rather than sending them to
work and earn. This would have a tremendous effect on the education level of
the whole country. By supporting university course fees, the government would
create more skilled professionals and without them, the development of the
nation is quite impossible in this ever-accelerating era or science and technology.
This is an effective method to drive more motivated and talented young towards
the higher education and preparing them to take the leadership of the nation.
In conclusion, paying for the university course fees by the government is indeed
an effective measure for ensuring quality education for talented individuals and
for an overall progress of a nation. It is a symbol of prosperity, better education
policy and reassuring the citizens. So, I reaffirm that the university education
costs should be paid by the government.
37.Some people prefer to live in a house, while others feel that there is more
advantage to living in an apartment. Are there more advantages than
disadvantages of living in a house compared with living in an apartment?
With the changes in lifestyle, preference of living standards, basic amenities and
concept of luxury have also changed for each person. Earlier, people used to
aspire for a house of their own due to the large number of members in the family.
But now, most individuals, due to security issues and small families, feel a need
to move to apartments. In this essay, the advantages and disadvantages of both
sides will be discussed to reach a conclusion.
In former times, family members used to live together and so required big houses
to accommodate them all. Owning a house was a status symbol in many places.
As a house is built according to the individual’s convenience, it is a personalized
space that is decorated or organized in accordance with the necessity. It offers
privacy to everyone and is less noisy even though many people live in it. One can
have a garden or a free space to relish some moments of peace. Unfortunately,
everything has its own disadvantages. The freedom one adores in a house comes
with a price. It is exorbitant to maintain the structure and facilities in place. The
cost of buying the land as well as constructing the house is so high that many
people tend to lose it to the banks to pay their loans. There is no safety. Anyone
can enter it unless one is careful.
Buying apartments or flats instead of a house has become widespread. Families,

nowadays, have become smaller and so they need less amount of space.
Secondly, when a person owns a flat, he/she need not worry about security as
every compound has assigned guards throughout the day. Thirdly, one need not
worry about the regular maintenance as a certain amount of money is paid and
upkeep is done by the building authority. Each society has their own
conveniences like gyms, gardens, swimming pools and other. Further, most
apartments are consciously built in areas with other accommodation like
markets, transport facilities, etc. Like houses, apartments too have their
drawbacks. The major problem is the lack of space and privacy. Although one can
buy larger apartments according to their need, it will be extravagant. Yet,
compared to building a house and maintaining it, an apartment is less costly.
Moreover, there are various rules and regulations that the inhabitants have to
follow in order to maintain the living standard of the society.
In conclusion, it can be said that although both of them have their benefits and
difficulties, it completely depends on the prerequisites of the person who will
buy the house or the apartment. In my case, I feel owning an apartment is more
suitable.
38.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?
Advertisement is an essential part of today’s society. This medium is the

principal approach for successful companies to yield more profit and increase
their market share. While some advocate that this is an effective way to
publicize a product, others believe that keeping high product quality will
automatically advertise it. If used correctly, advertisements through the
internet or media are efficient ways to increase a company’s sales figure, and
I believe that it has a positive impact on the community.
Advertisements through media, be it through the internet or ads on television

or paper, are most effective and act as an influence on the global market. This
is because the majority of the population who have the ability to buy an
advertised product are highly active on social media or regular TV watchers.
To have a successful marketing campaign, the company has to relate to the
viewers and touch on topics they feel most intrigued about the product. This
paves the way for celebrity endorsement, a marketing strategy to use one or
more celebrities for advertising a specific product or service, with the primary
goal of reaching a greater audience represented by the celebrity’s fan base.
For eg. CRED has been promoting attractive offers and schemes to its
consumers and has been endorsed by Kapil Dev, Olympic Gold medalist
Neeraj Chopra and many other celebrities. This approach has enabled them
to win many hearts.
It is important to realize how advertisements are one of the most influential

forms of media. It is highly essential to maintain a positive and persuasive
image of various brands through their promotional methods; else, as a
consequence, they can lose potential and existing customers. I see this as an
advantage as this gives the opportunity for people to become aware of the
different products that are sold and in turn helps individuals choose items
that suit their necessity.
To draw a conclusion, I believe that advertisement only becomes most

effective when a company knows its customers well. This, in turn, would give
rise to successful advertising campaigns that cater to the consumer’s needs
and positively impact society as a whole.
39. The growth of online shopping will one day lead to all shops
in towns and cities closing. Do you agree or disagree?
It is a discernible fact that online shopping has become the most preferred
means for consumers to buy products. It is gradually transitioning from being
a trend to becoming the norm for many households. Thus, in regards to
whether this phenomenon will lead to physical stores becoming obsolete, I
agree entirely with this view and will justify the same in the following
paragraphs.
First of all, it is essential to point out the key difference which has been pivotal
in the success of online stores. It is the ability to render just about every
aspect of the shopping experience from a physical store but at the comfort of
a person’s home and the convenience of a few clicks or touches. Since such a
degree of simplicity cannot be emulated offline, the public is naturally more
inclined towards online shops. Secondly, the availability of nearly every
commodity and service and more additions by the second has tipped the
scales in favour of online shopping.
Furthermore, there are various overheads involved when a retailer is

operating a physical store, such as rent, power, maintenance, etc., which are
absent in the case of online stores. As a result, more often than not, retail
stores suffer losses annually. Accordingly, the revenue generated and thereby
profit earned also varies vastly between the two. Therefore, many businesses
nowadays are also seeking avenues to shift towards e-commerce.
Although there are exceptions and a segment of offline and online purchasers
will always prefer the entire experience of visiting a store and purchasing a
product leading to a few operational shops. Nevertheless, observing the
uniform rise in the number of online shoppers during the pandemic or
emergency times, it can be easily deduced which is and will be the dominant
form of commerce.
In conclusion, I would like to say that people will always prefer the more
effortless option if presented with choices and the same has been seen with
shopping. Hence, in my opinion, the arrival of an era where online shopping
is the only choice left is inevitable.
40.Many employees may work at home with modern technology. Some

people claim that it can benefit only the workers, not the employers. Do
Amidst the catastrophe of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, most

organizations entitled their employees to the privilege of being able to work
remotely, and this system has been prevalent ever since. Nevertheless, it has
been debatable whether this approach is beneficial only to the employees or
both the employers and employees. I believe that this approach has
advantages for both parties concerned which I will elaborate in the
subsequent paragraphs.
Admittedly, employers enjoy the salient benefit when workers are operating
from their residence is the exemption of expenses like power, work
equipment, maintenance, etc. These are mandatory facilities that need to be
provided in an office. Since workers utilize their resources when working from
home, this leads to tremendous costs-reduction on the management’s part,
which can be termed as an indirect source of profit.
Apart from this, an individual can come across various interruptions and
distractions in an office from colleagues, supervisors, and other elements in a
work environment, which can be detrimental to productivity. Furthermore,
daily commutes from a person’s residence to their workplace can be
exhausting, which can also lead to a decline in the work rate. However, such
hindrances are less commonplace when the ‘work from home’ system is
followed and a person can work at full efficiency leading to better results.
Nevertheless, this practice presents the workforce with a considerable

amount of liberty that can be misused easily, and there has been an increase
in workload as there are no specific working hours. Nonetheless, with proper
communication, the benefits that can be reaped from this work method are
immense for the entire firm.
To conclude, the notion of working from home was an obscure practice and
has only been a viable choice with the help of technological advancements in
the recent past. I would like to conclude that improvements in technology
have opened up more convenient avenues for productivity. Therefore, as long
as the management and employees are putting efforts to work together, the
profits will be enjoyed by both.
41. Computers are widely used in education and some people think that teachers
do not play an important role in the classroom. To what extent do you agree?
The use of computers in education has become inevitable, but some feel that
teachers are no longer important in classrooms. According to me there will
never be a substitute for a teacher, no matter how much technology is used.
Throughout the following paragraphs, I will attempt to support my points of
view.
Admittedly, in education system, teachers are still considered a vital

component. Pupils may be able to process a large amount of data, assess their
exam papers more accurately, or stay connected to the world through
technology. However, computers cannot teach discipline, morality, and time
management. Teachers are needed to break down academic and personal life
into manageable pieces for students, and they can serve as great mentors. As
a result, they are unique in their role of evaluating learners in life and guiding
them accordingly.
Likewise, for practice and learning of more complex ideas, the computer is not
always an adequate tool. Despite being capable of evaluating whether an
answer is right or wrong, a computer cannot determine why. Students cannot
understand important concepts by investigating their errors and by
representing them differently. Students might not be able to tell at which
stage they have made an error. Human teachers are indispensable in
classrooms where these circumstances apply. It is impossible for a computer
to modify lesson plans, give feedback, or act spontaneously in a classroom as
a human teacher does.
Some argue that computers with internet access can provide a lot of
information to a student, whereas teachers are likely to be experts in certain
areas. However, individualized instruction or demonstrating real-life
examples can boost student engagement which can’t be done by computers.
In conclusion, people’s lives have undergone a real revolution in the last

decades as a result of new technologies, and the education sector is no
exception. Undoubtedly, teachers play a vital role in shaping the lives of
individuals by ensuring that they are better citizens. As a result, the
importance of teachers in education can’t be underestimated.
42.Most societies have homeless people. Some people think that

the best way to help them is to give them money. To what
extent do you agree?
It is a known fact that our society comprises people with varying financial
circumstances, and vagrants are also a part of this spectrum. However, tramps
and the homeless make up for quite a sizeable amount of the urban
population. Consequently, people often presume that financial aid will end
the plight of the destitute; I believe that mere monetary support will do little
towards solving this problem.
Admittedly, it is essential to understand that the number of homeless people

is not limited to the ones which can be seen on the streets and encounter
during traffic stops but is substantial enough to be a matter of concern for
many governments. Subsequently, these figures keep increasing, but the
resources available for this population segment stay limited. Thus, when an
amount of aid is allocated for an individual to provide financial relief, it is so
meagre that it is barely enough to survive.
Another complication and a prevalent one that needs to be addressed is that

many among these derelicts are victims of drug abuse. Therefore, any kind of
monetary assistance will only help facilitate such destructive habits among
these particular individuals. Furthermore, due to the lack of stability in the
lives of such people, they are more likely to lose the amount of money they
have been provided due to the rough and hazardous living conditions on the
streets.
However, out of all those homeless people, some really need money to afford
basic amenities such as food, clothing, and shelter. But at the same time, it is
necessary to point out the people who actually need the help, which is really
difficult, and understand that these are only surface-level improvements and
any significant change in their lifestyle is not achieved.
To conclude, I would like to say that the issue of the rising amount of homeless
people in the society is a matter that needs the immediate attention of the
authorities. Although providing money as a form of support might seem
reasonable to many, it will only worsen the situation.
43.Most countries do not recycle their waste like paper, glass, and
aluminum cans. Why does this happen and what steps can be
taken to encourage recycling?
In many nations, it is evident that waste materials like paper, glass, and
aluminium cans are not recycled to create a new product. Several
countries are of the opinion that recycling is a complete waste of time
and money. In this essay, I will briefly expose the reasons and the
initiatives that must be adopted to motivate people to recycle.
Many people do not recycle because of various reasons. Admittedly,

there is a lack of understanding about recycling and its implications
among the general public. Despite the fact a majority of people are
unaware of how recycling works, they are least concerned about where
their garbage ends up. Moreover, many of them usually find it difficult
to act responsibly or take care of such matters since they are busy with
their own lives. People are not interested in making the extra effort. In
addition, recycling is perceived as a waste of energy. The fuel used by
recycling trucks to move waste materials around is cited as being costly.
It is sometimes more expensive to dispose of the trash in the recycling
industry.
Nevertheless, numerous measures can be taken in order to rectify the

above issue. A few lessons about the benefits of reprocessing can be
added to high school curriculums to encourage citizens to take
responsibility from an early age. Furthermore, governments need to
host forums where the recycling process can be explained to people. The
importance of waste reduction can be promoted via TV, newspapers,
and billboards to improve the environment and encourage community
participation.
In conclusion, recycling waste goods is mandatory for all nationalities to

reduce their environmental impact. By conducting different campaigns,
the administration should improve the public’s awareness about
recycling.
44.Planting trees is very important for the environment. Some people say
trees should be planted in the vacant area of cities and towns, while
others believe housing facilities should be built instead. Do you agree or
disagree?
It is a well-known fact that trees are the roots of all living as they provide
oxygen to breathe. Many people believe that trees must be planted in urban
areas and towns that are uninhabited. But, some people are advocating that
residential complexes should be constructed there instead. In my view,
planting trees in vacant areas is more crucial than building houses.
Admittedly, one of the major reasons why the vacant areas in cities should be
planted with trees is that, when trees are planted, the environment becomes
cleaner and healthier. On top of that, including more trees in the empty
regions makes them more picturesque and adds greenery to the surrounding.
In turn, this will boost biodiversity by attracting birds and butterflies. Through
photosynthesis, trees also contribute to the quality of the air by adding
oxygen to it. As a result of breathing this non-polluted, fresh air will improve
the residents’ health.
Furthermore, without tree planting, cities would become much hotter as trees
help to produce rain. Therefore, it will make the climate more conducive to
human life. Besides, trees contribute to better air quality by producing oxygen
which helps counteract heavy pollution found in cities. By planting trees, one
can also reduce noise pollution, as they act as a sound buffer. Moreover, trees
are a significant part of improving wildlife habitats in cities.
However, some people argue that urban space is limited and prioritizes
shelter for humans rather than planting trees. On the other hand, we should
leave a green space to relax rather than build several apartments.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that all the vacant spaces ought to be utilized
for afforestation. It will assist with enhancing the region with purified air and
oxygen, which ultimately provides individuals with a healthy lifestyle.
45. Students perform better in school when they are rewarded rather than
punished. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Rewards and punishments in schools and colleges play an important role in

imparting lessons and galvanizing students to study. In recent times, an agenda
among parents and intellectuals have been doing rounds preventing educators
from chastising their pupils. Accordingly, motivating the young ones with
different rewards have been accepted to encourage them to become
responsible. In this essay, the upsides of the notion will be discussed to show
why I agree with the notion.
Admittedly, in a classroom, there are different kinds of students whom the

teacher has to preoccupy in various ways. That is where the efficiency of the
teacher comes into question. But some students are mischievous enough to
pester everyone present. Unfortunately, correcting young students in front of
their peers may demotivate them to work. Some students are mature and are
not able to handle the teacher scolding them. Sometimes, they may become
victims of bullying as their classmates agitate them by repeating what the
teacher had said. All these factors may develop a sense of insecurity and fear in
their young minds.
Due to the above-mentioned effects, the teacher has to be careful about the way
he/she treats each pupil. One of the ways is rewarding good deeds. When the
teacher begins to bestow different kinds of ways to make the student valued,
he/she will stop creating nuisance in the classroom. Students will develop a
sense of competition as they keep count of how their classmates and friends are
awarded. Rewarding can be in various forms of small gifts, responsibilities they
like, playing games, etc. It will not only make the classroom activity stimulating
for them but also distract them from creating disturbances in the classroom.
However, naughty students or ones not interested in studying, force the teacher
to take strict steps. So, punishment helps to maintain discipline and help the
students realize their mistakes. The teacher has to penalize the students in such
a way that they get motivated to work for good. Shouting and beating them
sometimes does not work. As a result, apart from innovative teaching methods,
the teacher has to come up with a range of methods to involve them and not give
them time to disturb others.
In conclusion, I would say that I agree with the approach of the topic as nowadays
it is a healthy approach to help the students in a way that they realize their own
mistakes and improve themselves rather than punish them and discourage them
from learning.
46.Some people think that a person can never understand the culture of a
country unless they speak the language. Do you agree with this opinion?
There are a variety of languages in the world, and each of them standout as they
are exclusive to the culture that they belong to. As a result, many people have
this idea that if a person cannot the language, he/she be unable to understand
the convention of the society in which it is used. But I feel that it is not totally
true.
Language is just a part of the whole, and if we understand the other elements,
the tradition can still be apprehended. Food, dress, significant celebrations and
customs proclaim the way the mores of the country have evolved. For example,
one may not be adept in Hindi, Bengali, Kannada or Gujarati to comprehend that
Indian culture is a colourful motley of observance of life and gratification. One
can taste the spicy food of the mountains to infer that it is to cope with the low
temperature, one can wear the heavy attire of the desert to deduce that it is
worn to protect the skin from high temperature, and one can also participate in
the numerous festivals like Holi, Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja and others
to make out that people in different parts of the country share their preference
to live a vibrant life.
When it comes to figuring out the literature of the country, it may seem to be a
challenge. But, with globalization, many ways have been developed to fix the
language barrier. To get the hang of different cultures and their language, even
without being a part of it, people have known to use translation as the most
important weapon. Earlier, many native people were assigned specially for this
job. Now, with the advancement of technology, one can use apps like Google
Translate, iTranslate, TripLingo and many more. Visual symbols, for example,
movies and road signs, have also been deemed favorable.
Nonetheless, not understanding a language has its own disadvantages.

Connecting with locals becomes difficult as they are aware of your lack of
knowledge and treat you like an outsider. This may lead to fraud and deception.
Fortunately, many organizations like Thomas Cook, Airbnb, and others, along
with the government of the countries, had made travelling safer and easier.
It is indubitable that language, in any form, is the only way in which people can
express their feelings and share ideas among themselves. Therefore, with all
facilities that have been established and efforts made, I conclude that the
language barrier is no more a serious issue to hinder one from perceiving the
culture of other countries.
47.Success is often measured by wealth and material belongings. Do you

think wealth is the best measure of success? What makes a successful
person?
It is true that people these days look at possessions and property to judge
how successful a person is. Capital and valuables are used as a measurement
of victory consistently. In my opinion, a person’s success cannot be
determined by possessions or credits. Money will always be life satisfying but
never be soul satisfying. I will be explaining this in the forthcoming
paragraphs.
First of all, having a good financial status does not necessarily mean that a
person is leading a successful life as the way success is measured could be
different based on a person’s beliefs and attitudes toward wealth. Some
people may not need a luxury mansion or an expensive car in order to feel a
sense of accomplishment. For example, starting up a new community project
would be a huge success for a founder of a charity organisation. However, to
an entrepreneur, this may not bring as much satisfaction as gaining a huge
amount of money. Similarly, a kid may consider reaching the top of the leader
board in a game as a sign of success. In addition, there are a lot of rich people
who could not make time for their loved ones and sometimes they end up
being divorced.
There are several qualities that make a person successful. One quality that is
common among people of success is perseverance. In the face of failures, they
opt to examine their mistakes closely, learn from them and bounce back.
Another characteristic that every successful person tends to have is that they
exploit their existing networks in order to make their business thrive. In other
words, they never hesitate to approach their partners or friends in times of
need. Furthermore, they know how to maintain a healthy work-life balance,
which is crucial to a happy life. They set priorities and always make sure they
spend enough time with their families no matter how hectic their schedule is.
In conclusion, for all the reasons I have mentioned above, I believe that to
become a successful person, people must be hardworking and determined to
work on their dream rather than money. If an individual finds success from
their life experience and creates a depiction of victory out of it, then this
approach will lead him to avoid wasting energy and pursue a modern and
higher crest. Achievement obtained by an individual is different, but
happiness and contentment are the real metrics of success.
48. Advertising discourages us from being different individuals by making

us all want to be and look the same as each other. To what extent do
Advertisement is something that accentuates and helps in the hype of the

product which is advertised. A person’s allure is highly influenced by these
factors as the concept of beauty is defined by the commercials. Consciously
or subconsciously, these leave a perennial impression on viewers’ minds,
urging them to buy these products. The individual always tries to be the
person in the advert and loses the identity of their own. In the forthcoming
paragraphs I shall explain my point of view and give supporting reasons.
Certainly, there are types of advertisements, and all of them are intended at
producing ratings for the product. Most of the adverts are false and
misleading, and this makes the people lose their uniqueness and develop
some other temperament. They lose their esse and become a copy-paste of
the person shown on the ad. Several regretful events have taken place as a
result of immoral publicity.
There exists a lot of positive potential in advertising, but the fact is that people
are taking it in a manner that is incompatible. Everything has pros and cons,
but the way we perceive it is totally dependent on us. The people who make
ads have only one thing in mind, and that is the marketing of the product and
the profit. They always focus on the promotion of their commodities for a
desirable outcome and the people blindly follow their lead and they are not
bothered about their uniqueness and charm.
Even though advertisements perform a vital role in our progress, losing

individuality and trying to be someone else is a serious issue.
In conclusion, advertisements do play an integral role in defining the current

trends in the modern-day market. In my opinion though, the way that the
common people perceive such advertisements may differ from person to
person and similarly the influence. Therefore, it is highly important that these
advertisements are used both effectively and logically to maximize the
customer choices and not as a ploy to deceive the customer by false
propaganda.
49. Wealth does not necessarily guarantee happiness. To what extent do

you agree with this statement?
In today’s materialistic world, money plays an indispensable role in

everyone’s life. It increases purchasing power and helps us buy things we
need for our necessities. However, happiness comes from different sources.
Some individuals concur that having a sheer abundance of wealth does not
ensure eternal bliss. I totally agree with the above statement and believe that
there are several aspects besides wealth that can make a person happy.
Having tons of money, nevertheless, can make someone feel elated in some
ways. For instance, people have the capacity to buy luxurious things like cars,
houses, and branded clothes. These could bring them joy and excitement.
Nonetheless, this does not guarantee long-lasting happiness. Moreover,
individuals can be happy depending on what they value in life such as family,
kindness, peace and camaraderie. Individuals who barely make ends meet can
still be happy because of the love and kindness of the people around them.
This source of blissfulness is something that money cannot buy, hence, it must
be treasured.
Furthermore, not all affluent individuals are blissful. This is primarily because
money is not everything. To exemplify, a wealthy businessman, who makes
money hand over fist but living alone, can still feel emptiness despite having
all the grandiose possessions in life. This is because he does not have any
family to dine with him during meals and no one to share with how his day
was. Thus, making him feel poorer than the poorest. In addition, money can
be the root of family or sibling rivalry that divides them rather than uniting
them. An example of this is when a member of the family become successful,
jealousy arises. It is, therefore, creates a wall between siblings and families.
In conclusion, although being financially well-off can provide a temporary joy,

I am of the belief that genuine happiness comes beyond any tremendous
amount of money like having a complete family that is healthy and friends
who treat like family.
50.Corruption becomes a common disease among several nations.

What are the causes and measures to resolve this trend?
Corruption has been there for ages, and the universal community has been
worrying over it for quite a long time. It has permeated into every aspect of
government in almost all countries in the world. It has ruined the lives of
millions of people. Now and then, there are voices rising against it. But they
die down very soon. Primary causes of corruption are human tendencies to
make quick and easy money. But it can be controlled by enforcing strict laws.
Corruption begins when moral values are compromised without guilt. When
person A who is earning just enough to make ends meet, suddenly has an
emergency in the family, he/she is prone to bribery to manage the sudden
family expenditure. Soon, guilt vanishes, and it becomes a practice. After a
while, it becomes a demand. It also occurs when human greed for money is
exploited. For example, Person B in power may be corrupt for various reasons.
Some of them are to remain continuously in position and to multiply wealth.
But both A and B resort to corruption due to lack of fear of punishment.
There are several ways in which corruption can be controlled. The

government has to enforce strict laws against bribery. Moral guilt may easily
be compromised, but fear of punishment and losing social reputation may
prevent people from taking bribes. The government can increase the salaries
for its employees. For people with power, they have to be removed from
office once spotted taking bribes. When it becomes a threat to their position,
they will refrain from corruption. Media must project stories about the lives
of people who have become successful, by remaining honest.
In conclusion, corruption occurs in all levels of the government due to lack of

fear of punishment. It can be eliminated by making stringent laws and
motivating the people by publicising the lives of honest people in high
positions.
51.Too much emphasis is placed on testing these days. The need to prepare
for tests and examinations is a restriction on teachers and also exerts
unnecessary pressure on young learners. To what extent you agree/
disagree?
Undoubtedly, the current education system is more focused on preparing and

conducting tests regularly. But, education is about learning the factual life
reality on the ground level. By putting more emphasis on tests, the student
would not try to understand the subject concept but on the contrary, he/she
will just try to remember the text and pass the test. By doing this the student
has not gained any knowledge. I completely concur that too much emphasis
is placed on testing these days and I will share some of the valid reasons and
a better solution to overcome this bad approach.
Admittedly, teachers are the most important factor in the entire educational
system. However, the institutions want their teachers to complete the
prescribed curriculum and conduct tests regularly. So eventually, the teacher
will be more focused on finishing the syllabus and preparing for tests. Due to
this, the students will never get to clear their subject-related doubts and will
not get any individual attention from the teacher. This will result in students
failing in the exam due to syllabus overload and not being able to clear all the
queries.
Furthermore, this practice by the educational institutions demotivate the

students who are willing to learn the subject concepts. Additionally, the pupils
will start to live in a depressed state and convince themselves that education
is all about remembering the text and passing the tests. Sometimes, students
who couldn’t bear this syllabus burden tend to take extended decisions. In
India, for instance, the number of suicidal deaths among students has
abruptly increased over the past decade and the prime reason behind such
incidents is reported to be the stress that pupils go through in order to get
good academic grades.
In conclusion, important role of tests and examinations is undeniable in

education systems. However, it has an adverse impact on a child’s mental
health which cannot be neglected. I firmly believe that governments and
schools should take advantage of the method of an appropriate level to
balance its pros and cons.
52. In many countries, people are concerned about the number of children
who are overweight. What do you think are the causes of this? What
solutions can you suggest?
There is an ascending trend in the number of youngsters who have been

suffering from overweight and obesity in many countries. In my opinion, the
poor diet modelled at home and schools can cause overweight amongst
children. The aim of this essay is to discuss the reasons behind the problem
and it will represent viable solutions to the argument.
Admittedly, one of the reasons is that the addictive nature of engineered

foods has been causing unhealthy and unbalanced poor diets amongst
adolescent. For example, although fosterers and guardians consider
convenient foods as a time saver in the modern era, it should not be forgotten
that there would be an adverse impact on children's physical progress.
Furthermore, the current cutting-edge technologies have caused spending
more time on chairs amongst adolescent in order to play video games.
Sedentary lifestyles amongst juvenile can be seen as one of the most
significant reasons for gaining weight.
As a solution, youngsters should be encouraged to follow healthy eating

patterns especially at home and their school. In this way, they can avoid extra
calories that have been taken by fast foods. The government can provide
facilities for eating and cooking at the school. By doing this, the daily calories
of juveniles can be controlled by professionals. For instance, a significant
number of schools are able to supply only fast food to their pupils in Turkey
due to lacking a conducive place for offering dinner, which is why the high
numbers of young obesity can be seen in Turkey. Moreover, juveniles should
be encouraged for active lifestyles with doing exercise at least in their home.
To conclude, even though there are several different factors behind the
overweight amongst children, following poor diet patterns and sedentary
lifestyles have been seen as the paramount ones. To solve the problems,
facilities and amenities should be provided by the authorities and youngsters
should be encouraged for doing sports and exercise in order to keep healthy.
53. Popular events like the football world cup and other international
sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and
releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way. To what extent do you agree
or disagree with this opinion?
It is widely believed that international events such as the Olympic Games or

football World Cup play a vital role in maintaining world peace and to show
nationalism in a proper way. To a certain point, I would agree with the
statement but some fights among the supporters have been reported in past
venues.
On the one hand, it is true that events such as the World Football Cup or the
Commonwealth Games can be used as a tool to maintain the world peace and
to show patriotism in a secure way. It can be seen that during international
tournaments, athletes from various nations are competing against each other
in a sportive way. Although their countries of origin might be at war or
conflict, they shake hands and greet each other. And during these moments,
the sports people can show their nationalism by giving their best effort in the
games, since they are the representative of their own countries.
On the other hand, although the tournaments positively affect world peace,
sometimes the athletes and the supporters get carried away with their
emotions. In certain cases, several athletes had fought against each other
because they could not manage their temperament, and the situation had
triggered the supporters to fight against each other as well. As a result, it
caused some tensions between countries as well. Therefore, many experts
have suggested that athletes should be given a proper explanation about
controlling their emotions during the games because it could give negative
effects to the supporters and the relationship among nations.
In conclusion, it is undeniable that international sport & games such as the

European Football Cup or SEA Games are an effective tool in easing the
tensions among nations, and to show the patriotism in the right way. I
personally agree with the statement, but I think it is also important for the
athletes to be trained about controlling their emotions.
54. Some people choose to eat no meat or fish. They believe that this is not
only better for their own health but also benefits the world as a whole.
Discuss this view and give your own opinion.
It is a fact that several groups of people prefer not to consume any kinds of
meat and fish, as they believe that being vegetarian bring many benefits for
their health and for the world as a whole. To a certain extent, I would agree
with the opinion, but I think that people should also consume meat and fish
in a proportional portion as they contain rich ingredients that are needed by
human body.
For a number of reasons, some people choose not to eat fish or meat. Firstly,
it is believed that several types of meats and fish contain fats which are
considered unhealthy for the human’s body. People who consume those kinds
of meat or fish have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart
attack or cholesterol. Secondly, as the demand for meat and fish increases, it
would have a negative impact on the environment. The increasing number of
farming activities would require bigger areas, which might reduce the number
of forest areas. And then with over-exploitation of fishing activities, several
types of fishes would extinct and it would make the sea ecosystem become
imbalance.
Nevertheless, many food scientists have found out that there are several
types of vitamins and proteins that could only be obtained from meat and
fish. For examples, Salmon fish generates a certain type of oils which are
beneficial for our blood circulation process. And then, red meat is needed as
the source of nutrition for the human’s brain. However, the main problem of
those who consume meat and fish is that most of them consume the food in
an inappropriate portion. As a consequence, many of them have problems
with obesity or diabetic.
In conclusion, it is true that some people believe that being a vegetarian is

healthier than meat consumer, and it would also give a positive effect on the
environment. To a certain point, I would agree with it, but meats and fish also
contain certain types of nutrition that are needed by our body. I do believe
that if we could balance the consumption of meat, fish and vegetable, it would
make our body become healthier than the vegetarian.
55. Whoever controls the media also controls the opinions and attitudes of
the people and there is little that can be done to rectify this. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
It is a well-known fact that media is the most powerful entity on earth. People
often argue that media controls the opinions of the general public and there
is a lack of actions that are needed to resolve this. I completely disagree with
this belief as I feel that media is essential for the development of individuals
and it’s up to the viewers’ discretion as per what they perceive from the
content.
Admittedly, it is very hard to diminish our reliance on media resources and as

every society needs some sources of information in order to acquire the
knowledge they need and the updates of the globe or at least, in their
respective spaces. From scratch to the very zenith, media helps in
enlightening and updating people on various fronts that not only helps them
in taking prudential decisions but also mitigates and assuages the perils of
traversing a wrong path owing to the lack of knowledge and reality.
Besides this, every member of society needs to get information. Without that,
it would not be possible to involve in social, cultural and economic activities.
For example, in order to trade successfully, companies should be aware of the
situation in the global market, or people should be provided with social,
cultural and political information in order to know what is happening around
them. From this aspect, it is clear that for people it is very hard and nearly
impossible to ignore media sources as our society heavily depends on the
information. Additionally, with the right frame of mind, people can conquer
the domain they are inclined towards with the help of the disseminated
information through the media.
Though some say, the liberalisation of media hampers the thought processes
of people by shaping their belief systems through caricaturing the real
information in their own ways, however, I feel that it is not right and in fact,
help people in passing through the gates of misinformation.
Conclusively, it could be said that media plays a vital role in updating people
all across the globe and that if looked at the presentation with judicious use
of the intellect, it is the best source of information that one might ever have.
56. In recent years, the family structure and the role of its members are
gradually changing. What kinds of changes can occur? Do you think
these changes are positive or negative?
It is true that these days the family structure has considerably shifted, and the
changing roles of men and women in the family have become increasingly
similar. There are several new forms of family composition, and in my
opinion, these developments are not always desirable.
In the past, nuclear families where parents and their offspring living together
under one roof used to be prevalent. However, there is now a huge trend
towards single-parent families due to more marriages ending in divorce, while
the increase in cohabiting couple families and stepfamilies is probably a result
of cohabitation and remarriage becoming much more acceptable. In addition,
the number of single-mother families has increased as many mothers want to
have children without getting married. In terms of changing parental roles in
a family, there has been a rise in the number of stay-at-home dads in recent
years when it has become normal for women to gain qualifications and pursue
their own career path. This is in sharp contrast to about half a decade ago
when men were breadwinners, and women were in charge of household
chores in their families.
In my view, the changes described above could have both positive and
negative consequences. On the one hand, due to the lack of emotional
attachment and legal binding, non-traditional households such as
stepfamilies and cohabiting parents are more prone to breaking down.
Consequently, children of these families are more likely to be involved in
antisocial behaviors while their parents may experience feelings of loneliness
and worry. On the other hand, the changes in the roles of members in the
family could be seen as progress because women are not put under pressure
to sacrifice their own careers to assume childcare and domestic
responsibilities.
In conclusion, with the advent of modernization and the resulting financial

strain, family structures are continually changing, with both parents
becoming heavily involved in their professional aspects. I believe that the
changes in the roles of family members and the family structure are both
positive and negative.
57. Prison is the common way in most countries to solve the

problem of crime. However, a more effective solution is to
provide people with a better education. Agree or disagree.
There has been a significant rise in the criminal activities around the world.
Many people believe that the reduction of the crime rate will be achieved
more effectively through better education rather than prison sentences. I
disagree with this view because I consider that both approaches have their
own distinctive merits and should each play an integral role in tackling crime.
Admittedly, prison is one of the most effective way to deal with offenders.
One reason is that a person who commits a crime must learn that unlawful
actions have consequences. Murderers, for instance, must be imprisoned for
many years and such a punishment may act as a deterrent. They know that
they will face loss of freedom, social isolation and separation from their loved
ones if they carry out such a criminal act. Another reason is that when serious
offenders are behind bars, they are no longer a danger to society and people
can walk in the streets or relax in their homes more safely.
However, education has a complementary role to play. Particularly, in

schools, students should study some aspects of the law which affect their
lives. Having some knowledge of the law, students are better prepared to
avoid situations which may involve them in crime or becoming a victim. For
example, youngsters must study the important laws about driving and road
safety. Secondly, in prisons themselves, educational programmes must aim to
provide prisoners with skills and qualifications to find work when they are
released.
To conclude, crime is indeed a big concern in the present world for both
individuals and society. I believe that prison sentences are one essential
weapon in the fight against crime, and I disagree that providing better
education alone is a more effective solution to reduce the crime rate.
58. Television injects violence in children, and programs with

violent scenes should be banned. Do you agree or disagree with
this statement?
Television offers so many programs from reality shows to films and has always
been one's first option to spend their leisure time at home with their loved
ones including the kids. However, an increasing number of television shows
play scenes with some violence involved, which negatively impacts children.
In my opinion, they should be either prohibited or their content should be
checked before releasing to the general public.
Certainly, violent TV programs have a bad impact on the brains of youngsters.

This is because when they watch such scenarios, they try to imitate them in
real life. As juveniles in their early stage of life mostly learn from the
surrounding environment, such bad illustrations on the television often teach
them to abuse and physically assault other individuals. Consequently, they
develop a bad image in society which often make them less attractive for
social interactions in the community. For instance, some youngsters who
watch wrestling try to recreate the moves used by wrestlers which eventually
results in serious injuries.
On top of that, watching violent film series also changes a child's behaviour
permanently. This may have a severe impact on their cognitive and social
abilities, which are very important in the early learning stage. Therefore, they
struggle to maintain an effective connection with their family and friends;
hence leading to a feeling of isolation and depression. For instance, in
America, a significant proportion of Australian children these days do not
have a stable relationship with their families and friends because of their
aggressive behaviour.
To conclude, television shows with violence do have a negative impact on

young people, so the governing bodies should either examine the content
before releasing it to the public or ban such movies permanently. Besides,
parents have a very vital role to play by keeping an eye on their children's
daily activities and guiding them with wise information.
59. People are not paying attention to environmental protection.

What is the cause and suggest solutions to deal with this issue.
The focus of human civilisation has shifted from nurturing our natural habitat
to exploiting it for personal gains. The dependence on natural resources has
become so intensive that we have overused them to the point of extinction.
Moreover, if the already atrocious environmental conditions are not
improved, the survival of our species will be at risk. In the following
paragraphs, I will address the prime causes for this negligence towards our
environment and suggest possible solutions to this issue.
The roots of this tendency to capitalize on the natural world without any
regard for the long-term repercussions that mankind has adopted over the
last few decades are varied in nature. One of the chief ideals that are highly
prevalent in the present society that perpetrate these actions is capitalism.
The surge in demand for better food, clothing, materials and general standard
of living has boosted global economic activity to such a degree that preserving
the limited resources available to humanity has taken a second place to
consumerism.
Nevertheless, there are still avenues available to save and protect our
ecosystem before it is dilapidated beyond repair. First and foremost,
measures have to be taken to bring about a general awareness among the
people about the appalling environmental circumstances that we are
suffering from in this day and age. Furthermore, governments of nations
worldwide have to tighten the administration and impose more stringent
environmental laws so that the generation and disposal of waste are checked
properly.
To sum up, the grave and deteriorating condition of the environment is known
to all of human civilisation. Presently, the burden on nature is so great that
issues like climate change and the degrading quality of elements like air and
water are more significant than ever before. It is necessary to take corrective
actions immediately to curb the further decline of the living world.
60. Some people think that teachers should be responsible for

teaching students to judge what is right and wrong so that they
can behave well. Others say that teachers should only teach
students academic subjects. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
The teachers play crucial role in the all-round development of students. Some
people state that educators should take responsibility for educating students
on how to distinguish good and bad values. While, others believe that
academics just need to provide them with compulsory academic subjects.
From my perspective, I think that the curriculum at school should not only
teach bookish theory but also train learners in standard moral judgments.
Admittedly, there is no doubt that the role of the school is to help pupils to
learn subjects according to the compulsory academic system on account of
expanding their horizons about theoretical recognition which equip them to
participate in regular tests as well as important entrance examinations. For
instance, academic subjects such as geography provide students with
awareness about new locations where they have never been before. So, it is
obvious that educators should impart bookish knowledge to their learners.
However, it is equally important for the educators to impart students with

morals and valuable knowledge. Teachers ought to give them more lessons
about how to determine what is the proper conduct that they should show in
front of others. Indeed, it is true that training students with standard moral
and behaviour awareness bring learners a marvellous environment to
encourage the growth of problem-solving ability with the righteous
judgements and promote the capacity to be critical. Moreover, a school can
help foster in the young ethical values and outlook on the world and life.
In conclusion, I think besides teaching academic subjects namely literature,

math, history and so on. the essence of school is also supporting students to
behave judiciously. By focusing on both the aspects, it can be made sure that
the young generation can have the most modern and effective education
system to become successful citizens.
61. The economic development plays a major role in people’s lives. Economic
growth in both developed and developing countries make the country richer,
but it is believed that people in developing countries are happier than those
in developed ones. Do you agree or disagree?
The economic state of a country greatly determines the standard of living of that
country’s population. That being said, estimates like the national income of a
nation are reliable indicators of the general well-being of a nation and where it
stands according to global rankings. It is widely believed that economic growth
has a greater impact in developing nations than developed ones. I strongly agree
with this notion and I will support my view in the following essay.
First and foremost, we must acknowledge the major differences between a third-
world and a first-world nation to understand the significance of economic
progress in both. It is a known fact that first-world nations have passed all the
stages of industrialization and are capitalist in nature, whereas third-world
countries are the ones that are yet to reach this stage and cannot be deemed as
either capitalist or socialist. With that in mind, there is little room for further
improvement in developed nations as they have already gone through all major
stages of economic development as opposed to economically developing nations
where there is still much potential for progress.
Furthermore, as a majority of the population of an underdeveloped country is

engaged in the primary and secondary sectors of the economy, the creation of
more employment opportunities in the tertiary sector is a blessing for these
countries. Since jobs in the tertiary sector are less physically demanding and
provide better remuneration, they are demanded more by the people. Thus,
when economic growth facilitates the operation of multinational corporations in
developing countries leading to more employment in the tertiary sector, the
general standard of living is bound to improve enabling a happier outlook on life
among the people.
However, such advancements are rare and a majority of underdeveloped nations

suffer from incompetent administration and corrupted officials. Nevertheless,
there are avenues for betterment for these nations as the general awareness of
the public regarding their rights has enhanced over the past few years.
To conclude, Economic advancement is one of the chief goals of every nation and
its government across the globe. Albeit, I firmly believe that progress has a
greater impact where it is needed the most. Thereby, the efforts of the
government and the people in improving the country economically are more
significant in third-world nations.
62. These days the number of companies operating at

multinational Ievel has increased. To what extent are they
responsible for the local communities in which they are
located?
Today it is not uncommon to see many large-sized enterprises often base their
offices in numerous countries. Coca Cola, Samsung, or Google, to name but a
few, are typical examples of these multinational corporations which are
present in almost all comers of the world. It is suggested that such companies
should have a social responsibility, especially to the local communities.
One social obligation that owners and managers have is to create job
opportunities for the locals and treat them well, rather than ¡exploiting them.
For example, they could pay a ‘living wage” to ensure that the local workers
have a good quality of life. I also like the idea that businesses could use a
proportion of their profits to support local charities, environmental projects,
or education initiatives. Finally, instead of trying to minimise their tax
payments by using accounting loopholes. I believe that company bosses
should be happy to contribute to society through the tax system.
On the one hand, the degree of responsibility should be limited because

businesses must make money in order to survive in a competitive world. If a
company is unable to pay its bills or meet the changing needs of customers,
any concerns about social responsibilities become irrelevant. In other words,
a company can only make a positive contribution to society if it is in good
financial health. Therefore, it must guarantee its work productivity first. This
would mean that the local workers have to meet a certain standard, like
graduating from secondary school to be given a job. Another point is that not
all large companies are well-known or financially successful, so it is not
reasonable to expect a huge economic incentive from them. They have to
invest in improvements and innovations if they wish to remain competitive.
In conclusion, multinational companies with a good reputation and high

revenues should make their contribution as much as possible, whereas it is
unreasonable to force other less successful or well-known ones to fulfill this
responsibility.
63. Many developed countries now have large numbers of people

over the age of 65. What problems might this cause? How can
the problems be solved?
In majority of the advanced nations, the problem of birth rates has

become very actual. As a result, many issues will arise, and the present
generation of people will see a significant number of changes. It is
essential to outline some notable aspects of this question, such as the
rise in the number of new migrants and the ruin of the pension system,
which can be compensated only by a decrease of pensions.
First of all, the population of every country is a working force, and the
lack of it creates many problems for the economy. At the same time,
there are several solutions to this problem that are appropriate in the
world. For example, to attract people from developing countries to
reside in Europe with the aim of filling the gap. Unfortunately, it is
predictable that this tendency can make worse the relations on the
cultural base, and this the reason why certain parts of society do not
accept this idea.
On top of that, the stability of the pension system depends on one vital
factor – the number of people who work and pay their taxes. The decline
of the population always leads to a reduction of budget revenue and an
economy in state spending. In this case, the government is obligated to
make some unpopular decisions, for instance, to reduce pensions. This
solution is regarded as negative. However, it is the most suitable answer
in this situation.
In conclusion, it is important to make a remark here; that the decline of

the population is a very negative trend which can bring some bad
consequences, such as the problem with the workforce, or the crisis of
the pension system. However, there are some unpleasant solutions to
these problems, the reduction of pensions and changes in migration
policy with the target of attracting new employees from foreign
countries.
64.Despite health warnings, a large number of people continue to

smoke all over the world. Why should we be concerned about
this? What solutions would you suggest?
Smoking is an expensive habit which pollutes the environment and carries

serious health risk, yet a third of the men in the world smoke. It is also a sad
fact that one in five teenagers take up the habit when they are as young as
11. Of course, there is one interest group, the tobacco industry, which is more
than happy with this situation, since its profits depend on people’s addiction
to cigarettes.
These statistics are particularly depressing because the link between smoking
and cancer, heart disease and other serious illnesses has been known for
many years. It is also worth to mention that apart from harming the
individual, smoking represents a huge cost to society. The money which is
spent on treating smoking-related disease could be used for much better
purposes, such as helping to feed the world’s poor or paying for medical
research.
So why, despite all the evidence, do people still smoke? The obvious answer
is that cigarettes are highly addictive, so that it can be extremely difficult to
give up. Another answer is the power of peer pressure, especially amongst
young people. In my view, the most important thing is to discourage people
from starting to smoke, and this can be done by increasing the tax on tobacco
and banning cigarette advertising. I also feel that people who want to quit
should be given as much advice and support as possible.
In conclusion, I believe that both authorities and public should do everything

in order to reduce the number of smokers in society. However, it is not
enough to provide information about health risks, a variety of strategies are
needed to tackle the problem.
65.Some universities offer online courses as an alternative to classes delivered on

campus. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Technology has been soaring high and has impacted nearly every nook and
corner of our daily lives and education is assuredly one of them too. There has
been an ongoing trend of inclusion of online classes and of late, the online
medium is being inclined towards more than ever. However, I feel this trend is
good for the sake of human development and I shall be elucidating the same in
the forthcoming sections.
There are innumerable positive impacts of this surge as it has reportedly helped
a massive proportion of students and people of any age to learn at their own
convenience and ease, which earlier was not that common to be seen. The
people living in the remote areas and the rough terrains who owing to the
geographical obstructions or weather conditions were somehow not able to be
consistent with their learning as they used to often miss their schools/colleges,
has now with the online alternative been relieved of such shortcomings.
Moreover, for the skill enhancement too, it has become quite feasible for the
people to go around, pick their favourite mentors around and learn at their pace
without having to undergo the humdrum of finding an institute.
Secondly, online admissions to various coaching institutes and centres as well,

are much affordable and providential as compared to the offline ones. The prime
reason for this is having to pay jumbo taxes and bills in an offline setup. Then,
had the e-mediums not been there, in the wake of the pandemic it would have
been extremely difficult to even think of with the continuity of educating people
around the world, and this would have curbed the learning process
devastatingly. The best part that I personally find is the luxury of going through
the classes for the people who were socially or physically restrained from doing
so due to various reasons like physical disabilities, gender bias, age-shaming, etc.
This has indeed revolutionized the whole status of education.
Some people though could put forth that online education may halt the learning
process as it could impede the actual one on one interaction between a teacher
and a student or among students, however, If the sessions are made interesting,
interactive and stringent too, to a certain capacity like making everyone putting
their camera on with a formal frame of conduct, such discrepancies could be
ousted easily.
Conclusively, it could be stated that online education has indeed been a bonanza
to mankind and a gift of technology that we should revere and exact the best
benefits from.
66. Many people think modern communication technology is having some

negative effects on social relationships. Do you agree or disagree?
Ever since the era of technology emerged, life has changed dramatically. Today
where every second thing is being operated by digital contrivances, some ill effects
have come floating by, as well. Generally, people put forth that the current digital
scenario and communication devices and interfaces particularly have impeded and
halted conventional interactions. I agree with this notion and shall be illustrating the
same in the forthcoming paragraphs.
It is an inevitable truth that digitization has made our arduous lives extremely
comfortable and that it nearly ineluctable tangent that we all are on today.
However, the impact it has had on social relationships are undeniably true. Family
gatherings, outings and various other aspects of live communication have been
trampled down upon with the uprising of online social networks. One to one
discussion has been displaced by social media, the family time has been subjugated
by facetime and webcams. Mobile phones have been the major disruptive cause in
evicting out the person to person verbal communication. Owing to this sociability
and amicability has been corroded off to substantial capacity.
Furthermore, people while being there in an online medium and e-communication

transmission mask their realities to a larger level where it is hard to discern as to
what one person is gravely going through behind the lenses. Moreover, a sense of
harmony and connectedness has been deeply lacerated as one can’t get through the
emotional streamline of others as well as it is in the case of one to one conversation.
In addition to that, work from home, online schooling and internet parties can never
compare and become congruent to the essence of offline setup. The gist and feel of
very communication without screen barriers have definitely been exacerbated by
the day to day unstinted techno-growth. Due to this, the communication gaps,
misconstruction, misconception and misunderstandings have been preponderant
and therefore, the relations have turned rancorous. For instance, many times the
people who tend to be at loggerheads, resolve and laugh out the grudges they had
post figuring out how paltry the issue was that could have never had been aired had
the communication was in an offline environment.
Though online communication tools are the need of the hour, the way it has
obliterated and debilitated the lines of personal communication with a tinge of
conversing effectively is indisputably true as well.
Therefore, in the conclusion, it could be stated that the layer of social harmony and
personal belongingness has indeed been excruciated by the pillars and towers of
online networking, where people communicate only when they are extremely in
need of, thereby making them recluse and secluded.
67.Health experts believe that walking is a good exercise for

health. However, people are walking less nowadays. Why is
this happening? How can people be encouraged to walk more?
Since ancient times, the fundamental principle to remain fit and live a
healthy life is in doing physical exercises regularly. These exercises not
only help in attaining a good physique but it also improves the
metabolism and blood circulation in the body. According to health
professionals, strolling daily has a great value in maintaining health but
for the past few years, few people have either reduced their walk or quit
it completely. This essay will analyse what lead to this cause and what
factors can encourage people to increase their walking yards.
People are walking less due to many reasons but primarily it is due to
the availability of transport either public or private is abundance. They
believe that by using transportation they can save their valuable time.
Weather also plays a significant role and people find it really hard to
walk in hot, humid and extreme cold climatic conditions. Moreover,
they say that due to increased rate of street crimes they have either
shortened their walk or quit it completely. Furthermore, people now
have access to fitness centres where they can use different equipment
and machinery to walk or jog. For them walking alone on streets without
a partner is a boring activity.
In order to encourage and motivate people to walk more, one can make
walking tracks covered with shades to reduce heat. Walking tracks
should be made more beautiful by improving the landscape of the parks
such that one should feel refreshing. Advertisement boards should be in
place and different activities should be planned to make walking a
splendid experience. The government should also hold health
awareness programs and should emphasise the importance of walk.
To recapitulate, the aforementioned highlights different factors

resulting in reduced walk and suggested few recommendations how
things can be improved. It is medically proven that walking is a very good
exercise to acquire right balance in body structure and one should do it
regularly.
68. Scientists say that in the future humanity will speak the same
language. Do you think this is a positive or negative social
development?
In the modern world, according to researchers, human beings are going

to communicate in one language. In my opinion, it is a positive social
development as it will ease the barrier between individuals belonging to
different parts of the world. In this essay, I will present my perception
of the same.
Undoubtedly, in the era of globalisation, communication has become

one of the major aspects of society. First of all, the outreach of various
companies, maybe big or small, now has increased to many locations.
For example, the South Indian film industry, not only has a huge fanbase
in India but also has gained popularity in The United States of America,
China, The United Arab Emirates etcetera and all this is possible due to
using a global language which is English. Apart from this, using a
common language can aid in sharing an array of ideas from various
authors. To give a clear example, readers can enjoy different kinds of
genres without being worried about their translation.
Additionally, a universal language assists in tourism. For instance, a

tourist from foreign countries in India doesn't understand diverse
mother tongues, therefore hampering their overall cultural experience.
Furthermore, a well-established language can help in understanding the
music better. To cite an example, BTS which has a huge fan following
now initially wasn't able to cater to all their international fans for the
songs were made in Korean. However, once they started presenting it in
both English and Korean, they could touch more cords globally.
To sum up, usage of a common dialect helps in improving the economy

by providing better trading options, increasing tourism, boosting both
the film and music industries. Overall, communication in one speech
makes everything more understandable and saves a lot of time spent
learning a variety of languages.
69. The spread of a ‘global language’ such as English will threaten

national languages. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this opinion?
English is gaining its popularity in the modern world. Some people

believe this trend might cause the possible extinction of the national
language of each country, while others view it as acceptable, and even
that this may result in the positive development of that country in many
fields. I partly agree with the latter view for the following reasons.
Opponents even go so far to claim that the loss of a language is just the
tip of the iceberg. Not only does that nation forget its own language, but
its culture and economic situations are at stake as well. Is it true in any
circumstance? Facts have shown that countries, like Singapore, by
adopting an international language, have generated a huge amount of
profit through the tourism industry. More visitors worldwide swarm to
this nation, as a result of finding less difficulty in their communication
with local people and being attracted to these people’s high adaptability
and hospitality. Some of us may find ourselves falling in love with
cultures of other nations, accidentally through our discovery of their
people, way of thinking, and living after surfing information in such a
common language.
It is undeniable that according to monthly social surveys, about three to

four languages across the world are dying out, due to the increasingly
small size of native speakers. In case that authorities are ready to pour
a huge amount of money into linguistic programs, say, training, and
insisting on indigenous textbooks, the language of that country is sure
to survive well.
To conclude, provided that the language of each nation receives more

attention from the government, and positive aspects of an international
language as absorbed, the native language is alive, along with the
contribution of the global ones, so as to enrich that country itself,
economically and culturally.
70. Scientists tell us that some activities are good for health and others are
bad. Despite knowing that, millions of people still continue doing
unhealthy activities. What are the causes and what are the solutions for
this?
Modern people are regularly informed about the dangers of leading

unhealthy lifestyles. Despite the spectacular advances in the medical
field, many people are still suffering from and being killed by diseases,
most of which are preventable.
There are some reasons why there is still a prevalent habit of doing
unhealthy activities. This can be, firstly, explained by the fact that most
people are prone to undue optimism. Although powerful and constant
reminders of what unsound lifestyles can bring are readily available
everywhere, people still keep the faith that they would hardly be
inflicted. Even for those who are aware, they are often in denial and
convince themselves that unhealthy habits are not as terrible as the
media want them to believe. Likewise, once people are addicted to
unhealthy habits, it is very difficult for them to break. For example,
people with smoking habits cannot reduce their dependency on
cigarettes due to their high addictiveness, or people with sedentary
lifestyles are unable to bring themselves to be more active on the simple
grounds that exercises are not pleasurable.
To address these problems, multiple solutions can be proposed. One of

which is imposing higher taxes on unhealthy products, such as food with
a high concentration of fat, alcohol, or cigarettes. This solution promises
direct impacts. Moreover, healthy lifestyles should be further
promoted, and likewise, unhealthy lifestyles should be strictly criticised
on the media. With a sense of self-protection and knowledge that
everybody around them practices the same habit, I believe that people
would find it easier to break their old self-destructive lifestyles.
In conclusion, it could thus be inferred that the menace of unhealthy

lifestyle and people’s cohesion with it could be recuperated with the
prudential and aware health measures.
71. As well as making money, businesses also have social

responsibilities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is sometimes argued that businesses have many important

responsibilities towards societal issues along with making money. I
completely agree with this notion that corporations should be
working on tackling socio-economic problems and should not only
concentrate on making money.
Corporations have always been inclined towards making money. It is

true that the money driven approaches are fundamentally important
to gain financial success. If companies or associates do not work hard
to increase profitability, they would not be able to compete in the
market in terms of providing more and more employment facility to
people, and eventually to help eradicate poverty. In addition, without
earning enough money, businesses cannot even invest in raising social
values.
However, corporations should have a duty to fulfill societal needs

instead of solely striving for more and more money. Social
responsibilities mean tackling the global challenges. These most
pressing issues include climate change, poverty, inequity and
resources or water scarcity. Take Unilever, a pharmaceutical
multinational company, as an example- this high-profile organization
has had a profound record of giving medical or other financial aid to
the most deprived people of developing countries. As a result of these
holistic and intensive social measures they are becoming increasingly
successful in managing and solving poverty and health related
problems in respective impoverished neighbourhoods.
To sum up, while successful and profitable businesses are

fundamentally important to boost economy by generating revenues
through earning more profit, social and environmental issues should
also be included into their priority list of core planes.
72.Scientists agree that people are damaging their health by eating too
much junk food. Some people think that the answer to this problem is
to educate people. Others think education will not work. Discuss both
In the modem world, there has been an accelerating trend of people eating
unhealthy food, posing harmful threats to their health. While some people
regard education as an ineffective measure to resolve the problem. I would
contend that this practice would serve as a workable solution to tackling such a
situation.
There is a common belief that education would not be an effective method of

deterring people from consuming a large amount of junk food. Supporters of this
view might argue that the modem living style is the root of this issue, which
would not be efficiently addressed by education. For example, there are many
intellectual officers in favour of fast food due to its convenience and portable
manner. Despite their profound nutrition-related knowledge and awareness,
these busy consumers opt for fast food for the sake of time-saving. Besides, there
are other efficient solutions to curbing junk food consumption. For instance, the
government could impose higher taxation schemes on junk food. By raising fast
food prices, such a strict legal action could yield immediate and widespread
effects on consumer behaviour, thus bringing forth a quicker decline in junk food
consumption compared to education.
However, I would strongly endorse education as an effective key to the junk food
overconsumption problem. The primary reason is that an appropriate education
would efficiently raise eaters’ awareness which may act as a deterrent to
people’s opting for unhealthy food. For instance, once people gain insightful
knowledge and awareness of life-threatening cancers and diseases caused by
overeating fast food, they would be more likely to put an end to such a harmful
eating habit. Another supporting reason is that nutrition education programs,
compared to other measures such as imposing higher tax could result in more
sustainable awareness and behaviour change among people from all walks of
life, especially children and adolescents. These beneficiaries will cultivate a life-
time habit of refraining from junk food or restricting such intake.
To sum up, although there are reasonable arguments against education, I firmly
believe that educational measures would significantly mitigate junk food
consumption and deter the problem from being exacerbated further.
73.Some people prefer to directly help or support people who need

it in the local community, however, others prefer to give money
to national or international charities. Discuss both views and
give your own opinion.
Today poverty is still on full display anywhere in the world, even from
the sparkling and vibrant streets of Los Angeles or to the less glamorous
district of Mumbai city. In the fight against poverty, help is at hand.
However, a bone of contention remains whether people should directly
support the underprivileged or donate to charities. This essay will look
at this issue from both perspectives.
There are clear justifications for why some funders would rather help
the poor by themselves. First of all, help is given instantly as there is no
paperwork, no collection, no delivery involved. It would also mean that
no money is lost into the pockets of corrupt government officials.
Likewise, it has been found that a considerable number of recipients of
aid programs spend money on children’s education or healthcare, rather
than alcohol or cigarettes. Therefore, development can be easily
promoted.
However, the idea of giving cash directly to the poor is also treated with
skepticism by many people who otherwise suggest that money or any
other type of donation should be given to charity organisations. Their
main argument is that for the people whose lives have always been
devoid of material possessions or money, knowing how to manage the
financial aids is out of the question. There are many cases where poor
people use the money to start businesses; however, bankruptcy is
imminent due to their lack of knowledge regarding financial
management. For this reason, charities, which can distribute the funds
more effectively, prove their prominent roles in improving the living
standards of the impoverished.
To conclude, I am inclined to think that giving money to charities is a

better way to end poverty as it deals with deeper causes of the issue in
the long run.
74. Development in technology has brought various environmental

problems. Some believe that people need to live simpler lives to solve
environmental problems. Others, however, believe technology is the
way to solve these problems. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.
The improvements in technology currently bring about harmful effects

on the environment. While some people believe having simpler lives is
the only solution, I would argue that technological advances can help to
tackle these environmental problems.
On the one hand, it is believed that individuals need to live simple lives
and rely less on technology. The first suggestion is that people should
walk or cycle rather than drive cars. This is because the current number
of cars being manufactured and used is increasing, which causes high
levels of exhaust fumes and makes air pollution a serious issue.
Additionally, people should try to reduce their consumption of
electricity so that the exploitation of natural resources such as fossil
fuels or nuclear power can be minimized. An example of this idea is the
annual event called Earth Hour, where everyone is asked to turn their
lights off for sixty minutes.
Nevertheless, I believe the developments of technology can greatly

contribute to environmental protection. Firstly, because of those
improvements, people can come up with ways to recycle materials such
as paper or glass, which reduces the problem of waste disposal.
Secondly, technology can also help to create electricity using renewable
resources. For example, many countries in the world have built plants
that utilise solar energy to generate power. As a result, it is not
necessary to rely on non-renewable resources, and people can create
electricity without significantly damaging the environment.
In conclusion, while some people think that they should live simpler
lives to prevent environmental issues, I would argue that these
problems can be dealt with by technological improvements.
75. Many people are afraid to leave their homes because of the fear of
crime. Some believe that more actions should be taken to prevent crime.
Others feel that little can be done. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
It is alleged that the bulk of the population is fearful of venturing outside

their homes due to the high prevalence of crimes. This has been a
contentious issue, with some people asserting that more needs to be done
to avert lawlessness, while others feel that hardly anything can be done to
cease such heinous acts. I agree with the former and opine that more
deterrent measures need to be implemented to put an end to most
atrocities.
Admittedly, introducing rehabilitative measures rather than employing

punitive action against criminals can actually deter them from committing
crimes in the future. An example of this would be the penitentiary system
in Norway which focuses on treating inmates with mutual respect and
allowing them a chance at a better life, which has drastically reduced crime
rates in Norway, with only one in five offenders committing repeat
offences. Therefore, giving convicts a second chance at life through such
measures can prove immensely beneficial in the long run.
In addition, launching community programs such as setting up a

neighbourhood watch and holding anti-violence programs can be effective
measures for reducing crime. Introducing mentorships to young people
and offering them alternative occupations can dissuade them from
engaging in unlawful activities.
However, some people are proponents of not taking any direct steps to
reduce crime. In their perspective, sole individuals are powerless to stop
the prevalence of crime. They also believe that those who have decided to
break laws have done so on their accord, and others cannot steer them
away from the path of crime.
In conclusion, it can be said that taking active steps towards the prohibition
of criminal transgressions, rather than passively avoiding taking any action,
can help build a better society and allow people to travel outside their
homes without the fear of being a victim of crimes.
76. The government and individuals are spending too much money on
national celebrations like the new year or festivals. Do you agree or
disagree?
The government expenditure on cultural occasions has seen a gradual

albeit substantial rise over the last few years. This has resulted in a
deficiency of funds for investment in vital segments of the economy. I
agree with the fact that government resources should be utilized more
judiciously and spending on celebrations should be curbed. In the following
paragraphs, I will explain my views on the topic of the essay.
First of all, the requirement for development in various sectors of the

nation is increasing with each passing day. Education, healthcare and
public infrastructure are domains that are in dire need of government
funding to improve their appalling circumstances. Secondly, if the annual
budget of the government is stretched thin by celebratory expenses, grave
complications are bound to arise. Thus, the authorities should devise the
budget more cautiously so that the supply of capital is equitable.
Moreover, traditional festivals often involve the use of materials that have
harmful effects on the environment. Therefore, when such events are held
on a massive scale, the use of hazardous items also escalates leading to
detrimental outcomes on nature. On that account, if the administration
reduces the degree of these ventures, the negative consequences can be
restrained significantly.
However, the joy and harmony that cultural events and festivals bring
along have to be acknowledged. These festivities are a magnificent avenue
of bringing all members of the community together in celebration.
Nevertheless, sustainable ways of hosting such occurrences need to be
found to avoid monetary overspending.
In conclusion, I would like to say that the importance of national-level

functions and the resources to host them have grown lately. The
administration has to devise smart and efficient ways to discover an
economic solution to such financial limitations.
77. Many university students live with their families, while others live away
from home because their universities are in different places. What are
the advantages and disadvantages of both situations?
The journey of higher education involves making tough decisions at every

turn. One of the most consequential choices a student needs to make when
planning for a university course is whether to travel to a different location or
operate from home. There are indeed merits and demerits to both these
approaches and the choice depends entirely upon the student. In the
following paragraphs, I will discuss the primary advantages and disadvantages
of both studying abroad and from home.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that the judgement of

whether to travel for education or not can be impacted by several factors. The
nature of the environment where a study will potentially study is a key
attribute to consider among many others. Furthermore, features like
employment opportunities, accommodation and social culture also influence
these decisions significantly. Consequently, if a person seeks admission to a
university in a foreign country, they are bound to procure better corporate
jobs, gain international exposure and improve their interpersonal skills.
However, joining a local college and studying from home can also be
beneficial as the monetary expenditure is significantly less and hindrances like
language and social barriers are also absent.
On the flip side, there are certain drawbacks to both foreign and local
education that make it hard to settle for either one. First of all, it is a known
fact that the total cost of education in foreign nations are tremendous.
Therefore, people from modest economic backgrounds either have to borrow
hefty amounts of credit in the form of student loans or give up on their
ambitions of studying abroad. That being said, a student’s potential
opportunities are substantially reduced and their personality also remains
comparatively underdeveloped when they refrain from choosing colleges
outside their city or country of residence.
In conclusion, an individual will be presented with benefits and complications

if they plan on applying to a foreign university as will people who pick colleges
situated in their locality.
78. Parents often give children everything they ask for and do what they
like. Is it good for children? What are the consequences when they grow
up?
Parenting can be a complicated task to overcome every once in a while and

sometimes the affection felt towards children can make it difficult for
parents to deny the desires of their young ones. Although this might not
seem like a serious issue at face value such practices can lead to the
development of unhealthy habits in children. In the following paragraphs,
I will elaborate on why over-indulgence of a child’s wants is undesirable
and the potential repercussions this phenomenon can have in the future.
It is an undeniable fact that the environment that a person is raised in and

the real world can be miles apart in nature. The warmth and kindness that
we receive from our parents is not a standard followed by every other
person outside our immediate family. Thus, when every demand of a
toddler is met without any hassle, they assume that such luxuries are
commonplace and ordinary, creating a dangerous illusion that can have
grave consequences later on in life.
One of the most significant life lessons that an individual can learn is that
every need and demand of ours has to be earned. The ordeal of being
responsible for yourself without the aid of your guardians can be arduous,
to say the least. That being said, if a person is raised in a household where
they are not required to put in any efforts to have their craving fulfilled, it
will create a virtual handicap, which will make it impossibly tough for such
people to survive on their own.
In conclusion, I would like to say that it is quite understandable that

denying your children can be heart-breaking. Nevertheless, parents must
teach their young ones important life skills and train them to take care of
themselves when the need arises.
79.Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high

school students are encouraged to make comments or even criticism
on their teachers. Others think it will lead to loss of respect and
discipline in the classroom. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.
Finding ways to improve educational quality is often one of the top

priorities in every education system. In some cultures, high school
students are encouraged to give their opinions about teachers, but I
believe that this can also give rise to a lack of respect and discipline in
the classroom.
On the one hand, it is true that feedback from learners may contribute
to an improvement in educational quality. In many cases, the level of
comprehension of students relies very much, not on the content of the
lesson but on the way in which teachers conduct it. If, for example, the
class is slow, it will be ineffective for teachers to teach too fast so that
most students fail to retain the information. Without the comments of
students, it would be difficult to know whether the speed of the lesson
is appropriate for the class, which may eventually impair the quality of
the lesson.
However, there are several drawbacks of allowing students to make

comments and criticism on their teachers. Firstly, teachers can be
vulnerable to the negative words of students. Many will feel that their
efforts in delivering the lesson deserve praise rather than criticism or
any form of feedback. This idea is commonly shared by teachers in the
education systems of many Asian countries. Secondly, the classroom
may be in chaos due to the massive numbers of comments. Opinions
vary from students to students, and it would be impractical for teachers
to work out a way of teaching that can satisfy all students.
In conclusion, it seems to me that encouraging high school students to

comment about their teachers does not necessarily mean an
improvement in education quality.
80. People should follow the customs and traditions when people
start to live in a new country. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
The process of immigration, although an exciting journey, can give rise to

a multitude of complications. The ambience of a foreign environment can
be daunting and sometimes even unwelcoming. It is considered by many
that an individual should completely transform themselves to the
standards of their locale to make the exercise of settling in easier. I
disagree with this perspective and will elaborate on my views in the
following paragraphs.
It is a well-known fact that the world is comprised of innumerable cultures

that are unique in their own right. That being said, it is also vital to
recognize the differences between these communities and accept these
nuances. Therefore, when a foreigner is expected to shed the traditions of
their birthplace and adopt the conventions of a completely new place, it
poses a threat to their individuality. Thus, the expectation of an absolute
change in the lifestyle of a person can be considered biased and even
intolerant.
Moreover, the practices of a particular culture might vary from another

and sometimes the principles of one might contradict the other. For
instance, several cultures around the globe follow vegetarianism as a
cardinal rule whereas the daily diet of many societies is predominantly
comprised of non-vegetarian food items. Thereby, in such circumstances,
altering such intrinsic practices just for the sake of merging with a different
community is unjustified.
However, in the process of amalgamating with new people, one must

respect the pre-established norms of the region. The regard for the
standards of a different locality is not dependent on the nature of a person
and such actions can be undertaken without reshaping one’s identity.
In conclusion, I would like to mention that the world has become a smaller
place and our societies have become more diverse lately. On that account,
practising tolerance and acceptance is key to a harmonious way of life.
81.Whether or not someone achieves their aims is mostly by a

question of luck. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
People have different views about what elements contribute the most
to a person’s success. While I accept that luck does have an important
role in helping people reach their targets, I would argue that hard work
and determination are much more crucial factors leading to the
achievement of an individual.
On the one hand, I agree that luck can be an important factor. Some
people are fortunate enough to be born in a wealthy family, which
allows them to have better education or to easily start their own
business without having to borrow money from someone else. As a
result, these people tend to have better opportunities to succeed than
those coming from poor families. Furthermore, some individuals are
lucky to be given great talents which others do not have. For example,
Mozart was able to play music when he was very young, or Lionel Messi
already had great football skills when he was born.
However, I would argue that although luck can be necessary, it is not the
most crucial factor leading to success. Firstly, people need to work really
hard and put much effort into their jobs if they want to be successful.
For instance, before becoming one of the best football players in the
world, Cristiano Ronaldo had to go through intense training hours every
day for many years. Secondly, a person is less likely to reach his targets
if he does not have determination. On the way leading to success, there
might be many difficulties, and people need to keep moving forward to
overcome those challenges.
In conclusion, while I agree that luck is important in helping people

become successful, I believe that hard work and determination are the
most important elements.
82. Some people believe that if a police officer carries guns, it can
encourage a higher level of violence. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
It is often believed by a few sections of society that the violence rate will
rise if police authorities carry a weapon. However, some people,
including myself, completely disagree with this view. I feel that to
reduce the crime rate and protect themselves; Policemen should carry
guns or other safety weapons.
The primary reason behind carrying a gun is to deter criminal acts.

Thieves or criminals would think twice or be scared before commencing
any crime if they know that police officer around them are armed. As a
result, violence and crime will significantly reduce in society. For
example, a robber might stop his criminal thought if he is afraid of police
officials carrying guns could shoot him from a long distance. Contrary to
this, failure to carry a weapon might give offenders a strong advantage
in terms of their ability to commit violence without any corresponding
risk. Another reason is that police officers can protect themselves and
people from dangerous situations.
Certainly, many criminals keep various harmful and life-threatening

weapons, which they can use against not only police persons but also
citizens. Therefore, if there were no safety precautions for police
officials, there, as well as people’s lives, could have come at a risk. For
instance, in many terror attacks globally, the terrorist killed innocent
citizens and police officers. Hence, in such circumstances, to save
innocent lives, carrying a gun is a necessary precaution for police
officials.
In conclusion, although some people oppose carrying weapons by police

officers in fear of violence, I completely disagree. In my view, to control
and reduce the crime rate as well as to save people and own life, Police
officials should carry a gun.
83. Individual greed and selfishness have been the basis of the modern society.
Some people think that we much return to the older and more traditional of
respect for the family and the local community in order to create a better
world to live in. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Undeniably, modernization has tremendously affected the people’s lifestyles in

our contemporary world. Making decision alone, humans do not value others’
opinions, although this method of living might have had some positive
influences. I personally think that its advantages have been less notable than the
traditional one.
Admittedly, many individuals prefer to act solely than the past, leading them to
succeed in their life more than before. One important benefit is that they have a
better independent lifestyle. The more they live without their parents’
assistance, the more they feel more confidence. This means, selfishness has led
young to have more independence when it comes to the selection of his or her
study subject, while they were more under control of their parents in this matter
before. In addition, this has led citizens to become more successful in their
business. Craving to save more money, businesspersons compete more with
their rivals and produce more highly quality products. For instance, the owner of
Apple, a well-known cell phone company in the USA, has had a significant
prosperous business by 2014. To compete with other rivals, he decided to raise
its profit by producing of watch cell phones and surpassed other rivals. As a
result, his greedy decision has led people to have a different cell phone, and the
owner earned more profit.
In contrast, considering traditions can be more helpful in any aspect of life, and I
agree with this view. One important factor is that the rate of crime can be
decreased far dramatically. Unfortunately, to make more profit, individuals
follow rules less than before, and fraud rates have more considerably pulled up.
However, had they considered the moral aspects being valued in the past, they
would not have crossed the line. Another factor is that emotionally people will
have a better supportive condition. Clearly, traditions induce citizens to support
their relatives or friends. For example, a bankrupted retailer might be helped by
his family before due to the traditions people had in the past, while this has
remarkably become forgotten.
In conclusion, humans have become less dependent on their family and

community. I personally believe that the benefits earned by this method of living
have become less obvious than the traditional one our ancestors had. I
personally believe that not only the rate of violence will decrease, but people
will be backed up by each other emotionally.
84.Some people think that children should aim to their best at what they
are doing while others believe it is not necessary for them. Discuss both
Nowadays, many people think that kids should get the best results for
what they do. Meanwhile, others argue that it is not necessary for them
to do so. These two opposing viewpoints have sparked a lot of debates.
In this essay, I will look at the issue from both sides. From my point of
view, I think it is imperative for the youth to put in the necessary effort
in whatever they do.
Admittedly, great efforts improve the quality of the population. Once

teenagers have determined their own path, they will do whatever it
takes to achieve their goals. For example, a child has a dream of
becoming a successful businessman, and in order to make it come true,
this child will definitely study hard to broaden his horizons. In the future,
this child will become a productive person and join forces in promoting
the community. In addition, a big goal can change the way children think
and act. From simple thoughts to deeper thoughts, they gradually form
in the minds of children when they think big. They will become more
confident, independent and responsible.
However, some adults believe that their adolescence may have

developmental and health problems if they are too stressed out to try
to achieve their goals. Modern children have a boring daily routine. They
only go to school, then graduate and return home, but continue to
study. They learn like a machine, they do not participate in fewer
outdoor activities, their days are not as colorful as many other children.
Also, when they spend all their time sitting and studying, they can have
many health problems, according to World Health Organisation.
To conclude, the issue is still half-finished. Children may get better, but
they may also have health issues. However, they should still have
ambition in the work, for it is better than in vain and lost.
85. In many parts of the world people do research in family history. Some
people believe research on previous generation to be useful while others
say that it is better to focus on present and future generation. Discuss
both views and show your opinion.
Investing time and effort in genealogy can be fascinating for some

people, while others believe current and future generations
deserve more attention. While each view has its merits, there is no
reason why the two should be mutually exclusive.
Tracing family roots back in time and compiling a genealogical tree

demonstrating ancestors and descendants can be a worthwhile
undertaking for a better understanding of family roots and creating
a sense of belonging for a family. While this primarily focuses on
the past, the implications for current and future generations can be
significant.
Nowadays, younger generations tend to lead a more hectic life and

often feel under greater pressure than their ancestors did, they are
also generally highly mobile in terms of where they live and work.
It is also common for many to experience a sense of disconnect as
a result of this mobility as many do not maintain the same strong
family ties that previous generations did. As families extend across
regions and in some cases borders, extended families may feel a
lack of pertaining to a particular place and being able to share and
celebrate their family heritage can help them feel connected to
their historic roots.
By no means are the two views mutually exclusive. In fact, the

pursuit of understanding our past can help ground us in the present
and launch a successful future based on a solid knowledge of where
we originate from and those who came before us. Genealogy can in
fact reconnect us and yet allow us to explore the future safe in the
knowledge of who we are.
86.Public transport should be funded by the government so that it can

be free for people who use it. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Some people have argued that public transport should be completely

funded by the state, while the government should really play a crucial
role in public transport, I find it hardly plausible and practical to make
public transport completely free for the public.
Admittedly, a more accessible public transportation system will benefit

the city in many ways. First and foremost, it is the most effective way to
address the growing problems of traffic congestion and air pollution. As
the cost of public transport decreases, people are more likely to reduce
the use of private cars, thereby reducing vehicle emissions that lead to
toxic air pollution, mitigating congestion-related problems, and
increasing productivity. Moreover, the government could reduce the
huge cost of building and maintaining roads and bridges as the
population moves from the private car to public transport.
However, the idea of free public transport does not work as well as
people think. Firstly, it places an excessive burden on the state budget,
as a result, investments in other sectors, such as education, healthcare,
and technology development, can be reduced accordingly. In addition,
it remains unclear to what extent public transport will benefit traffic and
the environment. Once public transport is completely free, the number
of people who frequently use public transport could skyrocket, which
could undermine the positive impact of reduced private car use and
even paralyze the system at peak times.
To conclude, while free public transport sounds plausible in theory, in

practice it will undoubtedly raise unexpected obstacles. To address the
overuse of private cars, the government could improve public transport
or introduce stricter regulations instead of providing free public
transport.
87. Some people say that individuals who make a lot of money are most
successful. Others think that those who contribute to society like
scientists and teachers are most successful. Discuss both sides and give
your own opinion.
Many would argue that those who contribute significantly to society,

such as artists, teachers and scientists, are more successful than the
affluent. In my opinion, although earnings can be a sign of success, one’s
worldly impact should be held in higher esteem.
Admittedly, wealth allows an individual to enjoy their life to the fullest.

It is common in popular culture to elevate values related to altruism,
however, most honest individuals would admit that success can be
equated with what one can afford. The wealthy can afford the
possessions and lifestyle they desire and also have the free time and
peace of mind to completely enjoy their leisure. In past centuries, such
people were admired as shameless examples of personal enjoyment.
Therefore, this financial freedom can be viewed as the strictest and
more direct definition of success.
However, money itself does not always engender a feeling of

satisfaction in the same way as more active pursuits in life. Many
wealthy individuals feel that they have contributed little to society and
this diminishes their enjoyment of their gains. Such dissatisfaction is less
present in individuals who, as long as they are not living in destitute
poverty, pursue meaningful outlets for their energies. For example,
renowned scientists throughout history are often not extremely
wealthy, yet they are considered great successes due to their
contributions and the personal joy they derive from the full exercise of
their abilities. This fact can be extended to all other professions that
involve determination, creativity, and the growth of one’s influence.
In conclusion, despite the material benefits of wealth, it is clear that

one’s ability to shape the world is a surer symbol of success. Every
individual and society must locate a balance between these two ideals.
88. Some people think that the best way to reduce the time spent in
travelling to work is to replace parks and gardens close to the city center
with apartment buildings for commuters, but others disagree. Discuss
both views and give your opinion.
Travel to the workplace is mandatory for the people living in urban

areas. Some of them believe that the parks and gardens have to be
replaced by constructing apartments, especially in the metro cities,
which saves immense time for travel. However, others do not agree with
the above statement. This essay will discuss both views and explains
why the former is a better choice.
People who live nearby their workplaces find it convenient to travel to

their offices. To begin with, constructing apartments and gated
communities in downtown areas eventually leads to rapid urbanization.
It saves a lot of time, and they get to spend more time with their
families. For instance, these buildings consist of numerous amenities
such as a gym, play area, and pool integrated within the same locality.
Additionally, the employees feel safe and secure to return to their
homes if they are preoccupied with important jobs. Lastly, it is more
economical rather than spending huge amounts on transport.
Nevertheless, setting up such huge buildings and demolishing areas of

fauna is always a threat to mankind. Firstly, destroying parks and
gardens impacts various environmental changes. The oxygen levels are
falling rapidly due to the destruction of trees. For example, global
warming is increasing at a high level which affects people all over the
world. Secondly, the public is suffering from numerous health problems
due to the changes in the environment. Hence, replacing natural
resources by constructing buildings will lead to many challenges in the
near future.
To recapitulate, people living in metro cities feel comfortable travelling

to their work when they rent or buy a house nearby, but they are also in
jeopardy of destroying their natural habitat. Though both have their
own significance and in my point of view living in the downtown areas
saves ample time in this busy life.
89. The education of young people is the main priority in countries around
the world. Some people believe that educating adults who cannot read
or write is essential for the society and more funding should be made
available for it. Do you agree or disagree?
Educating the young has always been the main focus in many countries.
However, some argue that whether this should be the time for
governments to pay attention and invest more in the literal education for
adults as the number of people who cannot read and write are increasing
nowadays. In my opinion, I believe that the authority should continue to
focus on the developing of young generations rather than spending money
on this particular group of adults.
Admittedly, it is absolutely unnecessary to put revenue on the education

of the grown-ups for their reading and writing problems. As these people
usually accept low-average occupations which unnoticeably contribute to
the nation, investing in teaching this portion of population seems to be
pointless. Additionally, reading and writing skills are only required in
academic purposes. Thus, there is no reason for these individuals to study
when they are mainly in need of speaking ability to communicate in a daily
basis.
On the contrary, concentrating on delivering high level education to young

people brings substantial benefits to the growth of countries in the future.
Firstly, since young students are the potential workforce, investing more
budget in the studying of the young will assure a great supply of high-
skilled workers in majors that surely return the national revenue an
enormous favor. Secondly, since young people learn faster and more
effectively, the money to pay for tutors and institutes should not be as
costly as the adults’ education for they need more efforts from teachers in
their study. This means that governments will save a great deal of money
when they choose to focus on young generations’ education.
In conclusion, I believe that governments should spend money on young

students rather than investing in the education of people who cannot read
and write.
90. Some people believe that childhood is the best stage of happiness.
While others believe that a person can enjoy more happiness in other
stages of life. Discuss both views and give your opinion?
People have different opinions about happiness and the happiest

moments in their lives. While many people find that they were very
happy as teenagers, others find that adulthood was more enjoyable
than their teenage years. In my opinion, the happiest periods of life
can vary from person to person.
Every stage of life has its joys and sorrows. Many people remember
their teenage years with the greatest importance. There are several
reasons for this. Most people would enjoy a greater sense of
freedom during their college or high school days. Since in those
years friendship and brotherhood were in the prime of life, many
experienced joyful moments. For example, college parties and
sporting events were great ways to get together and have fun. In
addition, teenagers have far fewer responsibilities than adults.
On the other hand, adult life offers several positive and happy
moments. Most adults fondly remember their cherished moments,
such as their first home or job, the celebration of their wedding day,
the birth of a child, and so on. With age, people also develop and
evolve qualities such as maturity and understanding. These factors
can bring a sense of satisfaction and stability, which in turn
contributes to long-term happiness in many people’s lives.
To conclude, adult and teenage life has its fair share of ups and
downs. While the lack of responsibility makes life pleasurable in
adolescence, it is the fulfillment of one’s dreams and aspirations
that makes adulthood more memorable. In my opinion, everyone
should decide for himself which period was the happiest in his life.
91.Traffic and housing problems could be solved by moving large

companies, factories to the countryside do you agree or
disagree.
These days with increasing urban populations, there are major

problems with congestion and not only the price but also
availability of accommodation in large cities of the world. It seems
that one possible solution could be to relocate large companies and
factories as well as their respective employees out of these urban
areas and into more rural ones. I strongly agree that this would
have a positive effect in making cities more livable.
Admittedly, the traffic problem in cities doesn’t only exist from

commuting employees, but also the general public travelling
around the city. While this may be a fact, if the number of worker’s
vehicles is reduced on city streets, a large percentage of traffic will
obviously decline in rush hours. For example, peak hour traffic is
undoubtedly made up largely of staff from companies going to and
from home.
Furthermore, in regards to housing problems, populations will

always continue to grow in cities and therefore inadvertently
decrease the number of cheap and available apartments. This is
certainly obvious; however, a large proportion of these apartments
are occupied by employees from large firms and their families. If
this workforce is relocated to housing estates in the country, city
apartment blocks will fall in price and certainly increase in
availability.
In conclusion, by relocating workers to rural areas to work and

reside, heavy traffic conditions and lack of adequate
accommodation in city centres will obviously change for the better.
As far as I’m concerned, I agree that the government should enforce
such a law in order to increase our standard of living in our hectic
city life.
92.Today, the life expectancy of people is much higher than before.

Older people should continue to be involved in the workforce. To
It is irrefutable that average lifespan of human beings has increased with

the advancement in medicine, leading to new discoveries and
treatments, every day. I agree with the given statement that the elderly
people should continue to work till a later age. I shall support my point
of view in the upcoming paragraphs.
Admittedly, looking at it from a country’s economic point of view,

increasing the retirement age will help decrease the government’s
burden on providing benefits for the elderly. For developing countries
this is very beneficial, as the workforce will contribute towards the
country’s economy and the government will need to spend lesser on
providing the retirement benefits to the senior citizens, such as senior
citizen discounts, healthcare benefits, travel benefits, etc.
Moreover, working till a later age will be very beneficial to the elderly,
at an individual level. They will not need to depend on anyone for their
needs. Also, they’ll be busy and involved in work, which will help tackle
the old-age problems of loneliness and depression. These days the
family members do not have the time to spend with the old members of
the family, which leads the elderly to feel isolated. Increasing the
retirement age will, to a great extent, reduce this problem.
The opponents of this view believe that the old are not physically fit for
much of the stressful work. Some also say that since they have worked
all their lives, it’s the time for them to enjoy the later years of life, away
from the pressures of work. I, however, believe that to enjoy in the later
years too, money is needed. So, even if they work for fewer hours, it is
a necessity.
To recapitulate, an increase in the retirement age, will benefit the

country, society as well as individuals. Voluntary retirement offers can
be set up for those who wish to retire early, due to their health or other
circumstances.
93. In today's world, private companies rather than government

pay for and conduct most scientific research. Do you think the
advantages outweigh disadvantages?
Opinions are divided into whether private sectors should take

responsibilities for scientific research. Although allowing private
companies to hold such responsibilities can have some drawbacks,
benefits of it are far more significant.
On the one hand, there can be some minor disadvantages of delegating

funding and controlling science projects to private businesses. One of
them can relate to reliability of scientific outcomes. In fact, private
companies are mainly driven by profit, which makes them put more
emphasis on how to generate as much profit as possible regardless of
how unreliable and inaccurate their results could be. Furthermore, if all
scientific research is allocated to private companies, leaking
information, especially important and confidential information, can be
unavoidable. For example, by implementing research on military,
companies can reveal national secrets of their country to others, which
can breed many seriously detrimental impacts.
Nevertheless, these disadvantages are still eclipsed by benefits of giving

private businesses the right to carry out scientific research. What
appears the most prevalent is that private sectors can provide larger
resources, both financial and human. Since private companies often
only focus on one field, unlike governments investing in many different
areas, they are willing to utilise and distribute all what they have to
conduct and finish science projects. Another advantage is that if
scientific research is given to private sectors, burdens placed on the
government’s shoulder can be alleviated. As a result, the government
can employ national resources for improving other aspects such as
education or health care systems.
In conclusion, despite downsides that can be derived from allowing

private organizations to fund and control scientific research, it still does
more good than harm.
94. Some old customs and traditions are not useful presently, so
should be given up. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
No doubt, the world is changing at a rapid pace, and it is often witnessed

that many traditional values and customs have no practicability in the
present time; hence, there is no need to continue such practices. I
completely withstand this viewpoint. This essay shall delve into details
and present my opinion.
To begin, it is reasonable to expect people to discontinue practicing old

traditions as it is nothing more than a waste of energy and time. The fact
is that, with the advent of technology, the use of machines has grown
exponentially. Many jobs that used to be done manually in earlier times
are being done with machines. For instance, it was a common tradition
in my country for girls to learn the skill of stitching and knitting to be
able to stitch traditional clothes for family members. However, today,
the majority prefer wearing ready-to-wear and fashionable western
clothes than the conventional attires due to globalization.
Understandably, there is nothing wrong in discontinuing this old
tradition.
In addition, with time, the role of genders and family members has
changed. Earlier, women were supposed to do domestic chores and
were not given the opportunity to attain education. However, today, it
is a daunting task to manage family expenses with one income;
therefore, the woman has to go out for work, and in turn, the man has
to assist her in managing the household. Admittedly, the old customs do
not hold ground anymore.
To conclude, I would like to restate that every tradition has its own
value, but, it fades with time and often become obsolete with time.
Thereby, there is nothing wrong in discontinuing the ones that do not
withstand the changing time.
95. Some people think the money spent on developing technology

for space exploration is not justified. They are more beneficial
ways to spend this money. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Currently, the Government’s spending money has never failed to

provoke debates among people. While some people claim the fact that
splurging money on space exploration is not justified, the opposite side
makes a statement that there are more beneficial tactics. I would
contend that the authorities' budget should cash in discovering galaxies
while still investing in finding the solution to famine in equal measures.
Without a shadow of a doubt, exploring space plays such a paramount

significant role since it is considered an ultimate key to human existence
in the future. Currently, the ever-growing irresponsible actions of
people around the world are accelerating day by day, which causes the
relentless degradation in Earth’s quality. Consequently, it is necessary
for the Government to find a new inhabitable planet in case the earth is
destroyed, which is the back-up plan to maintain the human race’s long-
term existence. The Mass and the Moon research can be cited as
promising examples for practical insights. Hence, it is irrefutable to note
that exploring outer space brings a wealth of redeeming features.
On the other hand, there is still a steady stream of urgent problems that
need huge financial support from the authorities, especially famine.
Apparently, there is a wide range of inhabitants who are suffering from
the alarming issue that they do not have adequate food to eat. For
example, there is a high death toll in Africa due to starvation. Therefore,
it is necessary for the authorities that they should also provide more
money to handle the famine.
In conclusion, it is undeniable that there are some convincing reasons to

spend money on technology for galaxy exploration. Meanwhile, the
Government needs to take starvation into consideration in equal
measures.
96. The best way to teach children to cooperate is through team

sports at school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The objective of education is to ensure the comprehensive development

of children. Since team sports improve their fitness, team spirit,
communication and social skills, I agree that they should be part of a
child’s education.
Admittedly, when children play team sports, they learn many valuable
skills that will serve them well. For instance, they learn to work towards
a common goal. They learn to share and put the interests of the group
ahead of their own. For example, in a game of football, not everyone
can score a goal. Most teams usually only have two or three strikers, but
the whole team must work towards the same goal to help these strikers
score the goals that will win the match. Thus, when children play a game
like a football, they learn that everyone must work together towards
common goals. Needless to say, kids who grow up playing team sports
will be great team players in the workplace. This quality is especially
important in our time, when victory depends on cooperation. In
addition, team players are less prone to be self-centered.
Another benefit of playing sports is that it allows children to accept

success and failure with dignity. If sport becomes part of education, all
children will have the opportunity to play. Otherwise, they may only
focus on their studies and thus not be able to enjoy the benefits of team
sports.
In conclusion, considering all of the above points, it is not hard to see

that children who play team sports are more likely to enjoy their
physical and emotional health compared to children who don’t play any
team sports. Therefore, I fully agree that team sports should be part of
education.
97. Housing shortage in big cities can cause severe social consequences.
Some people think only government action can solve this problem. To
The scarcity of land to build new houses is a problem that many countries are
facing around the world. This issue is more evident in big cities and results in
serious results such as high cost of living and poor quality of life. Therefore,
many experts recommend that only the government can take the required
measurements to handle it efficiently. Personally, I strongly agree with the
given statement as it is only the regime can plan a city in a better way and
provide better facilities to its residents.
The foremost reason for supporting the above statement is that it is only the
administration that has the authority to plan and organise cities as well as
their infrastructure. Thus, in order to save space, it should discourage building
single-storey residences by constructing multi-storey buildings equipped with
all facilities and providing them to the public at reasonable prices. For
example, to solve the issue of unavailability of homes, the Singapore
government built vertical complexes with the collaboration of the housing
department which were not only cheaper but also well organised. Besides,
the state can implement laws in this regard. To illustrate the Canadian
government, in view of the increasing prices of apartments, brought the law
to restrict purchasing them by foreigners.
Additionally, to discourage people from migrating to urban cities, better

amenities can be made available in the countryside only since many folks
move to urban areas in search of opportunities related to education, medical
and employment. For instance, when the authority levied less tax on
companies which would establish their offices and factories in rural areas,
fewer people migrated to city centres. As a result, it solved the issue of
congested spaces, especially in the centre of the city.
In conclusion, it is evident that it is only the state which can take proper steps
in order to solve the problem related to the shortage of housing in urban
spaces by investing more in the countryside and encouraging people to live in
vertical buildings instead of landed houses. I also highly suggest taking
mentioned steps to solve the above problem.
98. Some people believe that universities should only offer places to young
students who receive high marks at school. Others think that universities
should offer a place to anyone of any age. Discuss and give your opinion.
Tertiary education is essential for achieving success in life. Students, who get high
band scores, usually get a chance to admit in universities, though older students and
having a low-mark in school life should also be gotten excess into the higher
education. From my perspective, all types of students both youngest with high-mark
and adult students with low-grade must have a right to earn knowledge from
universities.
Admittedly, pupils who earn standard marks in all his academic life, easily get
admission at university. The reason is that professors at tertiaries think that since
the student has achieved the highest position at school, he must have worked hard.
Eventually, he will do a better result in higher studies, and cope with the workload
and activities-related universities and its teachers. For example, in school, the top-
rated students are disciplined and efficient so that they do their tasks efficiently and
listen what their teachers are focusing on. Therefore, the dean of tertiary education
selects those brilliant students who could do excellent results. Consequently, this
selection generates a higher level of citizens, and socioeconomic will be strong for
these intellectuals.
On the other hand, each student has the right to study at the university level. It is
justifiable to say that if all students get a higher education, any nation will develop
immediately. For that reason, universities should give chance to age-students as well
as pupils who obtain the lowest marks at school due to the advancement of a
country. For instance, in the USA, the renowned universities such as Harvard or Yale
- provide their admission form for all types of students, but they should have a
quality which could be anything whether skilled at sports, art or higher marks gained
in the school certificate. As a result, no one is unemployed when university
graduates get their certificate from tertiary education.
In conclusion, it is a controversial issue about whether universities should focus on

selecting the top-rated students from intermediate level, or, whether they should
select senior learners who did not cut a good figure on the previous exam. In my
opinion, both types of students must be selected by the university for the
socioeconomic growth of society.
99. Many people believe that countries should produce food for all
population eats and import food as little as possible. To what
Ensuring food adequacy for the entire population has been a major
concern for nations throughout the centuries. Some people believe that
the government should focus on producing all kinds of food while
importing as little as possible to ensure food sufficiency. I firmly believe
that producing many kinds of food is an inevitable effort in terms of
ensuring the nation’s food security.
Undeniably, the more a country relies on imported food, the more food
crisis it faces. Food import includes transportation costs, taxation and
other charges that eventually increase the food price. To tackle this
problem, a government should allocate more budgets to improve national
production by maximising the collaboration of research centres with
farmers. Related university courses and diploma programmes can create
more talented individuals who would be involved in domestic food
production. Furthermore, by mass production of all kinds of food items, a
country can prepare for the rainy days.
Additionally, by focusing on farming, irrigation and planting, a government

can decrease unemployment problems. For example, in Indonesia, the
farming sector creates the highest percentage of jobs. More than 50 per
cent of Indonesians are directly or indirectly depends on the agriculture
sector.
Moreover, imported food does not have the same quality and freshness as
locally produced food and crops. If food is imported from a long distance,
the food value degrades and, in some cases, toxic chemicals are used to
preserve the imported food. Thus, the local production of foods would
ensure better food quality and sound health of citizens.
In conclusion, preventing the food crisis, ensuring better food quality and
decreasing unemployment could be achieved if a country becomes self-
sufficient in its food production. It is expected that countries would
emphasize their domestic food production as it gives many competitive
advantages over importing.
100. Some people think that companies and private individuals should
pay to clean up the pollution that they produce, not the government.
To what extent do you agree?
It is often argued that people should be charged in accordance with the

amount of pollution they produce. While I accept that certain
organisations should be penalised for this, I believe that every individual
should not be forced to pay a fine.
There are several reasons why the giant entrepreneurs should pay for
contaminating the land. Having penalised with a specific amount of money
factories will help the government to raise money which can be used in a
variety of long-term and rationalised measures to mitigate the pollution
from the earth. This will also deter them from producing more garbage and
pollution. Take London as an example, where governments have invested
recently a hefty amount of money in public transportation, in particular,
local buses which have been designed to be much more efficient than the
older ones. So, these vehicles discharge fewer combustible pollutants into
the air. Also, these self-centered companies sometimes exploit natural
resources such as forests, water land and agricultural lands, beyond all
their limits just to increase the profit. If these companies are not obliged
to share the amount of money, which is required to curb pollutions, they
will become more short-sighted (or greedy) in terms of making more
money without even caring about the impact on climate change and
environment.
However, I would argue that every individual should not be liable to pay
recommended fine. It is unrealistic that we can stop people from polluting
the universe merely by imposing charges. Because people need electricity
to enjoy technologies, a farmland to grow crops and an accommodation to
live, food to eat as well as a mean of transportation to travel. Furthermore,
if people from devastated backgrounds are charged more for the impact
they have on climate; it will create an upheaval situation where lower-
income groups would not be able to pay even for their daily necessities.
In conclusion, organisations who are earning millions of pounds by

exploiting natural resources should only be obliged to share the amount of
money in curbing the pollution rather than all the common citizens.
101. Some people think young people should follow the

tradition of the society. Others think that they should be free to
behave as individuals. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
It is thought that the traditions of a community should be followed by

the youngsters. However, others argue that people should be free to act
like an individual. In my opinion, youth should get freedom. Even so, it
is also necessary to follow own rituals. This essay will highlight both the
given statements.
Some people believe that the teenagers can know their rituals. The
reason for their beliefs is to protect their norms, values and festivals
throughout the generation. Likewise, the generation gaps bring a
plethora of changes among the people. For instance, in Nepal, children
say 'Namaste' to their parents, relatives and senior ones to show respect
towards them. This type of traditions not only build strong relations
among citizens, but also assists to show our identity. Moreover, it makes
the nation difference from one another.
On the other hand, young people should have the freedom to live their
lives freely. Although, every person has right to take decisions,
traditions insist them to do the same thing like previous period. To
illustrate this, in many countries, there is a religion by wearing white
attires when someone's death. Subsequently, in some caste, alcohols
are mandatory on the special occasions such as birthday, marriage,
while drinking alcohols are prohibited in other religions. Therefore, such
types of habits should be avoided from the country and increase the
person to live freely.
To conclude this, the teenagers should be followed their own religions

without hampering other desires and liberty. This helps to maintain a
healthy society.
102. In the future, it seems it will be more difficult to live

on the earth. Some people think more money should be spent
on researching other planets to live, such as Mars. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
It is true, that if present trends continue, it will become increasingly

difficult to sustain human life on Earth. While I agree that it is vital to
tackle this problem. I believe that expenditure on research for new
planets to colonise should be given a low priority, and resources must
be used to find other, more practical solutions.
There are two major reasons why life on Earth is becoming more and
more unsustainable. One obvious problem is the uncontrolled
consumption of natural resources, which are being depleted as a result.
For instance, the extraction of fossil fuels, such as coal, gas and oil to
satisfy growing energy demands has serious environmental impacts,
and these resources will eventually run out. Another concern is the
rising level of pollution worldwide, of the land, the oceans and the air
that we breathe. In India, for example, thousands of tons of industrial
rubbish have been released illegally into rivers, killing aquatic life and
contaminating drinking water.
However, I would argue that the search for a new planet on which
humans could survive is a waste of valuable resources. Firstly, a vast
amount of funding would be required to finance such space exploration,
with no guarantee of success. This money is needed now to improve
health services globally and to provide better education for all.
Secondly, financial resources should be used to develop advanced
technologies that would be more environmentally- friendly and provide
renew able energy. In the field of transport, to take a simple example,
vehicles can now be converted to run on hydrogen or even waste
cooking oil – as McDonald’s have done with their trucks.
In conclusion, I consider that the search for new planets on which to

settle is a waste of time and resources, and efforts should be
concentrated on living more sustainably here on Earth.
103. Some people think that fittest and strongest individual and team
can achieve success in sports, while others believe that success depends
on mental attitude. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some individuals opine that only those who are physically fit succeed in
sports. However, others believe that a positive mental attitude is required for
succeeding in sports. Both sides will be discussed in this essay. I believe that
at the professional level, physical fitness is really important, but so is mental
tenacity and willpower.
The main reason why some people say that fitness and strength are very
important for success is that being fitter and stronger enables a person to go
the extra mile and gives him an edge over his competitors. In many sports, for
example in boxing, a physically superior fighter can sometimes overcome a
significantly more skilled opponent through sheer exertion. This is the reason
coaches also give so much importance to regular training.
On the other hand, those who say that players can succeed with a positive
mental attitude and good game plan give the following reasons. First, they
cite the examples of players who have succeeded because despite physical
shortcomings like short height, they have been able to excel at sports.
Secondly, they believe in most team sports like rugby, football, skill and
decision making assume more importance and, in some cases, overwhelm
fitness. In football, for instance, a player can outsmart a physically stronger
player through a creative pass.
I believe it is true that at the elite or the professional level, physical fitness is
extremely important. If two candidates with similar skills meet, it is generally
the one with superior physical abilities that comes out on top. However, it is
also true that most sports are more than a one on one physical fitness
challenge. Many sports, for example, require long hours of concentration and
even a second of complacency can cost the team a match. I don't think it
would be correct to consider either physical strength or mental tenacity more
important than the other.
To conclude, I think to excel in sports no doubt physical fitness and strength

have a role, but mental attitude is equally pivotal.
104. Full-time university students spend a lot of time studying.

Some say they should do other activities too. To what extent do
Students tend to be under too much pressure and have to deal with
multiple challenges day in and day out. Undergraduate students
attending full-time universities spend most of their time studying.
However, some feel that they should use it for other purposes as well. I
fully agree with the statement about the benefits of hobbies for the
body and mental health.
Admittedly, in order to provide students with a better future, full-time

programs are too demanding. For a student, this is a big responsibility.
For this reason, many people are always taking lessons and doing
homework. For instance, some of them have scholarships to pay for
university education. It is then important to maintain certain grades in
each subject. Since it is not possible to fail a test, some may have to
practice more than average before their exams. However, at the end of
the school year, many potential students burn out.
Nevertheless, due to health problems, undergraduates should increase

their leisure time. For example, yoga, sports, and even playing puzzle
games are some of the recommended activities to improve body and
brain activity. Since regular exercise is the best way to avoid problems
in the future, meditation and listening to music can reduce mental
stress. Some others might prefer to spend time with their families and
friends because they share common interests. Also, reading at the end
of a long learning journey can help people keep thinking about the same
topic. In addition, hobbies are known to reduce stress and anxiety.
In conclusion, while many students put in the extra effort to build their
future, it’s important to increase their free hours. Performing any
activity after a few hours of focus can be extremely rewarding.
105. Many people believe that countries should produce food

for all population eats and import food as little as possible. To
It is commonly suggested that food grown by the nations should satisfy

the needs of all their citizens and imports must be curbed as much as
possible. I completely agree with this point of view as this will help
countries in saving money and creating many opportunities for the
residents.
One of the biggest benefits of producing food in-house is that it can

financially favor the governments. Becoming self-sufficient in food
production and minimizing imports makes the country less dependent
on others and at the same it benefits local producers. This will also give
an upper hand in trade related decisions with other nations. Moreover,
food grown in the country will have lower base prices as they become a
regular item in people’s diet. For example, 30 years ago, India was
totally dependent on foreign countries for wheat and then wheat prices
were high. However, now the country produces enough wheat for its
people and prices have fallen by 60%. Thus, domestic production of
foods benefits national economies.
Additionally, the idea of growing food to fulfill the country’s demand

will create many opportunities for their people to grow. This will create
higher employment in this sector and will motivate the researchers to
develop new technologies. For instance, the state of Punjab created 40%
more jobs for its residents since the time it started to lead the nation in
the production of wheat. Furthermore, the state government was able
to allocate more resources to the research and development making
wheat much more affordable to the people of India.
In conclusion, the idea of growing food that can fulfil the need of the
country and curtailing imports is entirely justified. This will not only
make the country financially strong but also generate more employment
opportunities employment and elevate its technological capacities in
the long run.
106. Some people believe that universities should only offer places to
young students who receive high marks at school. Others think that
universities should offer a place to anyone of any age. Discuss and give
your opinion.
In today’s society, where the acquisition of knowledge is the key to better career
prospects, having access to tertiary education is a life-changing opportunity for
many students. However, some claim universities should only accept young
students with the highest grades, while others believe every student, regardless of
age and academic ability, should be given equal educational opportunities. I will
discuss both views and state my opinion in the following essay.
Admittedly, high school students with higher grades are more deserved to attend
university as their grades somewhat imply that they have superior academic skills
compared to their peers, be it a better memory, logical thinking or time
management skills. Therefore, such students are more likely to handle the immense
workload and pressure at university. Moreover, oﬀering university places to only a
limited number of students would result in high-quality undergraduates. For
example, most prestigious colleges in Vietnam, whose acceptance rates are low,
only recruit the highest scorers in the national university entrance exam to make
sure that all of the universities resources are available for students who have a
higher chance of success.
As sensible and beneficial as it is, many people oppose the aforementioned idea
since they believe that only accepting young academically-gifted individuals is unfair
to older students or those who do not do well at school. Firstly, a student’s age or
performance at school does not always reﬂect their potential to succeed at
university. Thus, it is unethical to deny access to tertiary education to some
students, especially in a world where formal qualifications are of great importance
in gaining employment. Also, there is more to college admissions than just academic
performance. In fact, many well-known universities in America, like Harvard or Yale,
not only accept academically gifted students but also those who are particularly
gifted in sport or art. This helps to maintain a diverse community, where each
student is valued and rewarded for what they are good at instead of just academic
excellence.
In conclusion, although only accepting students with high marks is advantageous in

some ways, I believe providing university places for all students is more just and
beneficial in the long run.
107. Nowadays in many countries women have full time jobs.

Therefore, it is logical to share household tasks evenly between men and
women. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
In many nations, females are opting to work full-time and therefore, it

is vital that household chores should be equally distributed by a married
couple. This essay agrees with this statement because it distributes the
workload of home evenly and this helps to lower conflicts in a family.
Admittedly, when married couples are regular employees, sharing

household duties reduces the burden of housework on one person. This
is because home chores can be completed in less time when two people
are performing their duties. As a result, they can calmly complete their
household work and can reach the workplace on time. For example, a
recent study by Cambridge University found that families in which both
partners are working full-time and sharing housework had less chaos in
the morning and reached at work on time. However, opponents say that
performing home duties is the responsibility of women.
Additionally, the families in which both husband and wife are working
have lesser conflict when they both help each other doing household
work. When both husband and wife contribute to household work, no
one raises complaints that one is doing more work as compared to
another. This leads to having a happy family and a prosperous life. To
illustrate, my wife is a working woman and I help her by cleaning the
house floors while she prepares breakfast in the kitchen. Due to this, we
never had a fight due to household works.
In conclusion, it is a good initiative to help partner in homework because

it reduces the pressure of performing household duties individually and
it lowers the chances of conflict in the family.
108. Some people say that industrial growth is necessary to solve

poverty, but some other people argue that industrial growth is creating
environmental problems and it should be stopped. Discuss both views
and give your opinion.
People have different views on whether industrial development should

be encouraged to eradicate poverty or should be stopped to reduce
global environmental related issues. Although a smaller section of the
population believed that this phenomenon will create employment and
increase the purchasing power of a nation, I consider that further
development should be in favour of the environment.
Admittedly, the main reason for the majority of people below the
poverty line is because of the unemployment rate. It is widely known
that if any industry growing, it will contribute to afford opportunities to
many jobless people. Secondly, having substantial and salary, residents
would not show a reluctance to purchase goods and services in order to
fulfil their elementary needs. This will not only greatly increase in the
procurement but also increase the overall country’s economy by paying
taxes. This extra accrued fund could be then utilised in the development
of remaining financial limited individuals.
On the other hand, despite the above arguments, according to me, it is

more important to consider the long-term benefits. Any industrial
development, including chemical factories, automotive, which are the
primary causes of air contamination are deleterious to human health as
well as to global environmental issues. If such corporations increase
significantly, then it will cause to the whole planet by which everyone
would suffer from it. Instead, there should obviously be growth in the
industries, but they contribute to the mitigate the environmental issues
rather than increasing them.
In conclusion, while developing an industry would play an important

role in solving the poverty issue, I believe that those industries should
consider plans which could bring benefits in the long run.
109. In some countries, more and more adults are continuing

to live with their parents even after they have completed
education and found jobs. Do the advantages outweigh
disadvantages?
It is commonly believed that grown-ups usually lead their independent life after they
finish their study program or get a job but, in some nations, there are a number of
graduates still residing in their families. From my perspective, while there may be
some benefits to this trend, I believe they will be outstripped by the drawbacks.
On the one hand, there are several advantages when adults live with their parents
after graduation or have jobs granted. Firstly, it can help forge a stronger
relationship between the family members as not only do they have opportunities
for immediate conversations, but they can also have more regular face-to-face
interactions. For example, newbie worker who has just completed their education
can share their experience and receive mental support or a piece of advice from the
experienced predecessor during dinner time. Secondly, living with their loved ones
can help adults to save a substantial amount of money. From a practical viewpoint,
those who live under a family roof can reduce monthly costs effectively by splitting
the household bills and sharing the food expenses. As a result, young adults can cut
back on their budget to save for other purposes or on a rainy day.
On the other hand, I strongly believe that there have been some detrimental effects
on those who do not live independently. One of the primary reasons for this is the
ability to make their own decision. This could be exemplified by the fact that in
Vietnam, many helicopter parents are often involved in their youngster’s decisions
and indirectly, harm their development in decision-making skills. Furthermore, they
can be over-reliant on their family. Admittedly, those who haven’t left their nests
are often exempt from mundane tasks such as washing dishes or preparing meals.
Consequently, this will harm the adults' self-reliance skills which leaves a negative
impact on their future careers.
In conclusion, although adults can have an easier life when staying in their home,
they will not be able to become mature people and high-functioning citizens of
society.
110. Some scientist thinks that there are intelligent life forms on
other planets and messages should be sent to contact them. Other
scientists think it is a bad idea and would be dangerous. Discuss both
Many scientific experts believe that there is an intellectual life available

outside the earth and away should be invented to communicate with them,
while others totally disapprove of this notion. Even though one could feel
this is beneficial for the world, I wholeheartedly opine that it has a negative
impact on the earth.
Admittedly, in order to find a better place than the earth, researchers are
continuously trying their level best to establish connections with the
aliens. The main reason to do so is that the world is highly populated, at
the same time global warming has been increasing at jet speed with
dwindling natural resources. For instance, ‘The times’ recently predicted
that by 2065, almost all the natural abundance, including water and air will
be depleted leaving the land not suitable for inhabitants. Due to the
current pressing trauma, scientists are enduring to connect with the livings
in the cosmos for assistance or if possible to migrate to their planet when
in need.
On the other hand, the extraterrestrial living force is assumed to be highly

intelligent. Will they cause a threat to our globe? Certainly, they may cause
outrageous danger to our planet. Mankind and the aliens do not have a
common language to communicate, as a result, trying to have a connection
with them could be misinterpreted or lead to misunderstandings. Not only
that but also their technological advancement could be greatly superior, as
a result, they may tend to invade the world by wiping the living existence
here. For example, many UFOs have been sighting recently, we do not
know what is coming on our way.
In conclusion, although a plethora of scientific studies is taking place to

locate a new planet for human existence in the future, in my perspective,
the best way is to refrain from such findings as such unknown life could be
a menace to the earth.
111. Parents should encourage children to spend less time

studying and more time doing physical activities. To what
In the modern world, admission to top universities is seen as a key step to

success, and many parents, in order to achieve this goal, force their
children to study more. However, some people believe that guardians
should encourage children to exercise more, rather than acquire
knowledge. From my point of view, I agree that children should spend
more time on physical activity.
Admittedly, a healthy body is the foundation for everything. As everyone

knows, physical activity gives people the opportunity to become stronger,
which allows students to learn for a long time and promotes the growth of
children. For example, although a student has excellent academic
performance in everyday life, his grades will be affected by fever in exams.
A strong body is more likely to survive in this situation. Thus, a strong body
is the most fundamental determinant of the success of every daily and
academic task.
Apart from the points mentioned above, there are a number of benefits to
focusing more on sports. In addition to the health benefits of these
activities, they can improve adolescents’ interpersonal skills and social
circle, since most sports activities involve teamwork. For instance, a
Volleyball team requires 6 people. Teammates tend to have a good
relationship as they train together and collaborate with others. It also
helps each of them understand what a team is and what responsibilities it
should take on. Therefore, spending more time in physical campaigns can
help you develop an understanding of teamwork, which is becoming more
and more important in today’s society. In addition, complex development
is increasingly welcomed in the modern world.
To conclude, I fully support the view that children should be encouraged to

be more physically active in order to make the human body stronger and
develop comprehensively.
112. In most of the societies, the role of mother and father differs.
What are the causes of this difference? What will be the parental roles
in future?
It is true that Parents play an indispensable role for the development of

their children. However, it is argued that there is different between the
responsibility of the fathers and the mothers in the children’s upbringing
process. This essay will analyze the several possible causes and predict the
trend in the future.
First and foremost reason for these differences is the way of conventional
thinking. like in the previous periods, People often hold the view that “the
men make houses, the women make home”. Therefore, it is common
phenomenon that while the fathers, breadwinners, go out to work in order
to make a living, the mothers are involved in household chores as take care
their children as well. The second reason is that in poor and developing
countries, there is an enormous number of people, especially the female
who are illiterate. The women who are insufficient skills and knowledge
required become unemployed; therefore, it leads them to be dependent
on their husbands’ income.
In the 21st century, the situation will change due to equal rights
movements. It will become not only normal for women to gain
qualifications and pursue a career but also socially acceptable for men to
stay at home and look after their children. Both fathers and mothers are
predicted to go out to work to earn money as well as share the housework
and take care their children to ensure the better conditions for their
children’s development.
In conclusion, the modern society witnesses the changing role of men and
women because of gender equity. They have equal opportunities in order
to assume childcare responsibilities as take up the outdoor types of jobs.
It is supposed that this trend is positive and beneficial for societies
113. Fresh water has always been limited resource in some parts of the
world. Today, however, growing worldwide demand has made this a
global problem. What are the causes of the increased demand and what
measures could governments and individuals take to respond to this
problem?
Fresh water, which is vital for the survival of humans and other flora and
fauna, has always been a scarce natural resource on our planet, and this has
been more acute in dried parts of the world. Due to rapid population growth
and industrialization, scarcity of this valuable resource has become a global
issue. In this essay, I shall outline the main factors that have contributed to
this problem and then elicit certain steps that can be taken to address this
problem.
Regarding the reasons for the increasing demands for fresh water, population
explosion is perhaps the most contributing factor. It is only natural that an
inflated global population means more demand for freshwater- without
which humans cannot live. Rapid industrialisation has also increased the
demand for salt-free water. For instance, millions of cars are being produced
every year, and a startling amount of water is required in the process. Finally,
urbanisation, human activities and industrialisation have polluted many
natural fresh water reserves and have compounded the graveness of this
issue.
As for the solutions to this intense and looming issue, strict legislation for
preserving natural fresh water is required. No factories or industries should
be allowed to carry on activities that pose threats to making freshwater
sources polluted. Moreover, to reverse the already polluted reservoirs, the
government should enact infrastructures for purification of them. More
scientific experiments and research are required to convert seawater into
saline-free water, which, I believe, will help in meeting the growing
requirement of freshwater. Similarly, ordinary people can also contribute
towards this noble cause by conserving water and also by limiting their daily
household water usage. They should also refrain from performing activities
that will pollute natural freshwater reserves.
In conclusion, freshwater is a limited resource without which humanity

cannot survive. This is why both the authorities and individuals should take
every measure to save the already inadequate resource and find ways to
purify seawater into freshwater.
114. According to one survey, the life expectancy of people is

increasing in developed countries. What problem will this cause
for individuals and society?
In recent years, developed countries have witnessed a steady increase in the

average life expectancy of populations. Therefore, the potential challenges
posed by an ageing population are inevitable. However, I believe that
countries can mitigate the possible adverse consequences by implementing
the necessary measures.
A progressively elderly population has several critical implications for society

and the economy. The major problem that countries have to deal with is a
shrinking workforce which leads to a decline in productivity, increased labour
costs, and delays in the expansion of businesses. Furthermore, with workers
retiring out of the workforce at an unprecedented rate, governments face an
increased burden upon the healthcare system, with chronic diseases and
health issues related to senior citizens becoming extremely prevalent.
Several steps could be taken to provide a resolution to the challenges

mentioned above. Firstly, governments should introduce a policy of phased
retirement and extend the retirement age from 65 to 70 by prompting older
workers to continue a healthy and efficacious life. This would also lessen the
pressures on the workforce and the economy. Likewise, burdens on the
healthcare system could be lessened by augmenting the healthcare budget
and supplementing government healthcare with the contribution of the
private sector in providing care and support to an ageing population. Lastly,
encouraging local involvement in volunteering, care, and artistic activities
with the elderly can make them feel included and comforted while having
immense social and economic benefits and alleviating some of the problems
related to aged populations.
To sum up, there are several problems that are generated by the increase in
average life expectancy in developed nations. However, if governments work
together with the community to solve these problems, eventually, the
challenges will be overcome.
115. Young people do not spend their holiday and weekend doing
outdoor activities like hiking and climbing in natural environment. Why?
And how to encourage them to go out?
These days, the young generations tend to spend less and less time on
outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain climbing. This essay will argue
that the possible reason for this negative trend is that children are getting
addicted to using the internet namely online games and social media, and it
will also suggest several potential remedies to solve this matter.
Technology is the main culprit to blame for causing children not to play
outside. According to recent studies, the majority of young people have a
tendency to use most of their spare time inside of the house to play computer
games or using social media platforms like Facebook, Youtube and so on. For
instance, my niece was Tiktoker when she turned 7 years old, and she spent
days and nights making videos. In other words, excessive screen time is
possibly the reason that affects children’s playtime outside.
There are a number of methods parents and schools can do to encourage their
children to play outside of the house. Firstly, schools can organize more
camping holidays or competitions such as running, and treasure hunts and so
on to attract their students to join in. Furthermore, parents should spend
more time having fun with their sons and daughters outside and help their
offspring develop a habit of enjoying their spare time with nature instead of
sitting in front of a computer. Take my sister as an example, she always tries
to take her daughter out for some cardiovascular workout in the early
morning to encourage her daughter to go outside more often.
In conclusion, young generations do not spend their leisure time doing hiking,
mountain climbing, and other outdoor activities because of being addicted to
using technology. However, parents and schools can get children to be involve
more in those hobbies by creating more opportunities for them to enjoy and
get used to being outside.
116. Nowadays it is not only large companies that can

make films. Digital technology enables anyone to
produce films. Do you think it is a positive or negative
development?
Thanks to the advancement of digital technology, it is now possible for almost

anyone to make a film. Personally, I think this is a positive development, and
will discuss the issue in the following essay.
Admittedly, with the advancement of personal electronic devices, such as

smartphones, computers, and digital cameras, making films is now reasonably
simple for many people. This advancement has therefore allowed film-making
to become a hobby and creative outlet for many people around the world.
There are even many apps available these days that allow people to shoot and
edit short films on their smartphones, and then upload the content to social
media and other platforms for people to see. Secondly, producing films is not
only a hobby for some people, but also a passion and a career goal. Now, with
such technology available, even those who do not have the opportunity to
formally study filmography at university, or those with a natural talent for
film-making are able to follow their dreams.
Besides being beneficial for those seeking creative expression, this

development is also positive in other ways. In the past couple of decades,
Hollywood movies have become repetitive and boring for many people, and
thanks to the development of technology, many creative directors and film-
makers who may not have been able to produce their films or release them
to the mainstream public are now able to thanks to the internet and digital
technology. This has allowed for a greater diversity of films and videos for
people to see. And finally, technology has now allowed people to create
documentaries about important issues in society and publish them online to
inform people about pressing issues, such as the environment. In the past,
what films and documentaries people were able to see was limited to what
was produced by large film producing companies, whose main concerns are
making profits.
In conclusion, although there may be some minor drawbacks of this

development, they are far outweighed by the benefits that it brings.
117. Some people say that if old people spend time and get along with
others and exercise everyday they will become fit. However, nowadays
old people are usually alone and do not talk to others which make them
unhappy and unfit. Causes and solutions?
Many elderly people today, despite recommendations from doctors, do not

get adequate exercise. I believe this is largely related to their upbringing and
simple psychology, while the best solutions augment existing remedies.
The most basic sources of this problem are historical and psychological. Many
old people today grew up in a period when exercise was not ubiquitous. Gyms
in schools and as private businesses are a more recent development so they
have not become ingrained habits for past generations. Moreover, men may
have experience playing a sport but female athletics were historically
underfunded and even banned in many nations, which has an effect on elderly
women in particular. This history intermingles with normal human
psychology. People are naturally embarrassed to stand out or appear foolish
in public. Feeling self-conscious is an initial barrier that prevents many elderly
from taking up a new sport or going to the gym for the first time.
The most efficacious solutions involve better accommodating the elderly. One
way to do this would be to build more parks for exercise. In some East Asian
countries such as Vietnam and South Korea, they have been building both
small and large, rural and urban parks with basic exercise equipment for
decades. They are easy to use, common and the elderly have become
acclimated to them. Many more elderly would exercise if there was an
expansion and replication of these successful policies. Another related fix
would be to build more fitness centres. This may not have a huge impact at
the moment, because gym members tend to be younger, but as a new
generation of old people rises up, these centres will become more important
and allow governments to take a proactive, rather than reactive, approach.
In conclusion, there are both historic and fundamentally human reasons for
why old people do not exercise today. In my opinion, the solutions are not
novel but would clearly lead to improved health for the elderly.
118. Some education systems make students focus on certain subjects

at the age of 15, while others require students to study a wide range of
subjects until they leave school. What are the benefits of each system?
Which is better?
Many students are made to attend certain classes when they are 15 years of
age, while others are required to learn various subjects before leaving school.
Although an education system with a broad range of subjects can provide
diverse knowledge, that with a narrower range is better as learners have
more time for other activities desired.
Those supporting the former education system may claim that students can
access a wider range of knowledge that they may need in their later life.
Having a chance to attend many classes, students are taught numerous
lessons related to various fields, many of which can be of great help when
they grow up. For instance, in Vietnam, students aiming at engineering
courses in university are only required to have good grades in Maths and
Physics. However, the knowledge they have acquired in non-major classes like
English or Computer Science can offer them a competitive edge when they
apply for a job in a multinational company, compared to those who are not
familiar with foreign languages or computers.
On the other hand, students who study only a few subjects have more time
for other purposes than those studying so many. With fewer subjects to learn,
they have extra time either for stress relievers such as playing some sport or
taking a rest or for further research related to their chosen subjects. The
former activity helps students relieve pressure at school and recharge their
energy, whereas the latter is a good way of reviewing the lesson taught in
class. Scientifically, these activities increase their study efficiency and
academic performance, so such an education system is much better than that
forcing students to learn various subjects.
In conclusion, although the knowledge learnt in various classes is potentially

helpful, I believe that a study program with not so many classes is more
beneficial to students who can have more time for deeper study or relaxation.
119. Immigration has a major impact on the society. What are the main
reasons of immigrations? To what consequences can it lead?
Immigration has a significant impact on the contemporary society. Each year,

more and more people from all over the world decide to leave their home
countries and move to another place. This essay will examine the reasons and
the consequences of immigration.
In my view, the main reason of immigration is a strong desire of better life

quality and safe future. A lot of people from so-called Third World move to
developed countries in search of better employment opportunities, and
therefore, higher incomes. Moreover, living in a wealthy country implies living
in a country with stable economy, so risks of losing their savings also lessen.
For example, labour migration from Mexico to the USA is caused by these
facts. Other reasons that force whole families to cross borders are wars and
various cultural conflicts in their homeland. Many people migrate, seeking
security and safe future for their children. For instance, most of the refugees
who arrived in the European Union were escaping from wars.
However, sometimes immigration causes more problems than it solves,

resulting in negative consequences for both immigrants and their countries of
destination. First of all, most of the refugees can’t find jobs because of the
lack of language skills and difficulties in adaptation. That’s why the countries
have to run various refugee assistance programs to help those people. But
disproportionate burden of maintaining the immigrants leads to tension in
the society. Secondly, not all of the refugees receive proper asylum, food and
medical care. Thus, they are at risk even after crossing the border. Finally,
even highly qualified specialists, who seek better employment, often don’t
get what they are looking for.
In conclusion, I think that people immigrate to have better life prospects.

However, life after immigration may not always meet people’s expectations.
So, it is very important to consider all the possible outcomes and decide
whether leaving your homeland is worth it.
120. Online shopping is significantly increasing. What effect does this

have people, what are the demerits and what are the job opportunities?
With the proliferation of the internet and smart phones, the trend of online
shopping is growing rapidly. This positively impacts environment as it reduces
the need of a shop which has a huge ecological footprint. This impacts society
in a favourable way by reducing the cost of goods and in an adverse way by
reducing employment.
Traditionally, the products are sold in a physical shop that requires lighting,
air conditioning, and infrastructure. All these result in environment damage
as these require a lot of electricity and raw materials that lead to emission of
greenhouse gases (GHG). Online shops, on the other hand, merely transport
goods from a large regional warehouse whose ecological footprint, a measure
of GHG emissions, is lower than local shops. Thus, online shops contribute in
environment preservation.
On top of that, online shops have better economies of scale and thus offer
prices which are lesser than local shops. This reduces the financial burden on
pockets of the citizens and enables them to spend more on education, culture,
and entertainment. These activities promote social stability and harmony.
However, they often lead to lower employment in a society. Various studies
have proved that online shops employ fewer people and they result in
shutting down of local businesses. For example, Amazon and Flipkart offer
heavy discounts on various products that local stores cannot provide. This
shifts consumer choice to these websites and this results in loss of local jobs.
In conclusion, online shopping impacts a society and the environment in

various positive and negative ways. While it reduces employment
opportunities for some, it reduces the cost of goods for a large majority of
people. It also reduces the impact of business on the environment. This builds
environment sustainability, social stability and economic prosperity in a
region.
121. Many students choose to take a gap year before starting

university, to travel or gain work experience. Do you think this is a good
idea or a waste of time?
Taking a “gap year” off between high school and university has become a
popular option among many young people. This time off provides a break
after many years of formal study. Some students use this time to travel
around the world, others volunteer and some begin working. The idea behind
each of these activities is to do something hands-on and refreshing, which
enables young people to learn more about themselves and their place in the
world around them.
The benefits of taking a year off are plentiful. On a personal level, students
who travel away from home develop their independence and self-confidence.
On a cultural level, they learn about viewpoints, traditions and perspectives
different from their own. Professionally, students get a taste of diverse
workplaces, which might inspire a possible career interest. Intellectually, they
examine their own beliefs and ideas in relation to those of others in a new
environment. All these advantages combine to make a strong case for taking
the one-year break.
Nevertheless, there are also dangers involved in taking such a long break.
Academically, the main drawback is that students can get sidetracked from
their studies. A year is a long time and students could lose the good study
habits and sense of discipline they had when they were in a formal academic
structure. If they begin working, they could also be deluded into thinking that
they’re making a lot of money. They could lose the benefit of college or
university education and the chance to earn a higher income all their lives.
In conclusion, whether to take a year-long break or not is an individual

decision. Each young person should consider his or her motivations carefully
and decide on what’s most desirable. Time is a precious resource and people
of all ages, including young people, should treat it with respect.
122. In some countries people spend long hours at work. Why

does this happen? Is it positive or negative development?
Arguably, in some nations, individuals take several hours at their jobs

compared to others. Personally, I believe it is due to the demanding
nowadays' work and it is undoubtedly a negative development since it has
deleterious effects on workers' health. Albeit, it widens their incomes. This
essay will shed light on both sides of the view and provide anecdotal evidence
to prove the arguments.
Amongst manifold motives for the aforementioned view, in my opinion, the

increasing and challenging agenda is behind this. In other words, today's
employees attend summits, make reports, deal with customers and
especially, they travel long distances in the job's mission. For example, over
the past year, an ordinary worker had solely one function as teacher or
welder, however, these days with the new management policies in which a
worker performs more than one activity the landscape has changed. As a
result, the majority of them squander more than 8 hours daily recommended
internationally.
Unfortunately, it harms the employees' health. Because of long hours

frittered a myriad of them get stressed, get anxious, and in extreme cases get
depressed. For instance, the recent investigation by the University of Exeter
showcased that a quarter of full-time employees throughout the world get
depressed due to 10-12 hours spent on their employment. Hence, it shortens
their lifespan. Although in many cases they are rewarded by the high incomes
which means companies pay them extra-hours spent working. Moreover, a
plethora of them got luxurious goods and a better lifestyle due to this.
In conclusion, individuals squander the overwhelming majority of their time

in their job owing to the fact that the extremely tightened agenda.
Notwithstanding that it is the source of widened personal incomes, it has also
a wide range of drawbacks. Therefore, I still regard it as a negative
development.
123. Some people think that economic progress is the only way to
measure a country’s success, while others think there are other factors
which can be used to measure a country’s success. What are these
factors? Which, of all factors, do you think are most important?
Many economists, politicians and people around the world use economic
progress as the only yardstick for evaluating a country’s progress. Others,
however, consider other factors, such as education, healthcare, freedom of
speech, to measure a country’s advancement. In my opinion, education
exceeds all other factors in importance.
Access to education, freedom of speech, and healthcare should seriously be

taken into consideration when assessing a nation’s success. Education for all
citizens is pivotal to the success of a country. Freedom of speech is another
crucial factor to certainly be considered. Freedom of speech promotes
democracy, this, in turn, fosters prosperity in every facet of a nation. A very
good example here is the Arab spring. Despite the tremendous economic
success, many Arab nations are in severe crisis due to the absence of
democracy. Aside from freedom of speech, the healthcare system is also an
indicator to evaluate a nation’s achievement. A good healthcare system,
measured by a reduced mortality rate to easy access to medical services,
denotes the progress of a country.
Among these indicators, however, the right to education is the most effective
way to measure a nation’s success. This is because education frees poor
people from poverty, reduces inequalities and income disparities, empowers
women, and creates a conducive environment for individuals to unlock their
full potential. It also reaps considerable economic benefit to a country and
helps societies to facilitate lasting peace and sustainable development. In
fact, access to education is the key to all human rights, which in turn, pave the
way for the success of a country. That is why the right to education is the most
powerful factor in measuring a country’s achievement.
In conclusion, education proves to be a significant indicator to measure a

nation’s success. However, other factors such as economic progress,
healthcare facility and freedom of speech, also determine the prosperity of a
country.
124. In many workplaces, online communication is getting

more common than meeting face to face. Do the advantages of
this development outweigh the disadvantages?
Undoubtedly, due to advancement in the modern technology the ways of

sharing information have changed. As a result of this, in a number of
workplaces the digital way of exchanging ideas is becoming more popular
than personal meetings. In this essay, I am going to discuss the reasons why
the merits of online communication outweigh the demerits.
To commence with, online communication has numerous advantages from an

individual and business point of view. As for the company, businesses need
not spend huge amount on the maintenance of the office equipment and the
infrastructure. For example, there is no need to rent or lease a place to do
face to face communication. From individuals’ point of view, online
exchanging of idea is time saving and convenient. Moreover, individuals do
not need to travel long distances to reach the workplace. Furthermore, the
digital way of communication is the fastest way. There is no need to book a
venue or make other arrangements. There is only a need to setup online link
to invite employees to attend online meeting. Overall, it is less time
consuming and involves low cost as compared to face to face interaction.
Nevertheless, online mode of exchanging ideas involves virtual and technical

issues. For instance, in order to attend online meetings, there is a need to
have a high-quality internet connectivity to get the good quality audio and
video. In addition to this, some cyber criminals can hack the sensitive business
information and may use it in appropriate manner.
To conclude, the digital way of exchanging idea is the most effective way and
it involves less cost compared to face to face meetings. It is fast and
convenient. Sometimes technical issues may delay the sharing of information.
Even so, in my opinion, the advantages it offers to individuals and companies
outweigh the disadvantages.
125. Some businesses find that their new employees lack basic interpersonal
skills such as cooperative skill. What are the causes and suggest possible
solutions.
Interpersonal skills such as collaborative skills are becoming increasingly crucial in

today’s workplace. However, a number of employers keep complaining that their
new recruits are seriously lacking in these skills. This essay will consider the principal
causes of social skills deficit among young employees and then outline some
potential remedies.
Considering firstly the reasons, this worrying issue can be attributed to deficiencies
in education system and excessive usage of social networking sites. School curricula
are placing far too much focus on individual academic success and far too little on
soft skill development. Having had almost no chance to work in a team, a vast
number of fresh graduates are entering the workforce with inadequate
interpersonal skills. Another contributing factor could be the over-reliance on social
media, such as Facebook, Whatsapp and Twitter. These ubiquitous networking and
messaging apps have become the dominant means of communication among young
people at the expense of face-to-face interactions because their users tend to be
exclusively accustomed to texting. In fact, they are depriving the youth of valuable
opportunities to sharpen their people skills.
With regard to potential solutions, it is imperative that both educational institutions

and families take appropriate measures to enhance social capabilities of the young.
The immediate response is for schools and universities to divert greater attention
and resources into non-technical skill training. They can adjust their curricula and
teaching methods by including more interactive lessons, group discussions and
group assignments. Besides, student performance should be measured based on not
only test results but also their engagement in extra-curricular activities such as team
sports and community building projects. Another major remedy is for families to
limit their children’s screen time and encourage them to participate in social
activities. Parents, for example, can get their child involved actively in chores at
home and community work in their neighbourhood. This would enable young
people to acquire their communication and collaboration skills at an early age.
In conclusion, the shortage of essential social skills in young workforce could be

linked to deficient education system and social media dependency. Immediate
solutions might be to incorporate interpersonal skills modules into school curricula
and to replace children’s excessive virtual socializing with meaningful community
activities
126. New technologies have changed the way children spend their free
time. Do advantages outweigh disadvantages?
The advent of new technologies has led to changes in young children's

recreational activities. In my view, the drawbacks of those changes are more
significant than the benefits.
On the one hand, the appearance of new devices has brought certain values
to children. First, more choices are now available on computers or any other
electrical devices that are connected to the Internet. This would satisfy
children of different preferences for entertainment, such as watching movies,
listening to music or playing games on online platform. Second, some useful
skills and necessary qualities can be either initially obtained or horned by
playing electronic games. Scientifically, racing games help develop motor
skills in later life. Also, creativity and fast reflexes which are of great use in
the future can be enhanced though puzzle or shooting games.
Despite those said advantages, I still believe that the downside of the
emergence of modern technological devices in children's leisure time is more
worrying. The first drawback is that children might develop a passive lifestyle
and possibly isolate themselves from society. This is because this way of
entertainment is extremely addictive, and children therefore are likely to
spend hours in their room without any communication with the outside world
if exposed frequently.
Furthermore, exposure to technology could lead to deterioration in health as

hours spent on using computers can cause tremendous harm to eyesight. In
fact, children at school age are suffering from short-sight due to playing video
games or browsing Facebook for a long time.
In conclusion, it seems to me that, regarding children's leisure activities, the

benefits of newly introduced technological devices are eclipsed by the
disadvantages.
127. With growing population in cities, more and more people live in a
home with small or no outdoor areas. Is it a positive or negative
development?
Due to the growing population in cities, a rising number of individuals

live in accommodations with small or no outdoor areas. In my opinion,
it is a negative development because it negatively affects people’s
health and declines productivity.
To begin with, spending life in an accommodation with little space could

invite numerous health problems. There is no denying this conviction
that lack of outdoor space affects the cross ventilation in the room that
causes respiratory disorders. Utilizing time in such an environment for
long period is a daunting task, as it encourages laziness. The metro cities
of India are the prime examples, where due to lack of space inside the
houses, the corona pandemic spread was higher than in other areas.
Moreover, it leads to a sizeable reduction in convenience that declines

people’s output substantially. It is an accomplished fact that families
with many generations living in the same accommodation would usually
lack privacy when their house is small and narrow. They find it
uncomfortable to invite people to their homes for celebrations. Apart
from this, the children do not get a serene environment for study. And,
when some family member goes unwell, the other member’s life
becomes challenging, due to lack of space. To quote my experience,
during my college years, I shifted to a small flat with four inmates, during
that time, my concentration level declined considerably, resulting in
poor grades.
To conclude, spending life in an abode with a small or no outdoor area

is an imprudent approach because it impacts the physical and emotional
well-being of people. Furthermore, it reduces their output too.
128. Art is considered an important part of the society as well as an

expression of its culture. Do you think it is important for children to be taught
art? Do you think children should be encouraged to focus on art rather than
other subjects?
It is commonly believed that art plays a fundamental role in society as artists

are able to express their thoughts and their culture in their work. In my
opinion, children should definitely learn art because they can develop
creativity and learn to express themselves in their art work but it should not
be taught to the detriment of other subjects.
Admittedly, art is an essential subject which children, especially young

children, should learn in order to help promote their creativity and
imagination. Without the development of imagination and creative thinking,
children will struggle to grow into dynamic, individual thinkers when they
reach adulthood. Furthermore, some children are particularly gifted in their
creative abilities and studying art can help them nurture their talents.
Another important advantage for children when practicing art is that it

provides a medium through which they can express their emotions and
feelings. In other words, young children do not have the linguistic capabilities
to put their ideas into language and thus communicate directly. Therefore, by
using art, they are able to convey meaning through pictures and symbols. For
this reason, many child psychologists often study the art work of children to
gain an insight into what they think and feel.
However, regardless of how useful the study of art is for children, this should
not result in more focus being placed on art rather than other subjects.
Children need to have a balance of all subjects so as to facilitate a healthy
development both mentally and physically. Thus, ensuring that there is a
healthy balance of art, sciences, languages and physical education in the
school syllabus is essential.
In conclusion, while art certainly helps a child develop creativity as well as

express their thoughts, it should be taught equally alongside all other
subjects. A school curriculum should offer a balance of subjects.
129. Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female

students in every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Education is crucial in everyone’s life as it sets the route to achieve their full
potential. Similarly, it is claimed that educational institutions such as
universities should accommodate men and women equally rather than
making a visible distinction between them. However, I do not agree with this
notion from my perspective.
The university enrolls students based on their application and merit;

therefore, it is unfeasible to intake the same number of students for all degree
programs. There would be insufficient applications if educational institutions
admitted students depending on their gender. Furthermore, many courses
are more popular with one gender than the other, making equal proportions
unachievable. For instance, most female students pursue teaching and
nursing courses in large numbers than engineering courses, which are more
appealing to male students. As a result, filling these above-mentioned courses
based on gender equality would be onerous.
In addition, it would be prejudiced to base admissions to the degree courses

on gender equality. The universities should follow the age-old method of
admitting students for each course based on their qualifications and merit.
This would ensure that both male and female students had equal opportunity
in the university and their careers.
Although gender-equitable education empowers both male and female

students, it would be erroneous to reject a male student with high grades in
favour of accepting a female student because of the university’s gender
equality.
To sum up, the sophisticated, developed, and industrialized world runs on the
wheels of education; as a result, both genders need to obtain education to be
able to survive in the competitive world. Thus, the university’s selection
procedure should be based on merit, and changing the age-old selection
method based on gender equality would be inappropriate.
130. Overpopulation in many major urban centres around the world is

a major problem. What are the causes of this? How can this problem be
solved?
Overpopulation is rising at an alarming rate in major cities around the world.

It is caused by the migration of rural people into urban areas due to the lack
of educational or employment opportunities in villages and small towns.
Building educational institutions and industries in villages is the most viable
solution to this problem.
To begin with, although there are plenty of schools and colleges in rural cities,
there are very few universities. It forces many aspiring students to migrate to
cities in order to pursue their higher education. Secondly, in urban areas,
there is a plethora of industries and companies which provide astronomical
employment opportunities to the aspirants. For example, in India, in the last
few decades, numerous multinational companies have recruited a major
portion of the graduates to work in their firms located in various countries.
This, in turn, inspires more and more people to move towards urban centres
and better career prospects.
These issues can be tackled by the government by building schools and

colleges in villages. This move will make higher education easily accessible to
rural people and thus mitigate migration. Secondly, the state authorities and
the government should promote multinational companies to open their
branches in undeveloped areas. By doing so, the locals may get an
employment opportunity in their hometowns . The government can also look
to provide incentives to the local farmers, and help supply irrigation facilities
to increase the production rate of crops. Hence, people can obtain enough
money to survive in less developed areas.
In conclusion, if the government takes necessary steps to build universities

and encourage companies to set-up their operations in rural cities, the
problem of overpopulation in developed cities can be tackled.
131. Globalization has both advantages and disadvantages. Discuss

both and give your opinion.
Globalization is such a commonly used term in the twentieth century. It

simply means that the world has become integrated economically, socially,
politically and culturally through the advances of technology, transportation
and communication. It is undeniable that globalization has resulted in both
positive and negative effects which must be addressed accordingly.
Admittedly, globalization has contributed to the world's economies in many

beneficial ways. The advances in science and technology have allowed
businesses to easily cross over territorial boundary lines. Consequently,
companies tend to become more productive and competitive thereby raising
the quality of goods, services and the world's living standard. In addition,
several companies from the more developed countries have already ventured
to establish foreign operations or branches to take advantage of the low cost
of labor in the poorer countries. This kind of business activity will provide
more influx of cash or investment funds into the less developed countries.
However, one cannot deny the negative effects which have derived from
globalization. One crucial social aspect is the risk and danger of epidemic
diseases which can easily be spread as the transportation becomes easier and
faster in today's advanced society. This is evidenced in the recent birds flu
disease which has infected most Asian countries over a short period of time.
As large corporations invest or take over many offshore businesses, a modern
form of colonization will also evolve which may pose certain power pressure
on the local governments of the less developed countries. Unemployment
rates in the more developed regions such as Europe may also escalate as
corporations choose to outsource to the cheaper work force from Asian
countries.
In conclusion. I like to reiterate that globalization is inevitable and we must

urge individuals, companies and governments to use a more balanced
approach by taking the appropriate steps to deal with matters relating to the
financial or economical gains verses the social, political or ecological concerns
of the world.
132. Many different countries have most shops and products as the
same. Some consider it a positive development, whereas others consider
it negative. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
It is indubitable that globalization has ushered in an era of similarities. People

are divided on whether It is indubitable that globalization has ushered in an
era of similarities. People are divided on whether these likenesses are good
or bad. This essay intends to analyze both perspectives. I, however, side with
the former view.
On the positive side, people have more choices, as now everything is available
everywhere. Earlier, only locally made products were available, but now
people are able to enjoy things from all over the world. For instance, earlier
there were only two popular brands of shoes available in India, which were
Bata and Carona, but today we have Reebok, Nike, Adidas, Puma and so many
more. Similar examples can be cited for infinite number of other products.
Therefore, in this regard, having similar shops and products is a positive thing.
In addition, people are becoming aware of other cultures and lifestyles

through these products. They are becoming tolerant of each other. They have
the choice of picking and adopting the best points of each culture, and as a
consequence a global culture is emerging. The youth of today are adopting
this culture and are wearing globally similar clothes, eating similar food, using
similar cosmetics, having similar furniture in their homes and they are living
similar lifestyles.
Another benefit of this similar situation is that relations between countries

are improving. When countries import or export their products, they develop
bonds with each other, which is good for both. For instance, India exports tea
and iron ore to other countries, and imports automobiles, refrigerators and
televisions etcetera. It is but obvious that countries, which are linked by trade,
cannot afford to go against each other.
To sum up, similarity in shops and products has its dark and light side, but the
pros definitely edge over the cons.
133. In some countries schools arrange work for students without any
payment, so that students get experience. Do the advantages of this
trend outweigh the disadvantages to the company or institution?
Unpaid internships are a part of many degree programs nowadays. I believe

this trend has many advantages, along with a few disadvantages for the
student as well as the places they work in.
The main advantage of working in companies for free as part of course is to

the students themselves. Students gain valuable experience, which can help
them in deciding the career of their choice. An internship can also give them
the possibility of securing a job upon graduation or shortly thereafter. Former
interns have a competitive advantage over other job seekers since the
company knows them. In addition, these internships also benefit the
employers in several ways. They get services at no cost. They can screen
trainees and get acquainted with their quality of work. They can always hire
employees who show good progress when performing duties assigned by
them. In this way employers can convert interns to full-time employees
seamlessly, which reduces or eliminates any training-related costs.
There are benefits to the educational institutes also. Their student interns
tend to bring their real-world experience back to the classroom, which helps
keep courses relevant and curriculum up-to-date with the current trends. This
results in a richer learning experience for everyone.
On the other hand, unpaid internships also have a downside. Those who do
unpaid internships can be exploited and made to work longer hours, which
may affect the current employees. They may find these younger counterparts
a threat. Secondly, many students can't afford to take an internship if it
doesn't pay anything, which can contribute to social inequality. Finally, it has
been seen that doing a free internship does not actually increase
employability. Employers start thinking that such unpaid interns may also be
willing to work for lesser money than their regular employees.
To sum up, unpaid internships have advantages to interns, employers and

educational institutes. There are a few disadvantages, but the advantages
overpower them.
134. Many people believe that healthy eating and the importance of healthy
food should be taught in schools. Others say that parents should teach their
kids about healthy food and diet. Discuss both views, give your opinion and
relevant examples.
The importance of a healthy diet has grown ever since we have stepped into a
sedentary lifestyle, topped up with a mushroom growth of affordable fast-food
outlets. Some people opine that parents should apprise children about a healthy
diet, whereas others say that it should be on the teachers to teach students about
healthy eating. This essay intends to analyse both perspectives. I believe that in
today's scenario, both teachers and parents have to share this task pro-actively.
It is easy to see why some people hold the opinion that teaching children about
healthy eating should be parents job. Parents are the people children look upon as
role models. Children imitate their parents in all things. For instance, they smile
when their parents smile, repeat what they say and imitate their mannerisms. Eating
is no different, and the way parents talk about food, cook meals and eat are the
most important influence of developing healthy eating habits in a child. Researches
have shown that children who ate with their families had healthier overall diets than
those who did not. As a result, these children also tended to have a lower prevalence
of obesity.
Nevertheless, there are reasons why some people contend that teachers are in a
better position than parents to act as positive role models for students, as far as
healthy eating is concerned. Students watch what the teacher says and does, very
carefully. A teacher who makes healthy choices - including healthy eating and
regular physical activity- can have a good influence on the health of students.
Students spend only about 6-8 hours in a school every day, but that time is the most
impressionable time. Moreover, some parents themselves are not much aware of
healthy eating. Teachers can in fact teach them too through their children.
I believe, neither teachers nor parents can shrug their shoulders and say it is not
their job to teach children about healthy eating. It has to be a combined effort to
ward off the menace of childhood obesity. Obesity is the root of several other
diseases, which can afflict children. If both parents and teachers accept this
responsibility and strive to be good role models for children, the whole community
would be benefited.
To sum up, talking about wholesome diet to children is very essential in today's
times and both teachers and parents must do it together to leave an imprint on the
minds of children.
135. Some believe that we should invent a new language for

international communication. Do the advantages of this outweigh the
disadvantages?
There are so many languages around the world, thereby discouraging people
from different regions or cultures to communicate with each other. To
overcome this obstacle, some people propose to invent a new language,
which will be used as an "international language" among people who come
from different areas. Although this proposal seems reasonable, I personally
see more disadvantages than advantages of inventing a new language.
First of all, many people would not accept a new language because it would
be artificial and not based on any culture. In addition, people would have to
spend time to learn the grammar and the words of the new language.
Additionally, promoting a new language would require financial support and
a lot of time. For instance, in some countries such as China and India there are
many languages because it is financially unrealistic to teach everyone in poor
areas the same language. Although this might be achieved finally, it will take
as long as a hundred years, or even more.
Another reason against having a new language is that it may be divided into
dialects, and so the whole purpose of having one language would be lost. For
instance, in Punjab, a small state of India, the mother tongue Punjabi has two
dialects, which are quite different from each other. So, it would be unrealistic
to expect one language without different dialects in the whole world. Finally,
we all know that variety is the spice of life and language is related to culture.
So, if we have one language spoken in the whole world, then it would be a
dreary and dismal place to live in.
To sum up, although there would be benefits such as easy trade and travel,
inventing a new language for the international communication is not a good
idea because of the various reasons given above. In my opinion it is totally a
waste of time and money to invent a new language because its advantages
cannot outweigh its disadvantages.
136. Some people believe that language should be taught in small

classes, while other people think the number of students in a language
class does not matter. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Extensive research has been done to show the best conditions to learn languages.
Class size is one such fiercely debated topic. Some people opine that small classes as
being better for students. However, others say that large classes are better for
teaching languages. In this essay, I shall discuss both views. I believe that for a
language class to be effective, it should neither be too big, nor too small.
Advocates of smaller classes cite a host of benefits. First, there is better student
achievement in smaller classes. This is because teachers can pay more attention to
fewer students. They can employ numerous innovative classroom strategies that a
smaller class makes possible, and at the same time have more discipline in the
classroom. This gives more time for teachers to focus on instruction than classroom
management. Secondly, smaller groups can enjoy better peer interaction. This is
because everybody knows everybody. Everybody knows if someone is absent or off-
track, and the smaller groups help the low-performing students achieve better.
On the other hand, there are reasons why some people are in favour of bigger
classes. Primarily, the cost is less if the classroom is bigger. Fewer teachers are
needed to handle bigger class size. What is more, if class size is made smaller, many
new and inexperienced teachers are put into the job, which reduces the efficiency
of teaching. Therefore, with fewer, but more experienced teachers, there is more
effective teaching in bigger classrooms. Moreover, students learn independence and
self-motivation, because teachers don't have time for one on one interaction with
students. Finally, students learn to work in groups, because group work becomes a
necessity in large classrooms.
In my opinion, there is no one right answer when discussing classroom size, and
advantages and disadvantages exist for both approaches. Many people do not
favour smaller classes for many reasons. In a survey it was found that people
preferred to go to bigger classes with more experienced teachers than smaller
classes with inexperienced teachers. Secondly, the students may not have a
sufficient amount of peers to interact with if the class is small. So, the advantages of
one approach automatically become the disadvantages of the other.
To sum up, in deciding the class size, the key for teachers and administrators is to
strike a balance between too many students and too less students.
137. In some cities there are few controls over the design and
construction of homes and other buildings, and owners can decide on
the design of their houses. Do the advantages of this outweigh the
drawbacks?
In some parts of the world, there are no regulations and rules to be followed for building
design and construction. Although the supporters of this freedom have their arguments to
justify it, I believe that there are more disadvantages of there being no laws and rules than
its merits.
Admittedly, having no control on the design of offices and homes may lead to compromising
the safety of the residents of the respective building. For example, if there are no fire safety
regulations followed in a building, it may lead to destruction of property and loss of lives in
case of a fire. Also, some regions are prone to natural calamities like earthquakes, floods,
etc. In such regions, the buildings need to be designed keeping in mind these situations, so
that the loss of life and property is minimized.
To add to it, the design of residential buildings, offices, educational facilities, hospitals etc.
should be made keeping in mind the special needs of the disabled people. This can be
regulated if there are rules made by the government, making it compulsory for all such
buildings to have proper ramps, lifts etc. to cater to the needs of the elderly and the
disabled. Furthermore, if there are rules then cities can be planned better. There would be
no encroachments onto another person's property or on public property. Proper utilization
of space can be done and also it gives a more aesthetic appeal to the city. For example, in
Chandigarh there are limitations to the height of buildings and there are no random
constructions allowed. Areas for constructing offices and other businesses have also been
segregated. Proper approval is required before any new building is to be constructed. This
has helped make the city more beautiful and appealing for the visitors.
Another very important reason for having design restrictions is that otherwise the new
constructors may obstruct the light and air of the older houses, which may lead to bitterness
among societies. For example, in Punjab, the PUDA (Punjab Urban Design Association) has
made it mandatory to leave a certain amount of space in the front and back of each house.
So, such rules are in the interest of everyone. Some people argue that it restricts the
creativity of the architects if they have to conform to the rules of the design. It hinders the
creativity and stops them from creating beautiful and unique buildings. There are many
famous buildings all over the world that are known because of their unique design. For
instance, the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore, the Opera house in Sydney, the
Guggenheim museum, etc., which have become great tourist attractions because of the
building design. They have given an identity to the cities they are in.
To summarize, it is true that there are a few benefits of giving people independence to
design their homes and other buildings, but the drawbacks are much more. Normal
residential areas should conform to certain rules and regulations. Unique buildings should
need special approval, and should not be many in number. Normal residential areas should
conform to certain rules and regulations.
138. In some countries tv programmes are transmitted throughout the

day and night. Some people think that 24-hour transmission has positive
impacts, while others believe it is negative. Discuss both views and give
your opinion
A variety of TV shows such as soaps, sitcoms, documentaries, adverts and news

reports are transmitted round the clock. Some people claim that this is beneficial
while others oppose it because of the negative influence. I will discuss both
perspectives in the upcoming paragraphs. I personally side with the former view.
The main reason why some people are in favour of round-the-clock TV programmes
is that it is keeping people abreast of what is happening around them. Moreover,
with these repeat telecasts they can catch up with what they missed, at their own
convenient time. Secondly, TV viewing is a passive activity which acts as a stress
buster for people. For instance, when they return home after a hectic day’s work,
watching their favourite TV soap or some sitcom relaxes them. Another big
advantage is that TV acts as a platform for the publicity of new products, which is a
win-win situation for both-the manufacturing companies and the audience as they
have more choices of goods.
On the other hand, the telecasting of TV programs throughout the day and night
does not appeal to many people because of many reasons. To begin with, because
of too many choices of TV programs all the time, people are not doing other physical
activities, and so they are living unhealthy lives. Besides, to attract people there are
many shows, which have violence and pornographic content, which is not
appropriate for the mental health of people especially the young. Finally, the 24-
hour transmission of foreign channels are luring the younger generation towards the
global culture which is making them forget their own roots.
I believe that the telecast of TV programs is very helpful for people in the global
village of today. The society is 24/7 and work hours have round-the-clock shifts, so
entertainment should also be 24/7. The onus is on the people to have a check on
their TV viewing and spare time for other activities. Parents can block channels,
which they don't want their children to see. So, if all these things are looked into,
the positives are much more.
In conclusion, non-stop TV transmission has both, pros and cons. However, the
merits definitely outweigh the demerits as we belong to a 24/7 society and we need
to know what is happening around us all the time.
139. It is now possible for scientists and tourists to travel to remote

natural environment, such as the South Pole. Do the advantages of this
development outweigh the disadvantages?
Remote tourism, or the name given to visiting undiscovered habitats, is

becoming very fascinating for both scientists and tourists. While the
exploration of such areas has its positives, I believe the associated
drawbacks
are far more severe.
Admittedly, the idea of more people travelling to remote locations is

perceived favorably for a number of reasons. First, some people regard
such remote voyages to pristine areas as exquisite adventures. On top
of that, new jobs can be created and economic benefits can be derived.
Furthermore, geologists may now tap these previously inaccessible sites
as resources of fossil fuels. For example, in Pennsylvania's Endless
Mountains, oil has been found and is now being drilled out. This is
increasingly significant to human kind, as the majority of the current
fossil fuel sources have been overexploited and there can be a global
energy scarcity in the near future.
Nevertheless, substantial disadvantages can be there because the

burgeoning of tourism and geological research may heavily disturb the
flora and fauna of the remotely located places. This is due to the callous
attitude of the tourists and the authorities both. It is highly unlikely that
tourists bring waste back to the departure point. Secondly, the journey
to these inaccessible places is also perilous and tourists may suffer from
any medical emergencies. Furthermore, the work of geologists involves
the analysis of ice-shelves hundreds of meters thick, and the drilling for
and the hauling of oil and gas afterwards. These activities may also
consequently have a disastrous effect on the natural habitats. As a
result, what used to be a pristine land can eventually be polluted.
In conclusion, travelling to secluded places can definitely be

advantageous for not only researchers but also normal travellers.
Nevertheless, in my opinion, the drawbacks to the ecosystem are of
greater concern.
140. Some people prefer to go to health clubs and gyms for health care,
some say the walking and climbing stairs are more effective. Discuss
both views and give your opinion.
Nowadays, people are becoming more and more health conscious, and are therefore
more inclined to develop their health through physical exercise. Many go to
gymnasiums to work out using machines, while others just maintain a physically
active lifestyle by walking and climbing stairs. This essay intends to discuss the pros
of both approaches. I personally side with the former view.
There are many reasons why some people prefer to go to health clubs and gyms.
The instructors in such places can guide them depending on their level of fitness and
age. They make them warm up properly and then do the more vigorous or
demanding exercises, which reduce the risk of injury. A cool down after the workout
is almost as important as a warm-up, and this is all done very well in gyms and health
clubs. A healthy and active lifestyle is not enough, as all muscles are not worked out
in that way.
Additionally, gyms and health clubs give a person the motivation needed for such
physical activity. Today's lifestyles are too sedentary, and whatever walking or using
the stairs people do, they cannot fulfil their body's needs of exercise. People also
tend to take things easy and become too complacent regarding their health. When
they go to the gyms, they see other people exercising over there, which gives them
the impetus to workout. Finally, the equipment and the guided environment there
make exercising easier. Perhaps that is the reason why there has been a mushroom
growth of gyms in the past few years.
On the other hand, there are some reasons given by those who believe that health
can be maintained by just doing simple day-to-day physical activities. Firstly, they
find it difficult to take out special time for the gym. They say that walking over short
distances and briskly climbing staircase and avoiding the elevator can help in
maintaining good health. It also saves the additional expenditure needed to go to
gyms. Once people are habitual of these activities, these become a part of life.
After considering the pros of both approaches, I believe that one cannot depend on
just routine physical activities. Joining a gym is better because one can focus on
those muscles or areas of body, which are not touched by simple day-to-day physical
activity.
141. Some people think paying taxes is a big enough contribution to

their society, while others think people have more responsibilities as
members of society than only paying taxes. Discuss both views and give
your opinion.
A good citizen is a blessing to society. Some people opine that paying taxes is
enough contribution towards the society whereas others believe that a good
citizen has a lot more responsibilities than just paying taxes. In the following
paragraphs I intend to discuss both views. I personally go with the latter view.
There are many reasons why some people say that if one pays taxes, it is
sufficient contribution to the society. Firstly, paying all the taxes and in a
timely manner is one of the major responsibilities of a citizen. If one pays
taxes, then the government can use the money for constructive purposes, like
building and maintaining roads, schools, fire protection, defense services etc.
The different types of taxes to be paid by citizens are income tax, excise tax,
property tax, sales tax etc. All taxes paid by people make their lives better.
Nevertheless, those who say that just paying taxes is not enough give their
reasons as follows. They say that there are many other obligations, which a
good citizen must fulfil. To begin with, voting in elections is very important.
When citizens fail to vote or have political opinions, they allow vested
interests to have their way. Secondly, they must obey law and order. If all
citizens are law abiding, then the whole nation would be a paradise on Earth.
It is also the responsibility of a good citizen to provide public service to the

government. This means volunteering for various agencies and charities.
Finally, it is a citizen's duty to scrutinize the government's actions and take
stands when something wrong happens. When citizens get too complacent,
they will not notice when their freedom is being cut down.
To sum up, a good citizen should pay taxes, exercise his voting rights, be law
abiding, do voluntary work to help the government and take a stand if
anything goes wrong. Just paying taxes is not sufficient contribution to the
society.
142. More and more people are using the Internet to do their tasks
rather than doing in person. Does the advantage of this trend outweigh
the disadvantage?
It is impossible today to imagine a world without the Internet. It enables us to do

things that only a few years ago would have been unthinkable and reaches every
facet of our lives. As a result, daily tasks and business transactions can be performed
without meeting other people, in person. This practice certainly has more positive
effects on the individual and the society as a whole.
The availability and application of modern devices and tools of communications like
Fax machines, telephone, interactive TV and computer have brought tremendous
convenience and efficiency to both life and work. Thanks to telecommunications,
undoubtedly, e-shopping and e-banking have made life more convenient than ever
before. People can stay home comfortably, looking on the Internet where a vast sea
of information is available to find what they need. They log on to the relevant
websites and look for detailed information on the products and services that they
are interested in. They read the descriptions, examine the pictures, and check the
prices. Eventually, they make a decision and send an e-mail to order and pay for it
by e-banking. All can be done at home, without scanning newspaper
advertisements, reading reference print materials, going around downtown as they
had to do before. As a result, they have more time to take part in social activities,
pursue hobbies and interests and communicate with families, which are all
indispensable parts of quality life.
The trend of doing business by telecommunications equally benefits the whole

society because business can be done more efficiently and effectively at a much
lower cost. An extra benefit is that more natural resources can be saved. Moreover,
small businesses have almost the same opportunities to advertise and promote their
products and services on line to compete with those large ones, which makes the
whole society fairer.
On the downside, there is an increasing concern about the loss of direct human
contact as a result of which there is impoverishment of people's emotional lives, as
well as the loss of social cohesion. Moreover, the privacy of the individual can suffer.
So, proper steps have to be taken to protect the public against cybercrime and cyber
terrorism.
To sum up, performing everyday tasks and business transactions by means of

telecommunications benefits the individual and the society enormously. There is
simply no going back.
143. Some people think that vertical cities are the best, where people live and
work in tall buildings. Others think that horizontal cities are better, where there are
few tall buildings. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
As the global population is rising, and cities are becoming more crowded, the
planners are in a dilemma as to which way to spread. The traditional spread is
horizontal, in which cities grow outwards, whereas the vertical spread is upwards in
which cities are growing upwards. Supporters of both have their arguments, which
shall be discussed in this essay. I personally believe that horizontal cities are better
for a good quality of life, but vertical cities would be the need of the coming times.
Admittedly, the concept of the 'Vertical City' is fascinating and attractive to some
people, for many reasons. In these types of cities there are tall buildings, which
accommodate a larger number of people. We all know that the population is
burgeoning, and it is estimated that by 2050, more than 75% of the population will
be in cities. Land is scarce and so the only option is to go upwards. In addition, such
cities also prevent the loss of farmland and allow green spaces for parks, which are
the lungs of the community. Moreover, water supply, central heating and cooling,
waste disposal etc. are more efficient when done in small spaces. Additionally, tall
buildings are more attractive.
Nevertheless, supporters of horizontal spread of cities cite a host of benefits. First,

horizontal cities in which most buildings are low-rise are better in case of natural
calamities such as earthquakes. Secondly, highly skilled architects and engineers are
not needed for low-rise buildings. To make skyscrapers, which can withstand the
wind forces and can tolerate the brunt of earthquakes is not every builder's cup of
tea. So horizontal cities are more economical as compared to vertical cities.
Moreover, people who live in horizontal cities can enjoy a better quality of life.
Horizontal cities can provide people with more natural light, views and ventilation.
In horizontal cities, because of limited accommodation, the population is extremely
small. Basically, low density of population ensures a higher quality of life. Also, the
competition is not so intensive than that in vertical cities. Therefore, people in
horizontal cities have a better quality of life.
To conclude, the present dream of people is a big house with a two-car garage, but
as the population continues to grow and land becomes scarce, vertical cities may
become an option worth considering.
144. The exposure of international media such as films, TV and magazines has
impacts on local culture. What do you think the impacts have been? Do you agree
that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
The emergence of international media has really changed the face of the
globe. Today, we don’t belong to a big planet called Earth. We are part of a
small global village. Exposure to international media has had a positive as well
as negative impact on local cultures. In the following paragraphs I shall discuss
these impacts which has been largely positive.
On the positive side, today's communications and technologies allow a more

open spread of culture around the world-people in far corners of the globe
are able to be aware of and share each other's culture. It is a view that sees
global culture as generally positive - something that encourages diversity and
a mixing of culture and has enabled people around the world to overcome
national boundaries to embrace common causes. Thus, cultural globalisation
in itself promotes diversity and a respect for other cultures.
Some people hold the view that internationalization of media can overpower
national culture. However, this depends on how strong a particular national
culture is. In some circumstances, of course, national culture is damaged by
aggressively marketed foreign media imports. However, the theory that local
cultures will be drowned out and completely disappear under a tide of global
media does not appear to hold true at least in the case of India. This is partly
because of the strong cultural identity of India. The cultural preferences of
Indian viewers are so strong that foreign imports are put at a clear
competitive disadvantage relative to the regional and national media
produced. In fact, the international media companies have to tailor their
output so as to fit into the local cultural setting.
Another positive effect that international media has had on India is that our
media companies have improved dramatically under the stiff competition of
global media and as a result they have found a place in the international
market. This has put our culture on a higher pedestal than any other culture
of the world.
Summing up, the internationalization of media needs not necessarily

undermine national culture. If the local culture is strong enough, it can
withstand any foreign influence.
145. Some people think government should subsidies food and vegetables
to make healthy food cheaper. Other argues that tax should be set on
unhealthy food. Discuss both views and gives your opinion.
The increase in the consumption of unhealthy fast food has led to a rise in
health-related problems, and it is becoming a cause of concern in most
countries. Some individuals opine that government should subsidize healthy
foods, whereas others say that the solution is in levying a 'Fat Tax', which
means a tax on fast food. This essay intends to delve into both perspectives.
I, however, side with the former view.
The main argument given by those who support this initiative is that
unhealthy food habits have led to an increase in health problems. The health
of the general public is not only an individual's responsibility, but also the
responsibility of the government. Moreover, the revenue earned can be
utilized towards providing better health care, medical research and other
such issues, which will in the development of the nation.
On the other hand, those who say that healthy food should be made cheaper,
give their reasons as follows. Firstly, a major reason for a higher consumption
of fast food is that healthier food options are not affordable by everyone. For
instance, a glass of sweetened soda is cheaper than a glass of milk. Therefore,
instead of making the fast food more expensive, subsidies should be provided
for producers of healthy foods, like vegetables, fruits, milk, etc. They also say
that implementing the tax is not an effective method as it penalizes the poor
more.
I believe that taking care of one's health is an individual's responsibility and

also is a right to freedom of choice. Measures should be taken to make people
aware of the consequences of the choices they make. It would not be wise to
implement a fat-tax, as it will not be practical for the government to decide
which food product should be taxed and which should be exempted. Also, it
has been found through a research, that taste is the number one factor, when
deciding what to eat. So, increasing the tax on fast food will not make a
considerable difference to the consumption of unhealthy foods.
To conclude, implementing the fat-tax is not an effective solution to the

health problems. Subsidizing healthier food options should be done, so that
those who want to refrain from eating unhealthy foods should have healthier
options within the reach of their pocket.
146. In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops, schools, offices, and
homes in specific areas and separate them from each other. Do you think the
advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
City planners incorporate urban development to facilitate tourism, growing

populations, and the citizens' needs for modern public facilities. In this quest,
they arrange shops, educational institutes, offices and residential complexes
in specific areas, which are separate from one another. There are advantages
and disadvantages of this policy but overall the advantages are much more.
The first and foremost advantage is that such planning helps in organizing
traffic. Such places are also generally well linked by public transport because
public transport is also part of urban planning. When all offices are in one
location then people using their own cars can also do carpooling. For instance,
if five persons of one residential complex have to go for work in one area,
then each one can take his car for one day in a week. It would be a win- win
situation for both the people and the environment.
Another advantage of such a planning is that it keeps the residential areas

free from noise and traffic and worth living in. The cost of land in residential
areas is also in control, as these areas are not commercial areas, which are
relatively much costlier. Effective green spaces such as parks can also be
maintained with this careful planning. What is more, if all shopping is
confined to one area then such places can also attract tourism. To cite an
example, sector 17 in Chandigarh is a well-known shopping centre and is an
attraction for tourists. Finally, such planning is cost effective because it is
cheaper for the government to concentrate water supply and sewerage
disposal in restricted areas.
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages of such a segregation of

areas. It encourages the use of cars because people have to cover long
distances to go for shopping or to their work places. This is not good for the
environment. It also wastes a lot of time of the students because they have
to spend lot of time commuting to and from school. Some residential areas
may be very far off from schools, which is not suitable.
To conclude, careful urban planning is the need of the day. Shopping

complexes and offices should be in separate areas and away from the
residential areas. However, each school should feed a residential area, so that
students are benefitted. Overall, the pros of city planning outweigh the cons.
147. It is known to all that the technological and scientific advances have
made great changes to the range and quality of our food. Some people regard
it as an improvement while others believe that the change is harmful. Discuss
both views and give your own opinion.
Science and technology have touched all spheres of life and the range and
quality of food is no exception. Today, we have a lot of foods to pick from and
the quality is also unsurpassed. It is a highly debated issue as to whether these
advances are a blessing or a curse. This essay shall analyze the merits and
demerits of these developments.
Those in favour of genetic modification, claim that because of these advances

in food technology, there are such species of crops, which need little or no
insecticides and fertilizers. GM crops do not require spraying with toxic
insecticides, and as a consequence environmental damage such as the
indiscriminate killing of insects and the contamination of soils and rivers is
avoided. Moreover, since age-old times, farming methods have always
involved selective breeding and methods of cross-pollination. In that sense,
genetic modification is nothing new. Another advantage is that the quality of
food has also improved. For example, fish gene has been added to tomato to
make it frost resistant. A nut protein has been added to soya bean to increase
the protein content. Finally, technology has saved people from tedious work
and in the meantime increased the production markedly. All this is needed to
meet the demands of the burgeoning population.
The opponents of genetic modification say that GM crops are unnatural, and
that by creating them their natural world is being altered. A more worrying
argument raised by objectors to GM foods is that they could constitute a
health risk, for example by causing allergies or even by being toxic. The final
objection is strictly environmental. It is argued that crops, which are
genetically modified to kill the pests, which attack them, may also kill
harmless insects. This, it is claimed will have a disastrous effect on the wider
environment beyond the crop themselves.
To conclude, GM crops offer increased agricultural productivity and foods of

higher nutritional value, both of which are essential if the growing world
population of the twenty-first century is to be fed. Indeed, these crops have
the potential to improve the health of millions throughout the world while
causing less environmental damage than standard farming methods used
today. I think it is essential that GM foods should be encouraged.
148. Some people think we need to give aid to all poor countries. Others,
however, argue that we should not give international aid to countries with
corruption in their system. Discuss both views and provide your own opinion.
International aid refers to money, equipment or services that are provided by

a country or international organization for countries that need them, known
as recipient countries. People are divided on the issue of giving aid to poor
countries. Some say that it reflects the goodness of mankind, whereas others
tend to believe that the recipient countries, which have venality in their
system, can misspend the aid money. This essay intends to discuss both
perspectives. I, however, side with the former view.
The main reason why some people say that aid should be given to all poor
countries, is that aid on humanitarian grounds is extremely imperative.
Members of the global community should provide relief to the have-nots and
the victims of natural disasters. This aid is essential in helping recipient
countries return to their normal state after major disturbances. Secondly, this
aid also promotes peace and security. It increases harmony between different
nations and so chances of armed conflicts are less.
On the other hand, those who say that aid should not be given to countries
which have corruption, give their reasons as follows. Firstly, monetary aid can
sometimes be misused or miss-spent. In other words, it may go into corrupt
pockets, or it may be used for the wrong purposes, such as for promoting
terrorism. In addition, the people may become lazy and stop doing efforts on
their own to earn a decent living.
I believe that aid should be given, but the misuse should be tackled by tight
regulations and scrutiny. In general, the abuse of international aid is an
isolated event, so its effect should not be overstated. If at all there are
chances of corruption in the aid given, then aid should be given in other forms,
such as by opening hospitals and educational institutes and also by increasing
employment opportunities.
In conclusion, the role of humanitarian relief is not just to deliver prompt

assistance to people in need, but also to strengthen ties between countries.
Although fraud and corruption occur every now and then, they can be
addressed in strict ways.
149. Some people think that violent films and videogames have negative
effects on people and should be banned. Others think that they are just
relaxation sources. Discuss both sides and give opinion.
Admittedly, some individuals would like to see censorship of films full of violence
and a ban on video games as they have detrimental effects on people whereas
others opine that they are just meant to entertain and calm you and nothing else.
This essay intends to analyze both perspectives. I personally side with the latter
view.
Those opposed to violence in movies and video games say that there is lots of
evidence supporting the fact that violent video games are bad. Brains of children
were scanned after playing these kinds of games and the results show that there is
an increase in the activity in some parts of brain cells, which stimulates emotions
and decreases self-control and concentration. As a result, people are not able to take
control and might act out, hurting others or themselves. Violent video games have
been linked to school shootings, increases in bullying, and raised aggression in
children. What is more, children who are exposed to too much violence in films at a
young age become immune to violence.
Nevertheless, individuals who view violent movies and video games as just
relaxation sources, say that video games can reduce stress by distracting adult
gamers from the pressures of everyday life. College students attempting to juggle
school, part-time work, finances and household chores, for example, might find
button-mashing violence to be a safe and enjoyable way to release pent-up
frustrations. According to a 2010 study conducted by a Texas University professor,
violent video games can be used as therapeutic outlets for combat depression and
anger.
I believe that humans have been engaging in violence since there have been humans,
but movies and video games are recent inventions. As such, exposure to them
cannot be a necessary cause of violence. These violent video games have also
become some of the best socialization tools. These games are successful because
they share an emphasis on multiplayer features and foster competitive, fun
environments.
To sum up, violent movies and video games might have a bad reputation, but we
cannot deny the possible benefits reaped from playing them. After all, violence is
everywhere these days - in the news and on television - so video games targeted at
having fun and relieving stress should not be held responsible for violence and
should definitely not be banned.
150. Some people support development of agriculture like farming and

scientific creation of fruits and vegetables, while others oppose. Discuss both
the views and give your opinion.
Genetic modification (GM) and factory farming have been one of the most
debated topics in the past two to three decades and no consensus has been
reached so far. This implies altering the genes of plants and animals, whereas
factory farming implies intensive rearing of livestock. Some people are in favour
of these practices, whereas others oppose them. Both views shall be discussed
in this essay. I personally support GM foods, but oppose factory farming.
There are numerous reasons why some people advocate GM foods. First, there
is greater yield in much lesser time. This is very important to meet the needs of
the burgeoning population. Secondly, genetically modified foods need little or
no insecticides and chemical fertilizers. In addition, the quality of food has also
improved. For example, fish gene has been added to tomato to make it frost
resistant. A nut protein has been added to soya bean to increase the protein
content. Another good example is of the arctic apple. The genes responsible for
turning the apple brown after cutting have been removed and now this apple
doesn't turn brown even after cutting.
Furthermore, these foods have greater shelf life, which means these can be
transported long distances and would need no preservatives. It is well known
that certain preservatives can cause allergies and may even have carcinogens.
Therefore, such kind of foods are better for consumption. Factory farming is also
the need of the hour. The aim of the operation is to produce large quantities of
meat, eggs, or milk at the lowest possible cost. Factory farmers look into the
nutrition and disease control of the animals.
On the other hand, those who oppose GM foods and factory farming, give their
reasons as follows. Firstly, genetic modification is considered unnatural and as it
is relatively new, people are also concerned about its long-term harmful effects.
Secondly, the rich countries can use this technology and further increase the gap
between the rich and the poor. Factory farming is also considered inhuman as
animals are tightly packed in cramped spaces and this may lead to many diseases.
To summarise, GM technology and factory farming have their pros and cons. I
reiterate that genetic modification of food is beneficial, but the conditions under
which factory farming is done is not very good.
151. More and more people do online shopping. Why is this the situation?
What is the effect of online shopping on shops and communities?
Today, with the Internet so readily accessible to us, more and more people are turning to
online shopping for all their needs. Clothes, shoes, electronics, groceries and even fruit and
vegetables can now be purchased via the Internet. This essay shall look into the reasons
why people are switching to online shopping instead of traditional shopping, and also
discuss its effects on shops and societies.
There are several advantages of shopping online, because of which people are opting for
this method of shopping. The first is the ability to shop at a time that is convenient to you,
not just when the shops are open. The second advantage of shopping online is that goods
are often cheaper as the seller does not have the costs of running a shop and having to pay
wages to salespeople, insurance and all of the other running costs of a real-world business.
Online shopping can also be a lot more comfortable than real world shopping, as people do
not have to go out in bad weather sometimes.
Another huge advantage of shopping online is that people have the opportunity to compare
as many products and prices as they want, without having to spend the time and money to
travel between several different shops. They are also able to read reviews that have been
written by other people who have purchased the item they are considering. They are able
to find out about the item from a genuine user, not just the salesperson. Finally, they are
able to find and buy products from all over the world, and not just in their local area, which
makes purchasing of hard-to-find items a lot easier.
There are many negative effects of the trend of online shopping on people and societies.
The main negative of shopping online is that people have to pay shipping costs and have to
wait for the items they purchased to be shipped and delivered. Another disadvantage is that
they cannot feel or see the item they want to buy. Sometimes, the item they get could be
quite different from what they wanted. Another disadvantage of shopping online is that it
is cumbersome to return faulty goods. It can literally take weeks to exchange a faulty
product purchased online. Then, cyber-crime is also an issue. A person's credit card number
could be hacked and misused. Finally, societies become more aloof as people don't come
out for shopping, which is an opportunity to bump into someone you know and is a chance
to socialize.
The negative effects can also be seen on the local shopkeeper. Their sales go down as more
and more people shop online. Only the giant stores are able to survive. For instance, in my
hometown, many furniture shops have closed down as online stores such as, Fabfurnish,
Urban Ladder and Pepperfry have entered the online market, and have started luring people
with mouth-watering deals.
In summary, the main reasons of shopping online are convenience and cost savings, which
are also the positive effects. There are many negative effects on local shops and societies.
However, despite the negatives, I believe that online shopping is here to stay and prosper.
152. Some people believe that living in big cities is becoming more difficult. Others
believe that it is getting easier. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
One of the most striking features of the industrial age is the growth of urban life.
Some individuals are of the opinion that this growth has provided tremendous
comforts and opportunities to the human race. However, others argue that it has
opened new sets of challenges for them. In this essay, I will discuss both
perspectives. I personally believe that despite a few difficulties, city life is
becoming more comfortable day by day.
Those who believe that living in big cities is becoming easier, give their reasons
as follows. First, there is ease of access to everyday things, which is making life a
breeze. Compared to a small town or a village, the ease of access to needs like
healthcare, education, entertainment and transportation is better than ever
before in the metropolis. For example, with the introduction of rapid transport
systems such as the metro trains in Delhi, traveling in Delhi is both comfortable
and safer. Secondly, no one can deny the fact that technology has been one of
the most important contributing factors in making our lives easier, and with
increasing access to high speed internet connections in the cities, people can do
things lot more easily, while sitting in the comforts of their home.
On the other hand, there are many reasons why some people say that there are
problems arising in urban life. The first glaring problem that comes to
everybody's mind is the environmental pollution caused due to increasing
number of cars and construction activities. As a consequence, countless citizens
are suffering from asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases. The second
major concern is that life expenses in metropolises have skyrocketed in recent
years. This has resulted in an increasing number of homeless people with
extremely low living standards, which can be witnessed in cities like New Delhi
and Mumbai.
I believe that in spite of all the difficulties arising, cities are attracting more and
more people. This clearly implies that life is better in cities. The problems that
are arising are due to the unprecedented growth of urban population. However,
if the city planners make the necessary changes, then the problems can be
alleviated and life in cities would be much better.
To conclude, I would like to say that despite a few problems, living in city
certainly makes our lives lot more comfortable, and it provides ample
opportunity for everyone to fulfill their dreams.
153. Nowadays, it is easy to apply for and be given a credit card. however, some
people experience problems when they are not able to pay their debts back. in your
opinion, do the advantages of credit cards outweigh the disadvantages?
A credit card is great fun, but only until you get the bill. If a person has a credit card,
he can spend up to its limit, even without having that much in his bank account.
However, he has to be careful about paying it off in time. If he is unable to do so, he
can land in deep debt. Therefore, the weight of the merits and demerits of credit
card is in the hands of the user.
There are many benefits of credit cards. Firstly, people can use them practically
everywhere, even overseas. Credit cards can also boost people's purchasing power
because they can be used to buy goods and services over the phone, through the
mail and online. To add to it, they provide financial backup in the event of an
emergency, such as an unexpected healthcare cost, job loss or auto repair. For
instance, if a person is on a holiday and has a medical emergency, he will have no
problem in paying the hospital bills through credit card.
Furthermore, credit cards allow people to purchase items and pay them off in
monthly installments. They also offer discounts and rewards at stores. For instance,
when a person makes purchases using the credit card, he can collect points, which
accumulate and can be used to get free items, such as airline tickets. Some cards
may offer cash back as an incentive to use the card. They can help build a person's
credit history. A person with a good credit history does not face problems when
applying for a loan for any reason. Credit cards also keep a record of the cardholders'
expenses, helping them to monitor their financial activities.
On the other hand, credit cards can have their disadvantages. The most dangerous
part of credit cards is not paying them off on time, and once a person falls behind by
one payment, then late fees, interest, and penalties build very fast, because of which
many people find themselves sunk in credit card debt with no way out. Another big
disadvantage is the hidden costs. There is the start-up fee, the processing fee and
also the annual fee, which is quite an amount. Additionally, one of the most
overlooked negative aspects to credit cards is the ease with which cardholders
overspend. The psychology behind this is simple. Cardholders purchase items
without ever exchanging actual money, so they don't get the feel of spending.
Finally, people have to be cautious when they use their credit card for online
transactions. It can be hacked and misused, if the site is not secure. Misuse can also
happen if they lose their credit card. They have to report promptly if such a thing
happens.
To conclude, as with anything, there are advantages and disadvantages of using

credit cards. It is in the hands of the person using the card to make its advantages
outstrip the disadvantages.
154. Some people think history has nothing or little to tell us, but others think that
studying the past history can help us better understand the present. Discuss both
History refers to all the things that happened in the past, especially the political,
social, or economic development of a nation. Literally, everything, including a
nation, a city, a town, a subject, a business, and even a product, has its unique
history. Some individuals are of the opinion that studying the past history is useless
today, but others believe it is very essential to know history to better understand
the present. I intend to discuss both sides of the argument in this essay. Personally,
I side with the latter view.
Those opposed to the study of history argue that the past was very different from
the present, and we cannot apply that knowledge to the present. For example, they
say that the French Revolution and the Freedom Struggle of India have no need to
be learnt because those situations will never arise again. They say that instead of
digging in the past, we should focus on the present and the future.
On the other hand, there are reasons why the study of history is of value even today.
The present is the continuation of the past. Therefore, studying the past history can
enable us to better understand what is going on around us. For example, if we are
equipped with relevant knowledge of history, it will be easier for us to understand
the evolution of mankind. It would also tell us how we progressed and reached
where we are today. We would also know how technology developed step by step.
Secondly, history can serve us as a guide because of which we would not repeat the
mistakes of yesteryears. We also get inspiration from the great men of the past
through history.
I believe that the study of history is imperative for everyone, even for professionals,
such as architects and accountants. Opponents claim that such professionals do not
need to study history. However, they would be better in their professions if they
know something about the history of architecture or that of accountancy. What is
more, even if the freedom struggle and the French Revolution would not come
again, this knowledge makes people realize the importance of liberty and self-
governance. So, studying the past can never be a waste of time.
To sum up, studying the past history can not only deepen and widen our knowledge,
but also help us develop the power of analysis. Thus, we are able to look at what is
happening at present from a historical perspective and better understanding.
155. Scientists say that junk food is harmful to people’s health. Some people
think that the answer to this problem is to educate people. Others think
education will not work. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Globalisation has ushered in an era in which tastes have become international. So,
the demand for imported food has increased. This essay intends to look into the
reasons why people prefer imported over local produce, and also suggest ways to
motivate people to eat locally produced food.
There are myriad reasons why people prefer imported food. First, imported foods
have better quality. When foods are imported, their quality is always checked, and
only the best products end up in our markets. Regulations on local food are less
strict, because there is less distrust. Ironically enough that means that local food
isn't quality controlled as much. Another guarantee that we eat good-quality
imported foods, is the fact that the reputation of the food importing companies is
at stake. If these companies do not get good feedback from consumers, they will do
everything to change the supplier and start offering foods that people will enjoy
eating.
Additionally, importing food gives people access to more choices. Any country's
climate and land do not allow growing all sorts of fruits and vegetables throughout
the year. Because of imported foods, we can have fresh bananas, mangoes,
tomatoes or potatoes anytime we desire. Another important reason why imported
food is preferred is that it has become a necessity and not merely a choice. The
number of people who are interested in working as farmers is constantly decreasing.
This has led to a shortage of local food production.
Many steps could be taken to encourage people to eat local produce. People should
be made aware of the benefits of local food. Local food is fresher and more
nutritious, as local food is harvested shortly before ripening. When food is allowed
to ripen on the plant before it's picked, and when it's eaten fresh, it has the
maximum nutrients and flavor. Additionally, there is no need of adding artificial
ingredients that increase the food's shelf life. So, when people eat with the seasons,
they are eating foods when they are the richest in flavour and the least expensive.
Government should also check the local produce for quality from time to time. If
people get good quality local foods, they will be less likely to opt for foreign food.
Steps should also be taken to increase local production of food.
To sum up, there are many reasons why people opt for imported food, but some
steps can be taken to revive their liking for local foods.
156. Fewer and fewer people today right by hand using a pen pencil or
brush. What are the reasons? Is this a positive or a negative
development?
Writing by hand using a pen, pencil or brush has come under a serious threat. This
essay intends to delve into the reasons of this phenomenon. I firmly believe that this
is a negative development.
The decline in handwriting is mainly because there is little place for it in the average
modern life. Today, people need to be able to reach many people and edit
documents quickly. In the competitive era of today, business matters require speed
and clarity for reaching a wide audience. Therefore, a technology-based solution is
always better. Technology has put everyone on one level when it comes to the
ability to communicate clearly. Handwriting may be beautiful or just a scrawl, but
typing will always be uniform.
On top of that, the tablets, smartphones and laptops have come within the pocket
of most individuals. The earlier traditional writing tools such as the pen and pencil
have been replaced with the stylus. Some schools in developed countries have spent
enormous amounts to equip all classrooms with tablets. For some courses each
student has a tablet equipped with specific educational programmes. The teacher
can see the students' work while they are actually working on the exercises. In place
of the blackboard, a projector displays the image of the tablet from the teacher.
Despite the various advantages of digital writing, I believe the slow death of
handwriting is a negative development. Research shows that when children learn
how to write, they also learn how to express themselves. Handwriting is so much
more than simply putting letters on a page; it is a key part of learning to
communicate. Writing is almost as important as speaking, as a medium for
communicating thought.
Moreover, handwriting is a complex skill that affects cognitive development of

children. When they write, they build hand-eye coordination and practice fine motor
skills. Good handwriting can lead to better grades, too. Studies show that pre-
kindergarten kids with fine motor skills scored higher years later in reading and math
than those with poor handwriting. In short, there's a direct link between writing
skills and academic success.
To conclude, the traditional methods of writing with a pen, pencil or brush are
dwindling because of the ease, which technology is bringing in, but this is indubitably
a negative occurrence.
157. In some cities there are few controls over the design and construction of
homes and other buildings, and owners can decide on the design of their houses. Do
the advantages of this outweigh the drawbacks?
In some parts of the world, there are no regulations and rules to be followed for building
design and construction. Although the supporters of this freedom have their arguments to
justify it, I believe that there are more disadvantages of there being no laws and rules than
its merits.
To begin with, having no control on the design of offices and homes may lead to
compromising the safety of the residents of the respective building. For example, if there
are no fire safety regulations followed in a building, it may lead to destruction of property
and loss of lives in case of a fire. Also, some regions are prone to natural calamities like
earthquakes, floods, etc. In such regions, the buildings need to be designed keeping in mind
these situations, so that the loss of life and property is minimized.
To add to it, the design of residential buildings, offices, educational facilities, hospitals etc.
should be made keeping in mind the special needs of the disabled people. This can be
regulated if there are rules made by the government, making it compulsory for all such
buildings to have proper ramps, lifts etc. to cater to the needs of the elderly and the
disabled. Furthermore, if there are rules then cities can be planned better. There would be
no encroachments onto another person's property or on public property. Proper utilization
of space can be done and also it gives a more aesthetic appeal to the city. For example, in
Chandigarh there are limitations to the height of buildings and there are no random
constructions allowed. Areas for constructing offices and other businesses have also been
segregated. Proper approval is required before any new building is to be constructed. This
has helped make the city more beautiful and appealing for the visitors.
Another very important reason for having design restrictions is that otherwise the new
constructors may obstruct the light and air of the older houses, which may lead to bitterness
among societies. For example, in Punjab, the PUDA (Punjab Urban Design Association) has
made it mandatory to leave a certain amount of space in the front and back of each house.
So, such rules are in the interest of everyone.
Some people argue that it restricts the creativity of the architects if they have to conform
to the rules of the design. It hinders the creativity and stops them from creating beautiful
and unique buildings. There are many famous buildings all over the world that are known
because of their unique design. For instance, the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore, the
Opera house in Sydney, the Guggenheim museum, etc., which have become great tourist
attractions because of the building design. They have given an identity to the cities they are
in.
To summarize, it is true that there are a few benefits of giving people independence to
design their homes and other buildings, but the drawbacks are much more. Normal
residential areas should conform to certain rules and regulations. Unique buildings should
need special approval, and should not be many in number. Normal residential areas should
conform to certain rules and regulations.
158. The advantages brought by the spread of English as a global language

will outweigh the disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this view?
Many languages have put forth their interest to be labelled as a global language.
However, I believe that the increased use of English as an international language will
have more pros than cons which would be discussed in detail in subsequent
paragraphs.
Admittedly, English is already the lingua franca in many parts of the world. It is
already spoken in 86 countries. So, spreading it as a global language, would be
accepted by so many people who already know this language. Secondly, English is
easier to learn than any other language. Unlike Chinese, for example, English has
only 26 alphabets, which are combined to make words and sentences. It is easy even
for non-native speakers to read written English. In addition, a number of English
words have been borrowed from many other languages, and many English words
have been adopted by many languages and are used as part of their own languages.
Therefore, many people in different countries already know some of the English. So,
it could be the easiest language to learn.
Furthermore, it is the language of global business and also jobs. It is the language of
technology. You can make the best use of internet if you know English, as many
websites are written in English. Knowledge of English makes travel easier. There
would also be no need of expensive translations. Finally, English will be the most
promising language. Since English is used in many fields such as economics, politics,
and academics, more and more people will study English in the future. If you have
an international meeting in any field, it will probably be done in English. The demand
of English will never stop.
On the other hand, the spread of English as a global language, could be opposed by
those who want their language to be the global language. For example, Chinese
people might want their language to be the global language. Esperanto is another
language, whose supporters want it to be an international language. They say that
it is an invented language and not based on any culture. However, despite all these
claims made by contenders of other languages, I still believe that the spread of
English as a global language is more beneficial.
To conclude, there are more advantages than disadvantages of English as a global

language. Its popularity and demand will increase more and more in the future.
159. Memorization of information by frequent repetition, namely rote

learning, plays a role in many education systems. To what extent do the
advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
There are different methods of learning. Two such methods are 'rote learning'
and 'meaningful learning'. Both have their own pros and cons. It is essential
to look at the advantages and disadvantages of rote learning to reach a
conclusion as to which approach is better.
There are many advantages of rote learning. First of all, it is very helpful
where quick memorization is required, such as learning one line in a play or
memorizing a telephone number. It is also needed where verbatim recall of
definitions or numbers is required. We all know that we need to remember
phone numbers, mathematical formulae and definitions as such. If we don't
cram them, then we will not be able to reproduce them when needed, and if
any small part is changed then the whole thing goes wrong. Rote learning is
the only way to learn certain things like irregular verbs and the vocabulary of
a foreign language. There is no logic behind irregular verbs, and so we need
to memorize them by heart. Finally, many students use the rote method to
pass
exams.
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages of rote learning. Firstly, the
knowledge acquired by rote is not retained for long. If a person does not
repeat information learnt by rote for few days, then the whole thing can be
forgotten. Moreover, information learned by rote, cannot be applied in a
wide variety of new problems or concepts. For example, if we learn something
by rote in math, then we cannot apply it in other subjects like physics. In
meaningful learning, the transferability of knowledge is high. Finally, it can be
very boring to learn everything by rote.
Definitely, rote learning should not be the only method of learning.

Meaningful learning is a must if we want to progress in life and apply our skills
in varied fields. However, rote learning has its own importance in some
situations. So, the education systems should incorporate both - rote and
meaningful learning.
To sum up, it can be said that rote learning has its own advantages, which
cannot be overlooked. It should be coupled with meaningful learning, so that
its disadvantages can be minimized.
160. Competitiveness is a positive quality for people in most societies.

How does competitiveness affect individuals? Is it a positive or a
negative trend?
The world is changing very fast; big will not beat small anymore; it will be the
fast beating the slow. These words hold true for today's global village in which
we live in a 24/7 society. In the following paragraphs, I shall discuss the effect
of competitiveness on individuals. I believe that competitiveness is good, but
over-competitiveness in which one uses unethical means to reach the top is
bad.
At the individual level, competitiveness provides incentives for people to

improve themselves. People set goals for themselves and try to achieve them
by hard work and perseverance. These goals are based on others
achievements. They try to break records and put their heart and soul to excel
in all fields. This is what keeps them going. Then they become inspiration for
others who also work hard for getting name and fame. If there was no
competition, people would become lazy and there would be stagnation in
their lives. This would result in dull individuals and lackluster societies.
It is this competitiveness, which is the basis for the Olympics and other such
international and national events. Individual competition translates to
national and international level during such events. For example, when
Abinav Bindra won the first individual Olympic gold medal in shooting, he not
only made a name for himself but also for the whole of India. Therefore,
competitiveness leads to the progress of the individuals and societies as a
whole.
On the other hand, it is important to realize that trying to be number one and
trying to do a task well are two different things. One should not hold the
delusion that one's advancement is accomplished by crushing others. Over-
competitiveness, in which a person uses unethical means to win such as
taking drugs before any sporting event to increase performance or hurting
others to win, is bad.
Summing up, competitiveness is good and leads to the progress of individuals

and societies but only as long as it remains a healthy competition. If unethical
means are used or it leads to stress and others are hurt in the process, then it
is bad.
161. In many countries, more and more people are competing for a
place to study in universities. Why does this happen? Do you think this is
a positive or negative development?
More high school students than ever are competing for seats in the freshman
classes of universities. This essay shall analyze the reasons for this
phenomenon. I believe this is largely a positive occurrence.
The first explanation for why it is harder to get into four-year colleges now
than ever before seems to be supply and demand. The number of students
graduating from high school is rising steadily each year. For example, in 1997
there were 2.6 million high school graduates in USA, but today, the number
has grown to 3.3 million. In addition, a university education is increasingly
seen as key to economic success in our society, as a result of which more
students are seeking to attend four-year colleges, including students from
under-represented minority groups whose college participation rate used to
be low. Another major reason is the marketing efforts made by the
universities. Colleges want to attract talented, and diverse groups of
applicants from which to select their freshman class, and they often go to
great lengths to do it. This, coupled with the ease of application process
through the Internet, enables more students to apply.
This is a positive development because students plan well in advance for

getting into the university of their choice. They focus on doing well in school
to get good grades. Moreover, more students going for higher education can
never be a negative development. The universities also make efforts to better
their standard so as to lure the top cream of students; More and more
universities are coming up which are hiring the best faculty. For instance, in
my small hometown, Lovely Professional University opened about a decade
ago, and today it has about 30,000 students from across the globe. It is also
true that it is hard for students to get into colleges because they only want to
get into colleges that are hard to get into. As word spreads about the
competition for college admission, students respond by applying to even
more colleges to increase their chances of acceptance. In doing so, they end
up contributing to the very problem they are trying to solve for themselves.
To sum up, there are many reasons for the increasing competition for
university entrance, and it is advantageous for students in the long run.
162. In many countries, University students live away from home and in
another City while studying. Do you think the disadvantages outweigh the
advantages of living in another City?
It is a highly debated issue, whether it is better for university students to live

far away from home than to live at home with their parents. There are pros
and cons of both approaches. However, I believe that the advantages
overweigh the disadvantages.
There are definite benefits of staying at home. To begin with, it is much more
economical to stay at home than to stay near the university. If you choose to
stay at the university, then you either stay at the university dormitory or rent
your own apartment. Both university options are more expensive as
compared to home. Then, you have to do your own cooking and cleaning,
which is not the case if you stay at home where your mother looks after all
these things. You do spend some time commuting to and from the university,
but then you save your time on cooking and cleaning. The disadvantage of
staying at home is that you may be disturbed by siblings, and you may have
to help in household chores.
There are many advantages of staying near the university. University

education is a time for you to mix with people of different backgrounds and
cultures. This culture exchange usually occurs after class hours. If you have to
return home then you miss out on this golden opportunity. Secondly, there
are good study facilities such as libraries, computer labs etc., if you are on or
near the campus. You also get to experience some independence. The
downside is that it is expensive, and to cut the cost you may have to share
your apartment with someone you don't like.
In my opinion, it is definitely worthwhile to live at the university than with

your parents even if you have to shell out some extra money for that, because
it is a golden opportunity to interact with people of different parts of the
world, and you get to enjoy the benefits of facilities like the library and sports
stadiums and gyms.
To sum up, it can be said that there are benefits and drawbacks of both
approaches, and the decision is purely subjective. However, in my opinion
staying near the university has more benefits than drawbacks.
163. Some teachers think that international student exchange would be

beneficial for all teenage school students. Do you think its advantages will
outweigh the disadvantages?
International student exchange programs involve exchanging students of one
country or place, with those of another country or place to complete part of their
education there. A lot of people find these programs very beneficial, while there
are some people who do not approve of these. I believe that the educational,
personal and long-term advantages of these programs, to the teenage students,
outstrip the disadvantages.
There are many educational benefits of these programs. Because of international

learning and knowledge, students accept and understand different cultures and
their perspectives. Secondly, as the students mingle with the local people in
another country, they get to learn a new language. They also become aware of,
and adopt alternative, multi-faceted approaches to learning. They develop
analytical and problem solving skills. Students have enhanced interest in global
issues, as well as a broader general knowledge.
At the personal level, the most noticeable change in returned exchange students
in their enhanced self- confidence and self-esteem. They become mature, as they
get to confront challenges outside a familiar comfort zone. They develop life-long
friendships and also appreciate their home and family even more than before.
In the long run, students who go for such exchange programmes find themselves
more comfortable in 'foreign' environments. They have better job opportunities.
This is because, prospective employers in almost every field look favourably
upon experience gained while living overseas and knowledge obtained of
another language and culture.
On the other hand, the most obvious disadvantage of a student exchange

program is the cultural shock that any student has to go through. For instance, if
a student from India has to shift for an exchange to China and the vice- versa, it
is going to be a big challenge initially. The student needs to be acquainted with
at least one of the official languages of the host country otherwise it would be
difficult to stay there. Next, the student has to adjust or compromise with the
habits of the homestay family. Finally, the time zone difference is a big problem
during the initial days in the guest country.
To sum up, there might be a lot of problems in another place for the teenage
student, but it is an opportunity that can change the students' life for the better.
It is altogether a good blend of educational benefits along with personality
development.
164. Pressure on the school and university students is increasing and

students are pushed to hard work when they are young. Do you think it
is a positive or negative development?
It is irrefutable that the burden on school and university pupils is burgeoning

and they have to work very hard at a young age. This situation has both
positive and negative effects. A balance needs to be created in which parents
and teachers have a big role. In the following paragraphs, I shall discuss the
issue in depth.
Pressure on students is increasing because of many reasons. First of all, today

we belong to a highly competitive era. Students need to get good scores to
get into a good college. To add to it, higher education is very costly and
students need to do part time work to fund their education. What is more,
sometimes parents push children to adopt those subjects in which the child
has no aptitude. This also creates tension on the mind of the students.
This is a positive development because the habit of working hard right from
early years makes them realise the dignity of labour and they are better
placed in life later on. Secondly, they do not indulge in any violence and crime
and drugs. This is because they don't have time for such activities. Finally, if
they work hard in early years they will develop a sound career and will have
a happy and contented later life.
However, it may have a detrimental impact on the mind of pupils as it leads

to stress and strain. Sometimes, students cannot maintain an equilibrium
between work and leisure, which may result in boredom. Secondly, when
students face failures or can't cope with the pressures they can have suicidal
tendencies. Students also face stress if they are forced to choose a course
against their wishes.
To conclude, I believe that being pushed to hard work is a positive

development. However, parents and teachers need to do proper counselling
and guide them properly. Aptitude of the student needs to be given
consideration. Alternate career choices should be explained to both parents
and children.
165. Nowadays people live in the society where consumer goods are
cheaper to buy. Do you think its advantages outweigh disadvantages?
Today we live in an era of continuously increasing consumer demand. This rate

of consumption is increasing at an alarming rate. This essay shall deal with the
causes of increase in production of goods and how it affects the environment and
suggest some ways forward.
The first and foremost reason for the increase in production of consumer goods
is the burgeoning population of today. More people lead to more demand.
Additionally, because of globalization people are flooded with choices. When
they see a new product, they want that too. What is more, the buying capacity
of people has gone up because of developing economies. Finally, the
manufacturing industries are producing cheaper consumer goods by
compromising with quality. These are affordable by the common man but the
quality is so bad that they cannot be repaired. Mostly they have to be discarded
after some time of use.
The most serious effect of this phenomenon is on the environment. Our landfill
sites are filling up with non- biodegradable wastes. It is also leading to pollution.
Destroying used plastic is becoming a major problem everywhere. Even the
recycling of plastic needs a lot of electricity. Conventional methods of generating
electricity add to pollution. Disposing of a lot of waste materials such as heavy
metals like lead and mercury and poisonous gases also adds to pollution. It is said
that the earth can satisfy everybody's need but not everybody's greed. The
amount of energy used in manufacturing and disposal of consumer goods is also
leading us to a brink of energy crises.
The solutions are not easy. Steps have to be taken on a war footing. People have
to be made aware of the disastrous consequences of consumerism. People
should buy only what is absolutely necessary. As far as possible biodegradable
materials should be used as raw materials and excessive packaging should be
avoided. Industries should be encouraged to use alternative sources of energy
during production. Quality should not be compromised with. This would
definitely help in reducing the use-and-throw culture. Finally, waste disposal
methods should be very good. Strict action should be taken against those
industries, which dump their effluents Indiscriminately.
To conclude, consumerism is rampant nowadays and it is having a detrimental

effect on our environment but steps can be taken to minimize the bad effects of
excessive consumerism.
166. Food travels thousands of miles from farmers to consumers. Some

people think that it would be better for our environment and economy
if people consumed locally produced foods. To what extent do the
advantages of this would outweigh the disadvantages?
Nowadays, supermarkets are stocked with food products from around the world.
Some individuals are of the opinion that this imported food has detrimental effect
on our economy and culture and it would be better if people ate only the local
produce. Certainly, the disadvantages of imported food outweigh the advantages.
On the positive side, transporting food over a long distance gives us a lot of choices.
We can taste a variety of fruits and vegetables from all parts of the world. For
example, about ten years ago, we hardly saw kiwi fruit, which is from New Zealand.
But, now it has a place on every fruit stand. Secondly, many people get employment
in this field. Small farmers have a chance to expand globally and it increases the
overall economy of the country. Finally, it helps in developing good relations
between countries, which helps in international cooperation and peace. If countries
are dependent upon one another's economic success, then armed conflict would be
less likely.
Nevertheless, importing food can have a negative effect on local culture. This can be
seen in countries such as Japan where imported food has become more popular than
traditional, local produce, eroding people's understanding of their own food
traditions. Although some would claim that this is a natural part of economic
development, in an increasingly global world, I feel strongly that any loss of regional
culture would be detrimental.
A second major reason to reduce imports is the environmental cost. Currently, many
food imports such as fruit, are transported thousands of miles by road, sea and air,
making the produce more expensive to buy and increasing pollution from exhaust
fumes. Despite the fact that trade in food exports has existed for many years, I am
convinced that a reduction would bring significant financial and environmental
gains.
In conclusion, I am certain that if people ate locally produced food, it would have
environmental benefits. It would also benefit the local economy because, in time,
people would prosper commercially as the demand for local and regional produce
would remain high resisting the competition from overseas.
167. Sport is becoming a business. More and more companies are

getting involved in sporting events. Do you think that it is a positive or
It is irrefutable that sporting events have become quite popular with big business
houses, which try to reach more and more customers by sponsoring such events.
Nowadays, big corporate houses are also buying sports teams. It is obviously a win-
win situation for both. Sports teams and individual sportsmen need money and
companies need advertisement. However, I believe that the situation is not as rosy
as it looks.
There are many advantages of big businesses funding professional sporting events.
Now that companies pump in millions of dollars into many sports items, talented
players are eager to enter the field. This is a definitely a positive development. Many
sportsmen are now earning enough to concentrate in their game and not worry
about providing bread and butter to the family. Earlier, many sports persons weren't
earning enough and also the prize money wasn't good. This deterred many talented
players from pursuing a career in sports. Now the situation is totally different.
Today, sports have become the backbone of the economy of any country. Today's
sportsmen act as ambassadors for their respective countries and provide name and
fame to their country.
On the other hand, there are few downsides if sports are supported by the corporate
sector. When sports become a business, the focus can shift from talent to profit. This
can also lead to vices like match fixing. It is not uncommon for international cricket
and football players to get involved in match fixing controversies. What is more, the
win at any cost attitude can also compel many players to resort to unethical means
such as consumption of drugs to enhance performance.
Ultimately, the biggest sufferers are the non-glamorous games, which the private
companies are unwilling to sponsor. For example, in India cricket is hugely popular
so companies are eager to sponsor cricketers. All businesses ignore the players of
other less popular games and events. The governments may try to cover up to some
extent, but the government funding can never match that of private companies.
To conclude, it is not hard to see that corporates entering the field of sports is both
good and bad. Big prize money and sponsorship deals will definitely encourage more
people to pursue a career in sports. On the other hand, companies will always have
business interest in their mind. Non-glamorous sports are ignored and also,
sometimes, this can take the focus away from the game. Therefore, I believe that it
is largely a negative development.
168. Nowadays, sending children to boarding school (either in other

countries or in their own countries) is becoming increasingly popular.
Why is it? Is it a positive or negative development?
Boarding schools have been extensively debated. One group considers them great
boosters of a child's all-round development, whereas the other as instruments of
neglect of children's emotional needs. Nowadays, boarding schools are becoming
very popular. This essay shall probe into the causes of this phenomenon, and also
discuss whether this trend is good or bad.
People send their children to boarding schools for a number of reasons. Some
parents, who work overseas or travel frequently, choose to put their children in
boarding school, because they know how inconsistent they will be in parenting or in
providing for the needs of their children. Other parents choose boarding school for
their children as a way for them to experience more of the world, and to learn how
to interact with diverse people from a young age. Still other parents put their
children and teens in boarding school if they are having trouble disciplining their kids
or keeping them out of trouble. Also, in this age of dual-income nuclear families, a
child's life and development often takes place in rather unsuitable circumstances,
and so boarding schools can be a great place for children to be in.
Seen in such a light, the option of a boarding school is very good. After all, these
schools are not just about studies - they also give a child time and exposure to a lot
of other things like sports and art. Also, children in such schools are more likely to
have stronger bonds with their friends, since they spend a lot of time together.
Certainly, there are some drawbacks such as homesickness. Moreover, children in

residential schools have fewer day- to-day interactions with their family, and
significantly less time to spend with their parents during their formative years. As a
result, many parents, who place their kids in boarding schools, fail to develop a close
bond with their children.
To sum up, it can be said that we cannot say whether the trend is positive or
negative. It depends on an analysis of the child's needs and the circumstances of the
family. Also, it is generally advisable not to send a very young child to boarding
school.
169. Mobile phones have made life easier and anyone can use a mobile
phone to answer or make work calls or home calls art any place 7 days a week.
Do you think this development has more positive effects or negative effects
on the individual and the society?
Mobile phones have revolutionised the concept of communication. They have

a big role in transforming the society into a 24/7 society. This development
has its pros and cons but the advantages definitely outweigh the
disadvantages.
On the positive side, mobile phones have simplified people's lives. Today,
people are well connected with their family and friends all the time. Earlier, if
a person was late from work, his family would be worried about him till he
returned home safe and sound. Today, a person can inform his family of
his/her whereabouts. Today, if something goes wrong with anyone's vehicle
and he is stranded on the road then he can immediately call someone for help.
Nowadays, the shopkeeper does not miss an important customer just because
he had to go home for five minutes for some urgent work. Even in offices
which require fieldwork, a person can take advice from his seniors any time
and from anywhere. Some businesses, in fact, thrive on the mobile phone.
Nevertheless, cell phones can take away your calm and quiet. A person with
a mobile phone cannot draw the line between work and leisure. If he doesn't
answer the mobile phone or keep it switched off in his off-duty hours, then
he is considered rude and if he answers, then his family life is in jeopardy.
What is more, if he listens to a mobile phone while driving then he can cause
accidents. Finally, the ads, which are shown on cell phones, can be very
bugging especially when the person is in the middle of an important meeting.
To conclude, mobile phones actually make life simpler and more convenient.
It is in our hands to know where to draw the line and use them to our benefit
only.
170. People are encouraged to get rid of things in order to get newest
fashion and latest technologies. Do the disadvantages of throwaway
society outweigh the economic advantages?
It is irrefutable that consumerism is promoted in many nations of the

world. This essay intends to analyse the positive and negative effects of
this use-and-throw culture. I personally believe that the disadvantages
outstrip the advantages.
On the positive side, consumerism leads to mass production, which is

something good for the employment sector. Mass manufacturing
definitely leads to mass employment. This is undoubtedly beneficial for the
overall economy of the country. Furthermore, because of consumerism,
people get choices. When there is demand, more and more manufacturers
come in the market. For instance, about two decades ago, there was only
Kissan tomato ketchup in the market; but today we have Heinz, Del Monte,
Cremica, Maggi and so many more varieties of tomato ketchups in the
market.
Nevertheless, consumerism promotes a use-and-throw culture, which is

very bad for the environment. There is a lot of rubbish generated because
of excessive consumerism. Unnecessary packaging is also done to make
these goods appealing to the eye. Often, this rubbish is not decomposed
and ends up in rivers and waterways. This is definitely harmful to the
environment. Furthermore, consumerism makes people work more and
more to afford these products. This workaholism makes them forget to
draw a line between work and leisure and also between work and family.
The desires never end and consequently over-working becomes a part of
life. This leads to stress and strain in life. Another negative point is that
when children or youngsters are lured by these things and their parents
cannot afford them, then they resort to petty crime such as pick-pocketing
and chain snatching, which is certainly not good for any society.
To sum up, a throwaway society has both merits and demerits, but the cons
are definitely more than the pros.
171. The number of people interested in cosmetic surgery is increasing in

order to improve their physical appearance. Why do people do operations to
change their appearance? Do you think it is a positive or negative
development?
There have been several breakthroughs in the field of medicine, and the progress
made in the plastic surgery techniques is one of them. It is becoming increasingly
popular among people all across the world as everyone desires to look perfect.
There are several reasons for people undergoing cosmetic surgery procedures,
which I will enunciate in this essay. In my opinion, it is a largely positive
development, but the negative aspect cannot be ignored.
One of the most common reasons why people undergo cosmetic surgery is to
enhance their appearance. People aspire to look beautiful, young and flawless and
to achieve this they get some procedures done, like a face and neck lift, body
contouring, liposuction, etc. Another reason why people get such surgeries done is
for reconstructive purposes. This could be for accidental deformities, congenital
abnormalities or victims of acid attacks and such. There are some medical conditions
that make it imperative to get plastic surgery done. For example, after an obese
person loses excessive weight, it leads to a lot of sagging skin, which if not removed
can lead to some other problems.
The rise in the popularity of plastic surgery is considered positive for the following
reasons. The first aspect is that looking good enhances people's confidence. People
with deformities or not very pleasant appearance may be helped psychologically by
such procedures. It not only makes them look better but also boosts their self-
confidence. Many acid attack and accident victims lead difficult lives and may not
even be able to look at themselves in the mirror. Plastic surgery is a blessing for such
people to restore and regain their self-esteem, and self-assurance.
Despite the above-mentioned benefits, the drawbacks of cosmetic surgery can be

quite severe. There has been an increasing pressure on the society to look perfect
and youthful because of the celebrities, beauty industry and media portraying some
beauty standards that everyone must strive to achieve. This not only leads to a
culture of vanity but also creates a sense of low self-esteem. Another consequence
is that the younger generation has a very limited perception of beauty, and they
forget that the inner beauty is what actually matters.
To sum up, cosmetic surgery is an important field of medicine and helps a lot of
people rebuild their lives and confidence. However, the downside of this being used
only for looking a certain way cannot be undermined.
172. In many places, people’s lifestyles are changing rapidly, and this
affects family relationships. Do you think advantages of such
developments outweigh the disadvantages?
It is irrefutable that in recent years, people's lifestyles have changed a

lot, and this has influenced familial relationships in many ways.
Although the changing lifestyles have brought families closer in some
ways, I still believe that the disadvantages of this trend outweigh the
advantages.
The main advantage of changing lifestyles especially people preferring

to spend time indoors than outdoors is that it increases the time people
spend with each other. For example, instead of playing sports outside
today, people stay inside and watch TV with each other together at
home. When people sit together, they talk more and thus it strengthens
the bond between family members.
Despite the increased time spent with each other, I feel the
disadvantages of these changing lifestyles are much more. Firstly, the
boundaries between professional life and personal life have
disappeared. People are always working, even when they are on
vacations they are working. Thus, though people spend more time with
each other, it is not quality time as they are focused on their work rather
than on their family members. The growing addiction for internet also
has the same effect. Family members might be sitting together at home,
but they are mentally not present. They are engaged in talking with their
friends. Furthermore, the increasing preference for living alone is
making people much more isolated. The lack of social connection with
family members is leading to an increase in feelings of depression and
loneliness. The connection through phones and internet can never
match the feeling of security and calm that physical presence of a family
member brings. Thus, because of these reasons I feel that changing
lifestyles have harmed family relationships.
In conclusion, while there has been some increase in the time family
members spend together due to changing lifestyle, overall the effect has
been largely detrimental.
173. Nowadays, some buildings such as offices and school have open
space design instead of separate rooms. Why is it so? Do you think it is
a positive development or negative?
A comfortable environment in classrooms and at the workplace is very

essential as we spend a lot of time there. Contemporary architecture is
promoting open layout in such places. This essay intends to analyse the
reasons for this. I believe it is largely a positive development. In the
upcoming paragraphs, I shall give arguments that support my opinion.
Considering the advantages of having open plans for schools, the most
obvious advantage is the cost. The cost of land has increased a lot in
recent years especially in urban areas. Having an open design is a lot
cheaper. In addition, without doors and walls, a lot more students and
staff can be accommodated in the same space. Additionally, openness
promotes sharing and this in effect promotes cooperation and
productivity. In open offices, employees have to share equipment like
stationary, which leads to more communication. Additionally, there is
better collaboration in open spaces. Furthermore, in open classrooms,
children can see each other's progress and help each other. For example,
children who are strong in mathematics can help other students with
the difficult concepts like calculus, algebra etc. All these above-
mentioned pros explain why such architecture is becoming popular.
Nevertheless, open offices have some negatives too. The high levels of
noise in open offices can be very distracting. Teachers may have to shout
to express themselves. Moreover, the lack of privacy can decrease
comfort levels and impact performance. Saying this, it is also true that
comfort is also dependent upon interaction between employees, which
is certainly higher in open offices and classrooms.
To sum up, the clamor for open office and school design is certainly
justified owing to their umpteen advantages like reduced costs and
increased cooperation. Although this open layout has some
disadvantages as well, I still consider the growing trend of open offices
and classrooms as a positive development.
174. Most People today prefer to socialize online rather that spending
time with their friends in the local community. Do the advantages
outweigh the disadvantages?
It is irrefutable that an increasing number of people today like to chat and

make friends online instead of socializing with their friends and neighbors in
person. Although there are certain advantages of this trend, I believe the
drawbacks certainly outweigh the benefits.
The main advantage of people spending time on social networking sites is that
it helps them to keep in contact with a lot more people than they could in
person. It is easy to maintain contacts, keep links with friends from high
school and college even if they are living miles away. Moreover, socializing
online helps to form friendships with people with similar likes and dislikes.
For example, if a person likes knitting, playing chess, reading books or
discussing politics, he or she can chat or discuss them online. People are not
limited to interests based on their location.
Despite these benefits of online networking and socializing, I believe it far

more detrimental for the individuals and the society. Firstly, it has impacted
the quality of friendship. People have many friends online, but the number of
friends people can rely on in case of adversities have fallen. This is because
social networking has reduced the emotional connection, the thoughtfulness
that develops when people actually spend time with each other. Moreover,
the preference for spending time online has also adversely affected people's
health. Earlier people used to go out and spend time with friends doing
outdoor activities, visiting malls and so on. All of these entailed some walking
or physical exercise.
Ultimately, I believe the biggest impact of social networking has been the
increase in cyber bullying and online harassment. It is easier for people to be
rude on the internet as they can hide behind the anonymity that the Internet
offers. In a sense, social networking sites have given people the license to be
hurtful as there are no apparent consequences of being hurtful or bashful on
the internet.
To conclude, although socializing online rather than spending time with

friends and neighbors in person has certain benefits, I consider it to be
negative development overall.
175. As transport and accommodation problems are increasing in

many cities, some governments are encouraging businesses to move to
rural areas. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
It is true that the world's largest companies are located in large cities. In the city many
people expect to find better employment opportunities, often with bigger, secure
companies. As cities become overcrowded, problems relating to housing and transport
arise, because of which some people suggest that the larger companies should relocate
to the countryside. While this may have some advantages, I firmly believe that the
disadvantages would be far more than the advantages.
It is reasonable to think that moving thousands of employees from large companies out
to remote areas would have a positive impact on the overcrowding of some cities. There
would be less traffic because of less people in the city centre, and this would obviously
be highly desirable. In addition, there would be less strain on the services offered by the
city-banks, public transportation, restaurants and the like. This would mean a reduction
in queues and faster customer service. To add to it, housing would also become
affordable. It is generally seen that because of too many people wanting to live in the
city, land prices and even rents of houses start touching the sky.
On the other hand, many new problems would rise if businesses were shifted from cities
to the rural areas. The main problem would be that a dramatic reduction in numbers of
people in the cities would mean that many businesses would go broke. Restaurants,
cafes and other service areas would suffer tremendously. What would happen is that
overcrowding would occur where the new, large organisations relocate. More and more
people offering services would spring up-restaurants, shopping centres and other
businesses would be needed to serve the increasingly larger numbers of people who
moved to the area. In addition, the rural area may not be able to provide the enormous
quantities of housing, electricity and raw materials required to run a huge company.
Furthermore, relocating businesses to rural areas may upset many households. Children
also may have to change schools. So, it would not be practical to do so. Transport and
accommodation problems in cities need to be sorted out by connecting the villages and
cities by very efficient public transport, so that people come to work in the cities and
live in rural areas. Newer businesses should be encouraged to open in the suburbs; the
already existing ones should continue to be where they already are.
To sum up, relocating the companies would assist with the overcrowding problem in
some cities. However, a new set of problems would surface, which would be far more
than the benefits. Therefore, I reiterate my point that the idea of moving larger
corporations out to rural areas would not be beneficial.
176. Ambition is an important character for people who want

to be successful in life. How important is it? Is it a positive or
negative characteristic?
It has been rightly said that big results require big ambitions. Ambition is
extremely valuable in today's times. Job applications often ask for ambitious
candidates. Entrepreneurs are admired for their ambition and energy, and
dynamic countries and cities have ambitious plans for growth. Although
ambition has a dark side, I believe it is largely a positive trait.
There are many advantages of being ambitious. Being ambitious means

setting goals, and then working hard to fulfil them. Ambition also teaches
flexibility and resourcefulness. When problems occur, ambitious people find
a way around them. In addition, being ambitious makes people tolerant.
Ambition can be individual or collective. Ambition does not have to mean
moving ahead on one’s own. It can be a vision for a whole city, the elimination
of a disease, or the improvement of a community.
On the other hand, over-ambitiousness is often associated with negative

characteristics such as greed, intolerance, and the drive for power. It is also
often associated with ruthlessness. It can block out human feelings such as
friendship, respect for others, or compassion. Over-ambitious people also
resort to unethical means such as hurting others to achieve their goals, which
is definitely wrong.
In my opinion, a life without ambition is mechanical and meaningless. People

need to have ambition and enjoy the better present and the future it brings.
However, they should not become obsessed with ambition to such an extent
that they forget what is right and what is wrong. What is more, in their
ambitious pursuits people sometimes fail to draw a line between work and
family, which leads to stress and can make them miserable.
To sum up, ambition is positive because it gives people the impetus to work
hard, but it can be negative if it turns into over-ambitiousness and makes
them workaholic wherein they disrupt their work-life balance.
177. Most countries want to improve the standard of living through

economic development, however, others think the social value is lost as a
result. Do you think the advantages of economic development outweigh the
disadvantages?
Economic development is one of the crucial measurements to evaluate the degree

of social wellbeing in a society. In the race for achieving economic benefits man has
to pay the price of loss of social values. In my opinion, the cons of economic
advancement outweigh its pros.
It is irrefutable that by the development of economy people can improve their

quality of life. For example, in USA even the poorest of the poor has the basic
amenities of life such as food, clothing and shelter. All the citizens enjoy high level
of social welfare and they enjoy free medical care and free education. Even in
countries like India and China, the life of people has improved as compared to earlier
times because of economic development.
On the other hand, in the quest for economic growth, social values have taken a
back seat. People have become greedy and selfish and have no time for each other.
They have become workaholics and fail to maintain a work- life balance. As a
consequence, family life is suffering. For instance, in my country, India, as economic
standard of people has gone up, divorce rates have also gone up. Young generation
has started following global culture and therefore they have forgotten moral values
and do not respect their elders.
What is more, people resort to unethical means to keep up their economic

prosperity. Competition has become unhealthy. Instead of improving their own
product, businesses try to defame the products of other companies. For example,
somebody spread a video on a social media, of a popular flour company, Ashirwad,
saying that their wheat flour contained plastic. The company had to clarify through
advertisement on TV, that the substance was not plastic but was gluten, a natural
constituent of wheat flour. Even in the business world, colleagues are not co-
operative as in earlier times. As a result, the relationship of the people in the society
is much worse than that in the past. Money-oriented society is not a very pleasant
society to live in. No wonder, in the developed countries many people are
downshifting and refusing promotions to give time to their family and society.
To conclude, economic development is a good thing and the people enjoy a better
standard of living, but there is loss of social values, which puts a big question mark
on the advantages of economic development. The onus is on the individuals to strike
a balance between work and leisure to get all the advantages of economic
development without the loss of social values.
178. Students today can access information online, so libraries are

not necessary. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Since centuries libraries have been in the service of man. These libraries are the
repositories of never-ending knowledge known as books. Some people opine that
we can do away with traditional libraries because technology has given us the facility
of virtual or online libraries. I, however, believe that even though technology has
reduced our need to go to the libraries, our traditional libraries can never become
redundant.
With the advent of new technologies in the field of computers and

telecommunications, revolutionary changes have taken place in the field of Library
and Information Science. The shape of traditional libraries containing a large
number of printed documents is in the process of being transformed to paperless
libraries containing a large number of digitized documents. The facilities offered by
networking have not left libraries untouched. Modern libraries are not only digitized
but networked also. This has led to the creation of virtual libraries i.e. libraries
without walls through which the user has access to information at anytime,
anywhere in the world by using the modern tools of communications, such as
computers and Internet facilities.
However, one should keep in mind that a person goes to a library not only to search
and get information from books, but also to sit and study there. The ambience and
the peaceful and scholarly atmosphere of the library helps one to concentrate more
on one's work and study. Thus, libraries will never become unneeded. They will
always be there to indicate the presence of a well-read and educated society.
Another important point is that it is very difficult to always read books from the
computer monitor. Traditional books can be issued from the library and read in the
comfort of your bed. Virtual libraries can be accessed only by those who are
computer literate. The access to virtual libraries can be affected by power cuts and
network failures. Moreover, in a traditional library you are guided by the librarians
if you need any help in searching for the book.
To conclude, it can be said that advancement should be welcome in every field but
the importance of the libraries for their fundamental role cannot be put aside. Every
library should have its digital segment also so that more and more people can access
them. This will add more crowns of success to the importance of libraries.
179. The main purpose of public libraries is to provide books and they shouldn't
waste their limited resources and space on providing expensive hi-tech media such
as computer software, videos and DVDs. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this statement?
Since centuries libraries have been in the service of man. These libraries are the
repositories of never-ending knowledge known as books. Some people opine that
libraries should only provide books and not other hi-tech media such as computer
software, videos and DVDs. I, however, believe that such hi-tech media should be
there in libraries in addition to books.
It is easy to see why some people say that libraries should not have CDs and DVDs.
They fear that the traditional book will lose its appeal. Because of technology, books
are now being converted into disc forms such as CDs and DVDs. Even the availability
of books in the form of electronic media on NET is putting in danger the importance
of the traditional libraries, which house only traditional books. Here, my argument
would be that libraries have to keep in stock many copies of a single book. CDs and
DVDs occupy less space and so the availability of CDs and DVDs in addition to books
seems very practical because of the shortage of space in most libraries.
On top of that, one should keep in mind that a person goes to a library not only to
search and get information from books but also to sit and study there. Some books,
which are out of print or not available in that particular area can be accessed through
CDs and DVDs. What is more, many students cannot afford the expensive hi-tech
media and Internet connection in their homes. It is well known that the Internet is
an ocean of knowledge and students need to access it for assignments. Therefore,
they can access all this in the library. Therefore, computers and the Internet should
be available in libraries.
Another important point why people oppose such hi-tech media is that they fear
that instead of using it positively students will use it for chatting and surfing
objectionable sites. They have a point, but this can be looked into by blocking such
sites in the libraries. My final argument would be that with the help of computers
the records of the books in the library could be maintained very efficiently. For
example, most modern libraries can be maintained by just one or two librarians,
whereas earlier they needed a lot of manpower.
To conclude, it can be said that advancement should be welcome in every field but
the importance of the libraries for their fundamental role cannot be put aside.
Equipping libraries with high-tech media will add more crowns of success to the
importance of libraries.
180. Some people think that because children find subjects such as
mathematics and philosophy difficult, they ought to be optional instead
of compulsory. To what extent do you agree?
Mathematics and Philosophy seek to find the truth behind the underlying workings
and meanings of the universe. Mathematics teaches the formulation of proofs and
concepts and Philosophy teaches the theoretical basis of our social organisation and
social relationships. It is difficult to agree or disagree with the entire statement. I
believe that maths should be compulsory in schools even if students find it difficult,
but philosophy can be made optional.
There are many reasons why mathematics should be a mandatory part of school
curricula. Undeniably, maths is the basis of all other subjects. Children need to be
taught numeracy from early childhood. Secondly, the knowledge of maths makes
children smarter as it teaches them to think critically. If maths is not taught, then
the phobia some children have of maths will be even more pronounced when they
are older. Moreover, if maths is studied in school, then it opens doors to many
interesting subjects and careers. Many good universities and colleges in Canada and
USA, require the knowledge of maths till Senior Secondary level. Many high paid
jobs require analytical thinking which only those children have who have a good
mathematics base. Therefore, maths should be compulsory in schools. The onus is
on the teachers to make it interesting for the students.
On the other hand, philosophy can be made optional because of many reasons.
Firstly, school children are too immature to learn about the complexities of human
relationships. They can learn such social skills from parents and teachers in an
informal way by just observing them. Secondly, philosophy, as a subject, would be
too boring and would only add to the burden of the students. As it is, today's
children are over-burdened with tough academic subjects to make them competent
enough to be a part of the global village of today. So, only those who are really
interested to study philosophy should be given the option of studying it.
To conclude, it can be reiterated that maths should undoubtedly be compulsory but

philosophy should be optional as maths is needed to survive today in this era of
technology whereas philosophy can be left for college or university studies. That is
why, perhaps, in our Indian school curricula, maths is compulsory but philosophy is
optional and that too in the senior secondary classes.
181. Students at schools and universities learn far more from lessons
with teachers than from other sources (such as the Internet and
television). To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is irrefutable that students can learn a lot nowadays from Internet and
television and these have become an indispensable part of education, but
I firmly believe that teachers play a more significant role in the classroom.
believe that no amount of technology can ever undermine the importance
of the teacher.
Admittedly, teachers can stimulate interest, and it is an undeniable fact

that interested stimulated people tend to learn more. They can keep
students focused on study. A student studying by himself through Internet
and TV, may get bored and stop studying. Secondly, teachers can provide
a faster and simpler way to present information to the students. They can
come down to the level of a student and so are definitely better than
computers. In addition, teachers are role models for students. They are
scholars in action. They not only teach academic subjects, but also many
social skills. Furthermore, there are many practical subjects, which
students can learn best from the teacher. For example, experiments of
physics and chemistry, are best learnt by the teacher guiding you at every
step. What is more, teachers give assignments and regularly check them.
This helps the teachers to recognize the weak points of students and guide
them accordingly. All this cannot be done by the Internet and TV.
On the other hand, it is also true that the Internet is an ocean of

knowledge. You can get information about any topic on Earth from the
Internet. But there is no authenticity of this information. What information
to get and from where to get, requires a lot of expertise. The television also
has a lot of educative programmes but students still need the guidance of
the teachers at all stages of learning. Teachers can make even the dull and
boring subjects seem interesting. So definitely students learn more from
teachers.
To conclude, it can be said, that no doubt TV and the Internet are very
educative these days but students definitely learn more from the teacher.
182. School teachers used to be the source of information; however, some

people argue that teachers are not as important as before as the increasing
variety of information resources. Do you agree or disagree?
It is completely preposterous to think that teachers have lost their

importance in education because of the wide resources such as the
internet. I firmly believe that teachers are as important as before and even
more so. In the following paragraphs I shall put forth my arguments to
support my views.
It is irrefutable that computer and internet have made possible distance

education and online education. In this regard, computers are a boon for
the handicapped, those living in remote areas and those in job. They can
study any time of the day or night because of the internet. This has made
education approachable for many who cannot for some reason or the
other attend a college or university.
However, I still feel that teachers can never lose their importance. In
learning and practice of more complex ideas, the computer is not
adequate. It can tell if the answer is right or wrong but it cannot tell where
the student went wrong. Tasks involving reasoning cannot be taught using
computers. Moreover, teachers add their own knowledge gained through
experience to that of books and other resources.
Furthermore, teachers can stimulate interest and it is an undeniable fact

that interested stimulated people tend to learn more. They can keep
students focused on study. A student studying by himself may get bored
and stop studying. Teachers can provide a faster and simpler way to
present information to the students. They can come down to the level of a
student and so are definitely better than computers. What is more,
teachers are role models for students. They are scholars in action. They not
only teach academic subjects, but also many social skills.
To conclude, there is no doubt that modern resources have changed

education from a teacher-oriented one to a student-centered one, but
teachers will always hold their importance and can never be replaced by
any technology.
183. In the past, lectures were used as a way of teaching large numbers
of students, but now with the development of technology for education.
many people think there is no justification for attending lectures. To what
There has been a significant change in the mode of teaching the students in the past
few years. I disagree with the view that technology has reduced the need to attend
lectures. I firmly believe that going to college or university and attending lectures is
as important as before and even more so. In the following paragraphs I shall put
forth my arguments to support my views.
It is irrefutable that computer and Internet have made possible distance education
and online education. In this regard, computers are a boon for the handicapped,
those living in remote areas and those in job. They can study any time of the day or
night because of the Internet. This has made education approachable for many who
cannot for some reason or the other attend a college or university.
However, I still feel that technology cannot replace the need for going to the
classroom. When students attend lectures, they learn from teachers. In learning and
practice of more complex ideas, the computer is not adequate. It can tell if the
answer is right or wrong but it cannot tell where the student went wrong. Tasks
involving reasoning cannot be taught using computers. Moreover, teachers add their
own knowledge gained through experience to that of books and other resources.
Furthermore, teachers can stimulate interest and it is an undeniable fact that

interested stimulated people tend to learn more. They can keep students focused
on study. A student studying by himself may get bored and stop studying. Teachers
can provide a faster and simpler way to present information to the students. They
can come down to the level of a student and so are definitely better than computers.
What is more, teachers are role models for students. They are scholars in action.
They not only teach academic subjects, but also many social skills. Ultimately, when
students attend lectures, they interact with other students, which gives them a
sense of competition to study more.
To conclude, it can be said that, there is no doubt that modern technology has added
many new ways to reach education to students, but attending lectures will always
hold its importance.
184. Some people believe that everyone has right to university education.
Therefore, government should make university education free for
everyone, no matter what their financial background is. To what extent do
People have different views about who should pay the fee of university
education. Some believe that the government should totally fund tertiary
education, as the society benefits the most if the youth are highly educated.
However, I disagree with the notion. I firmly believe that the student himself
benefits the most from tertiary education. Therefore, the tuition fee should be
borne by the students.
Proponents of free tertiary education cite a host of benefits. They say that if
higher education were made totally free, then the whole society would benefit.
That is why in all developing countries there has been a strong effort to raise the
educational level of the society by putting as much money as possible into
providing educational institutions. Developing countries cannot move ahead
without enough educated professionals such as doctors, teachers, scientists and
engineers. Governments in such countries provide scholarships or free education
to as many students as they can fund, because they realize that the whole
country will benefit. Many developed countries also try to offer free tertiary
education because they want a highly educated population.
On the other hand, there are many credible arguments against free tertiary
education. Firstly, the individuals themselves get so much benefit from tertiary
education that they should themselves pay for it. Doctors, lawyers, accountants
and engineers have some of the highest earnings in most societies. So, it is
justified that the government, and therefore the taxpayers, should not pay for
students who will later earn more than anyone else. Moreover, most students
come from the middle classes and their parents can afford to pay for their fees.
Furthermore, it is also a well-known fact that if a person gets something for free,
he doesn't value it that much. Because of free education, the university classes
would be full of non-serious students, who would spoil the decorum of the
classes. Many students would also not complete their education and drop out
mid way. In such cases a lot of government money would be wasted. As it is, the
government has a lot on its shoulders. Therefore, it would be wrong to put the
entire burden of university education on its shoulders.
To conclude, it would not be wise to put the cost of tertiary education on the
government and so the cost should be paid for by the student himself, or through
some loans, which must be paid back later.
185. Students from poor background such as rural areas often find it difficult
to access to university education, so people think universities should make it
especially easy for them to enroll. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
I agree with the statement that universities should take a step forward
and provide access to education to those from rural backgrounds and
those who cannot afford it. In the following paragraphs I intend to
discuss why this needs to be done and suggest ways how universities
can help.
The main reason why universities should help the disadvantaged

sections of the society is that this would help to bridge the gap between
the rich and the poor. It is a well-known fact that higher education raises
the level of people both socially and economically. The students of rural
backgrounds may not be able to compete with their urban counterparts
for entrance to universities. Competition is very stiff nowadays and cut-
off rates for engineering, medical and commerce courses is very high.
Another well-known fact is that university education is very expensive

and is out of the reach of many. Many students from poor backgrounds
do not get tertiary education for want of money and so join some job
after secondary school. This is very detrimental for their future because
they remain at the same level of earning for their whole lives and so
cannot progress in life. Even their future generations remain
underprivileged.
Universities can help in many ways. Firstly, they can introduce a rural
quota which can help the deserving rural students. Moreover, funding
can be provided to poor deserving students. Interest free loans which
can be returned after the completion of education can be provided to
the students. Many leading universities are already doing all that for the
needy students. Universities can also provide online and distance
education courses at very nominal fees to such students.
To sum up, universities should help the poor and rural students because
it will reduce inequality among the people and raise the level of the
nation as a whole.
186. Some people think it is important for children to take lessons

outside classroom, for example, by visiting places such as local
companies or public buildings. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many individuals believe in providing more innovative learning

experiences to children by taking them to local commercial
establishments or public buildings where they are exposed to a great
deal of practical knowledge. I agree with their perspective. This essay
shall discuss, how such practices have an edge over mere classroom
learning.
To begin with, classroom learning can sometimes be monotonous, and

therefore, such outings can make learning creative, fun-filled and more
effective. Museums, galleries, zoos and farms can be of great interest
and can provide learning experiences that won't be forgotten fast. There
are even some evidences to show that pupils' grades improved if they
spent more time learning outside the classroom.
Furthermore, field trips to local businesses can introduce pupils to the

practical component of learning, which is not available in schools. This
can give students the real hands on experience of the world of work. All
students should have the opportunity to participate in internships and
programs to enrich their education. This should not be separate from
their education at school, but an extension of their academic learning.
Ultimately, relationships between teachers and students are often
transformed by field trips. The absolutely critical aspect of such outdoor
learning experiences is the development of the relationship between
the young students and the teachers they are with. That can be life-
changing, and a bond can form with a particular teacher or all the
teachers.
To conclude, most children benefit greatly from such educational tours.

Therefore, school authorities should encourage children to visit local
businesses or public buildings in order to make education more creative
and interesting.
187. Some people think it is not necessary for adults to receive

education in class. Self-study is a good way for them to study more
effectively. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
When adults choose to study, it is mostly for self-enrichment, for enjoyment or

self-improvement, and not to work toward a vocation or degree. They have two
options in front of them. One is to do self-study through various resources such
as the Internet or libraries and the other is by enrolling in regular classes. While
I agree that self- study is more convenient for adults, a more effective approach
would be to do major part of the study on one's own and top it up with a few
days in the classroom.
With the help of the Internet self-study can be a very useful way to learn anything
nowadays. There are thousands of resources available on the Internet that can
help one to traverse the ins and outs of any subject. Many sites also offer video
tutorials. By utilizing the vast amounts of teaching resources as well as authentic
materials, such as official online sites of some universities, one can really develop
one's skills independently. Besides the Internet one can purchase textbooks or
borrow books from libraries that can help in learning about any subject.
Furthermore, self-study is considered better because many adults find it difficult

to return to a classroom setting after spending years in the workplace. Many
adult students also struggle to find the time to pursue education alongside their
obligations at work and at home. In addition, self-study requires very little
finances and one can also look after family commitments.
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages of self-study. To begin with, it
is difficult to remain focused on study and one can get bored or distracted very
soon. The teachers in the classroom setting can keep one focused on study.
Secondly, while doing self-study, there are chances that one can study
incorrectly. Nonetheless, for adults self-education is much more convenient as
the classroom may not be in an approachable location or the timing may not suit
them.
On balance it can be concluded that, as there are many barriers to adult

education such as time, money and family commitments, I agree to quite some
extent that self-study is a good way for them. However, I would also like to say
that the ideal approach would be to have a blend of self-study and classroom
learning.
188. Some people think the main purpose of schools is to turn the
children into good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as
individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Schools are considered to be the lighthouse of a nation, and if education is the

backbone of a nation, schools are the place to build it. However, the main
objective of academies is a never-ending debate. I agree that a school's main
purpose should be to turn students into honest and good citizens and making
them ready to work for society instead of turning them into selfish money-
making machines by helping them individually just to be ready to get a job.
First, the main purpose of education is to build up an enlightened nation where

morality, honesty and integrity would be the key characteristics. They would
keep aside their personal ambitions, and work together for the betterment of
the country. Since a school is a place where pupils' education is taken care of, its
chief objective should be to focus on nurturing morality and good human
characteristics among the students while also preparing them for their careers
that would benefit society. To exemplify, if talented and experienced doctors
treat patients only for the money, healthcare for all would be a distant dream.
So, to build a nation where people will help each other instead of turning into
money-making machines, we should focus on our education system, especially
what we teach our children.
On top of that, states spend a lot of money to keep the schools and their
education system running. A major portion of this spending comes from the tax
money. From this regard, if schools plan to adopt an education system where
teachers’ sole purpose would be to teach children how to be personally
benefitted from jobs or businesses, the whole education system would collapse.
We have to be very careful while educating our children. What we teach them in
their early stages would shape them, and if the schools fail to teach them to
become ideal citizens, it would be a great concern in the future. Moreover,
personal benefits, good grades and a better career should not be the main
reasons children attend schools. They should attend schools to become
enlightened members of society.
In conclusion, making ideal citizens and dedicated workers should be the true
objective of our schools. The greater good of society, the bright and prosperous
future of a nation, and the personal achievements of individuals are connected
with the way we teach our children in schools and that is why our education
should focus on morality and quality.
189. The best way to remove poverty in developing countries is 18 provide 6

years of free education to all children so that they can read, write and use
numbers. Do you agree or disagree?
Education plays a key role in alleviating poverty. That is why, providing six years
of free education to children seems to be a good solution to reduce poverty.
However, I disagree that it is the best solution. I believe that primary education
alone is not enough, and steps also need to be taken to maintain the quality of
free education provided.
There are many reasons why 6 years of free education is a good way to lessen
poverty. Admittedly, the basic skills of reading and writing, throws open many
doors. Building a skilled workforce can lift many households out of poverty.
Many economists around the globe have proposed that if all students of low-
income countries left school with basic reading and writing skills, it could
eradicate 12% of the world poverty. It has been seen that the direct cost of
sending a child to school, as well as the indirect cost of losing a source of labour,
deters the poor from sending their children to school. Therefore, providing 6
years of free education seems a viable solution to eradicate poverty.
However, delivering six years free access to education alone is not enough, and
so it cannot be considered as the best way to lessen poverty. All children need
the chance to complete not only primary school, but also secondary school. For
instance, in a survey in El Salvador it was seen that 5% of working adults had only
primary education, compared with 47% who had secondary education. This data
clearly shows that only 6 years of primary education will not land all people into
jobs.
Furthermore, just providing six years free education would not be enough, if
steps were not taken to ensure the quality of such education. It should be
ensured that children actually learn. The quality of this education should be
equitable to that of other premium educational institutes. Faculty recruitment,
infrastructural maintenance and pro-learning programs should be effectively
monitored by the authorities. Otherwise, all the government funding can prove
futile.
To sum up, six years of free education can go a long way in eradicating poverty,
but I reiterate that six years education is not the best solution, as it is not enough,
and also steps need to be taken to ensure the quality of this education.
190. Schools should stop using books for teaching children as they find them
boring, and use films, TV and computer instead. To what extent do you agree
with this?
I definitely agree with the given statement, which says that the use of books
should be replaced by computer and TV in schools, as students find them
uninteresting. I believe that films, TV and computer are better educational tools,
and are more engaging for the students.
There are many reasons why multimedia tools have an edge over the traditional
book. To begin with, the most important job of every school is disseminating
knowledge, which can be done by multi-media or by written form through the
traditional books, but the absorption of written material is insufficient and
lackluster in today's scenario. Children need something, which can stimulate
their interest and keep them engaged. The computer can stimulate and educate
students better than books or speech alone ever could. Electronic search
mechanisms can help students find passages instantly, which would be hard to
find in a book, unless they remembered precisely where to look. Multiple
windows allow students to keep multiple passages in front of them
simultaneously. Further, through such media there could be immediate
exchange of ideas with other students across the globe, which could be very
exciting for the students.
Furthermore, such a practice of using these computers and TVs in classrooms

would ensure that students all over are receiving the same education in the same
way, and this could prove very useful especially when there is lack of good
teachers, such as in remote areas. Nobody wants to go to the remote areas to
teach. As a result, the children are taught by local teachers, who have themselves
not received a very good education. So, those children can never shine and
compete with children of big cities, even if they have the ability in them. This
situation can be fought with, by the introduction of computer, TV and films in
schools. Very few good teachers could cater to a wider network of schools in
remote areas with the help of these tools. Finally, it would be good for the
environment because paper would be used less.
To sum up, I reiterate my opinion by saying that it is the need of the day to
familiarize students with multimedia gadgets in schools right from school days
and definitely these AV aids have an edge over the printed book as far as piquing
the interest of today's students in concerned.
191. Everyone should stay in school until they reach the age of 18. To
In many countries, school attendance is mandatory for all children up to a specific

age. In India this is 14 years of age. In the UK and many other countries it is 16,
although the UK government now has plans to raise the school leaving age to 18.
I agree that children should be in school till the age of 18 for valid reasons which
I would discuss in the subsequent paragraphs.
The most important reason for raising the school leaving age to 18 is that the age
of 14-18 is the most impressionable age of a child's life. During this period of
adolescence, the children undergo physical and hormonal changes, because of
which they are under a lot of pressure. Therefore, lengthening compulsory
schooling helps protect childhood. While at school students will be protected
from some of the pressures in life. They have the rest of adulthood to work, make
budgets and make choices. Providing them with space to grow for as long as
possible can make them better prepared for adult life. Additionally, more
education provides the opportunity to acquire more skills and therefore more
options. It has been shown many times that those with more education find it
easier to find work, and that they are more likely to find that work satisfying.
What is more, raising the school-leaving age is a crucial investment in society's
future. Doing so increases the economic potential of the future workforce, and
so will bring increased tax revenues in the long term.
However, the opponents claim that extending the period of compulsory

education requires a huge investment in teachers, books and new school
buildings, which would be very expensive. They also say that many families need
their children to make an economic contribution to the family income, and
working early can help these families to survive. Finally, just being in school does
not guarantee that a student is learning. Unwilling students become disruptive
and damage the education of others in their class.
To sum up, even though compulsory schooling till 18 has some drawbacks, these
are nothing as compared to the vast benefits this approach would bring and the
cost needed to implement would be negligible if compared to the huge economic
potential of the future workforce. Therefore, I believe that everyone should stay
in school until the age of eighteen.
192. Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female

students in every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The society and educational system have changed significantly from the old era
when it was almost impossible for a girl to study in a university while only boys
were allowed to do so. Now, a girl can enroll to a university at her wish and merit.
In many universities, female students exceed the male students in many
subjects. I oppose the idea of granting the same number of male and female
students in every subject offered in a university bypassing the merit list.
Admittedly, it would be unrealistic to have the same number of men and women
in all courses. Many courses are more popular with one gender than the other,
and it would not be practical to aim for equal proportions. For example, nursing
course is more popular among female applicants, whereas mechanical and civil
engineering are more common among the male applicants. This would lead to
many seats remaining vacant and many deserving candidates would not get the
course of their choice.
On top of that, universities should select the best candidates for each course
according to their qualifications. In this way, both men and women would have
the same opportunities, and applicants would know that they will get in a good
university if they achieve good grades at school. Quota systems are not fair. A
deserving male student may be left out, but a female with lower grades may get
admission in the same course. The main reason why some people say that
universities should have equal numbers of both genders in all subjects is that
they want to remove discrimination against women who have lesser chances of
higher education in many societies. However, taking such a step could lead to
negative discrimination against the men.
Eventually, it could be argued that such a step could lead to unwilling students
in a few courses. What sort of graduates would the society have of students who
have studied half-heartedly just because of the fact that they could not get into
the subject of their choice. What is more, the numbers of drop-outs would also
increase and many would not complete their higher education.
In conclusion, the selection of university students should be based on merit, and

it would be both impractical and unfair to change to a selection procedure based
on gender.
193. Many people who leave school hold a negative attitude towards
learning. Why does this happen? How to solve the problem?
It is a harsh reality of today that many students are not satisfied with their
education at school, and have a negative attitude when they leave or dropout of
school. In this essay I shall discuss some reasons for this phenomenon, and
suggest some solutions to mitigate the problem.
The first and foremost reason is that students see examples of their seniors
around them, who are still struggling to find jobs, and even those who have
found jobs are being underpaid and exploited. So, they presume that even after
graduating from school they may not get a suitable job. They cannot see any
benefit of studying and getting some degree. So, their negative attitude to
learning is well justified. Another reason for the students' negative attitude
towards learning, is that their course of study was forced upon them by their
parents, and their aptitude was not taken into consideration. For example, if a
student, who wants to make his career in the field of music, is forced to study
commerce, how can he feel positive about his studies?
Apart from this, the teacher-taught relation is very strained these days. The ugly
claws of commercialism have crept into the field of education. Education has
become a business and the student is the customer. Teachers are biased towards
the rich or the brilliant students, and this is very detrimental for the education
process.
There could be many ways to address this situation. Firstly, while selecting
courses, the students' aptitude should be taken into consideration. Parents also
need counseling in this matter. Secondly, the infrastructure of the educational
institutes should be improved, which includes the faculty also. The pay scale of
the teachers should be so lucrative, that the best people want to enter this
profession. Finally, there should be more stress in teaching a wide range of
subjects rather than a narrow range, so that when the student enters the job
market there are a variety of choices for him to work in.
To conclude, there is no doubt that most students hold a negative attitude

towards learning, but the problem can be addressed in many ways.
194. The subjects and lesson contents are decided by the authorities
such as the government. Some people argue that teachers should make
the choice. Do you agree or disagree?
In almost all parts of the world, there is a national curriculum decided by the
government, which is followed in all schools. Some people, however, feel that
teachers should decide the school curriculum. I disagree with the statement. I
believe that the national curriculum should be decided by the administrators.
The prime advantage of the government deciding the subjects and lesson
contents is that a national curriculum standardizes what is taught across the
country. Later on, while applying to different universities and colleges it would
give equal opportunity to all. It would also give the opportunity to the authorities
to compare and rate the schools. This would also make it easier for the
authorities to provide quality education in the whole country. Also, a national
curriculum is decided after a lot of research. The government knows better what
subjects and skills are needed in the society. It should be the one to decide what
all choices to be given to the students as to their main subjects and optional
subjects and how much syllabus should be covered per school year. Its goal is to
ensure vocational and economic success for the individual and the nation. It is
also less expensive to implement across the country. The teacher's job is only to
deliver good teaching.
There are reasons why some people say that teachers should be given the liberty
to decide the school syllabus. Firstly, they say that only the teachers can look into
individual aptitudes and interests. Sometimes the authorities do not realise how
much can be taught in a year. Only the teachers can do that well. However,
leaving the whole choice of subjects and lesson contents on the teachers would
bring a lot of confusion and inconsistency. Students would be taught different
things in different schools. It would also mean that religious schools would teach
only religion and ignore science, and therefore many students would not receive
a well-rounded education.
To sum up, it can be said that a national curriculum should be there, and it should
not be left on the teachers to decide the subjects and lesson contents.
195. It is neither possible nor useful for a country to provide university

education to a high proportion of young people. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
Furnishing the young generations with tertiary education play an

indispensable part in the government’s policies. However, most policy
makers reckon that it is infeasible and inefficient to offer the vast
majority of the youth higher education. From my perspective, I
completely agree with this statement for the following reasons.
It proves impossible for a country to provide entry to tertiary education

for all young people. The first reason is the prohibitive tuition fees and
the inability to afford them of the majority of youths. College or
university undergraduates are supposed to learn from experiments,
purchase costly materials during a term, let alone other field trips if one
majors in practical fields of study like engineering or medical. All of
these plus the fact that many students from rural areas find it tough to
meet only the annual tuition fees, especially in poverty-stricken
countries. This leads to the second reason in which I mean government
have other priorities such as universal education, healthcare system to
invest in.
It also does not seem useful for the whole country once the state wish
to accommodate the youth with higher education. This is primarily
because there is no guarantee that students will become successful and
contribute to the well-being of their nation after finishing their
education. There are the cases when distinguished graduates fail to
secure a decent job and thus become unemployed, exacerbating the
burden on society as a consequence. Even worse, some are likely to slack
off with their studies or even drop out of school as they either take
higher education for granted or find no motivation in furthering their
knowledge, given the thought that tertiary education is subsidized or
free of charge.
In conclusion, it’s my firm belief that not only it is neither possible nor
useful for a country to provide university places for a high proportion of
young people.
196. In many countries, sport and exercise classes are replaced with
academic subjects. Why is it so? What are the effects on the children in
their lives?
It is irrefutable that academic subjects are crucial in today's era of cut-throat

competition. However, I believe that a well-rounded education including
physical activities are needed for the holistic development of children. Axing
sports and physical exercises can have a detrimental effect on children which
shall be discussed in this essay.
There are many advantages of sports and exercise classes. To begin with, these
break the monotony of tough academic studies. Participating in sports keeps
children physically fit. We all know that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body.
World renowned scientific research suggests that children deliver optimum
performance through a balanced approach to education. If a child devotes his
entire time to academic subjects, without exercising, he becomes lethargic and
dull. Participation in sports recharges the batteries of children and they can
perform better in studies too.
Another important benefit of having sports in schools is that children learn

important virtues of life through sports. They learn competition, cooperation,
sportsman spirit and so much more from sports. These skills are important later
on in life. Even recruiting agencies look for such skills apart from that piece of
paper called the degree. So, such subjects are as essential as academic subjects.
Finally, it would be worthwhile to add that sports classes in schools have given
us players like Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni who have won
laurels for our country.
Nevertheless, it is totally understandable point of view that education is so

important that students must be pushed as hard as possible to achieve their best.
It sounds a good idea to only expose the students to academic subjects as then
they can spend all of their school hours on studying areas that will get them into
university and good jobs later in life. I still feel that a more rounded education
would produce a better individual. We must remember too that a lot of people,
maybe even most people, aren't academically minded and would benefit more
from a more vocationally based education. Forcing academic studies onto them
would lead to failure and the student leaving school too early.
In conclusion, whilst it is important for a child to succeed academically, the

chances of success are increased with a balanced approach that includes sports
and physical education.
197. We have three important parts of education: reading, writing and

math. Some people think every child will benefit from a fourth skill
added to the list: computer skills. Do you agree or disagree?
The ability to read, write and solve basic mathematical problems are considered
to be rudimentary skills that every individual is required to learn. The study of
language and mathematics have been the priority of education since time
immemorial. Nonetheless, with the advent of the digital era, the significance of
learning the essentials of computer science is also being recognized. I strongly
support the idea of making computer skills a mandatory faculty to have and in
the following essay, I will support my views with relevant instances.
It is a well-known fact that presently, computers have become a vital part of our
daily routine. Today, there isn’t a single business or organization that operates
without the aid of computers. The necessity of being proficient in information
technology has become so critical in this day and age that people without any
prior knowledge or expertise in this discipline are deemed unemployable. Thus,
to avoid such complications, training in computer technology should be provided
to everyone from an early age.
Furthermore, one of the chief reasons for computer technology being such an
indispensable part of our lives is the degree of convenience enjoyed with its use
in everyday activities. From sophisticated functions in the realms of research and
engineering to simple communications and even leisurely pursuits, computers
can accomplish such a diverse array of tasks in a matter of seconds with minimal
effort. That being said, such benefits can only be availed if the user has sufficient
command over a computer system.
Nevertheless, making computer science a core discipline will be a tough

endeavor as humans by nature have always resisted change. However, the rising
demand for technological adroitness in both corporate and everyday life should
help people in recognizing the need of the hour.
Ultimately, I would like to conclude by saying that the merits of being tech-savvy
are far greater and varied than the ones mentioned above. Thereby, computer
and information technology should be given as much weightage as other
standard subjects.
198. Because computers can translate all kinds of languages quickly

and accurately, so learning foreign languages is a waste of time? Do you
agree or disagree?
Nowadays, the advancements in technology have made it possible to

translate a text from one language into another language with
reasonable accuracy. Therefore, some people opine that there is no
importance of learning foreign languages. However, I disagree that
acquiring the knowledge of other languages is a waste of time. A number
of arguments surround my opinion.
First of all, even though computer translation programs can handle far
more languages than what an individual can learn, when it comes to
accuracy, humans are far better. This is because there are nuances in
every language, which cannot be interpreted by any mechanical
translation programmes. What is more, natural languages are largely
idiomatic, which means that the literal meaning is far different from the
actual meaning and to be able to cope with such situations, children
should be encouraged to study foreign languages.
Furthermore, it has been proved by many researches that bilingualism

and cognitive development go hand in hand. In other words, people who
are bilingual or multilingual have better IQ than those who are
monolingual. Children, who know more than one language, do better at
other subjects also. Therefore, language study is a very fruitful course of
action. Also, it is a well-known fact that language and culture are
inextricably linked. Therefore, by learning other languages people
become aware of other cultures and their outlook of life broadens. They
become part of the global village of today and can participate better in
the global economy.
To conclude, although the development of translation capabilities in

computers has brought several benefits, this is not enough reason to
stop learning foreign languages. A monolingual future generation would
definitely be disadvantaged in many ways.
199. Some children can learn efficiently by watching TV. Therefore,

they should be encouraged to watch TV both at home and at school. To
It is irrefutable that TV is a very efficient teacher. However, I disagree that

children should be motivated to watch TV both at home and at school. I shall put
forth my arguments to support my views in the following paragraphs.
There is no doubt that TV can be a powerful mean of delivering information and

a nice part of learning process. Being an audiovisual medium more effective
result can be achieved. What is seen is retained longer in the minds of children.
There are some things which can be very easily taught by visual illustrations. Even
boring subjects like history can be made interesting with the help of TV.
However, if TV is to be used as an educational tool then very strict monitoring

would be needed as to what children watch on TV. All those talk shows and soap
operas we can see every day are a complete waste of time and can even have
negative effects by distracting children from their studies. Moreover, the most
of so called educational programmes like National Geographic cannot replace
books and academic lectures because they tend to entertain people and do not
have an aim to give deep and concentrated knowledge. It is highly unlikely that
TV channel directors would abandon their profits and change talk shows to
lectures and video lessons.
Furthermore, if children watch TV in school also then their interaction with the
teacher would be limited. Teachers teach a lot of things apart from academics.
They can come down to the level of the student and can also stimulate children
to learn. What is more, children would read less when they learn everything from
TV. Reading is an active activity as compared to TV which is a passive activity. So,
it would be detrimental to the holistic development of children.
To conclude, although TV is a very good educational medium, it should be used

within limits and whatever children learn from TV should also be carefully
monitored by parents and teachers.
200. Schools are spending more time in traditional subjects like history
etc. They should rather spend more time in teaching skills that can help
them find a job. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
School curriculums may vary from school to school, but their primary objective
is the same everywhere which is to educate and enlighten students. However,
some people claim that schools should focus more on job-oriented subjects
rather than teaching traditional ones like arts and history. I personally disagree
with this view and believe that traditional subjects are just as important as skill-
oriented subjects.
Admittedly, ‘job-oriented subject’ is itself an inexplicit term. Some would say

that subjects that enhance practical skills like computing or gardening are job-
oriented subjects, but no one can assure that all students in a class would
become computer engineers and specialists in planting and gardening. That is
why forcing pupils to study subjects that they do not feel interested in would
bring negative results.
Furthermore, schools are meant to nurture young students’ creativity and foster
their talent to let them explore their true potential. From this perspective,
imposing job-related subjects is like suppressing the potential of the future
generation. Finally, if schools can bring diversity among students and inform
them about different perspectives of life, the students would themselves choose
their careers and transcend in future. So, there is no need to create a robotic
generation with a particular skill only.
On top of that, Arts and History are as much important as any science and
technical subjects are. The study of history empowers us to be prepared for the
future and learn from mistakes made by our ancestors. Similarly, arts and other
traditional subjects allow us to learn to appreciate life. We revere Van Gauge and
Leonardo da Vinci as much as we admire Sir Isaac Newton and Einstein. The world
needs great artists and historians no less than it needs talented scientists and
engineers.
To conclude, schools should equally focus on traditional subjects and skill-

oriented subjects and nurture students’ hidden potential to prepare the future
generation to become leaders, not corporate slaves.
201. Some people think that schools should concentrate on academic

classes, because they are helpful for future career, and they think music
and sports classes are not useful. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
What young people should study at school has long been the subject of intense
debate and this is a question that certainly does not have one correct answer.
While I agree with the first half of the statement that schools should focus on
academic classes, I do not agree with the second half that music and sports are
not necessary. I firmly believe that non-academic subjects are also very
important for the holistic development of the children.
Admittedly, there are many reasons why schools should lay stress on academic
classes. Firstly, academic education is very important and students must be
pushed as hard as possible to achieve their best. It is necessary to expose the
students to academic subjects so that they can get into university and good jobs
later in life. However, forcing only academic studies onto them would lead to
failure and the student leaving school too early. I feel that a more rounded
education would produce a better individual.
Nevertheless, there are many advantages of non-academic subjects. To begin

with, non-academic subjects break the monotony of tough academic studies.
Participating in sports keeps children physically fit. We all know that a healthy
mind resides in a healthy body. Subjects such as music also have proved to be
helpful in improving the IQ of children. Therefore, the importance of these
subjects cannot be undermined.
I believe, a mix of academic and non-academic subjects should be there in

schools. Young people should be given the best possible chance of doing well at
school. In traditional curriculum there is a wide variety of subjects. There are
academic and non-academic subjects. In this way a young person is formed with
a rounded education. Non-academic subjects include sports, cooking, and music.
I believe this is the best form of education. A young person should learn things
other than academic subjects.
To sum up, I reiterate my opinion by saying that non-academic subjects are as

important as academic subjects in today's syllabuses.
202. With the increase in the use of mobile phones and computers,
fewer people are writing letters. Some people think that the traditional
skill of writing letters will disappear completely. To what extent do you
agree or disagree? How important do you think is letter-writing?
It is irrefutable that in today's era of modern technology, many people struggle

to produce letters and often avoid writing letters altogether. Nevertheless, I
don't agree that this skill will die completely. In this essay I shall put forth
arguments to support my view, and also discuss the importance of letter writing.
Admittedly, there are several reasons why writing letters is less frequent
nowadays. This is because of modern technology. These days we are much more
likely to email someone than write a letter. In addition, our business
communications have become more informal than in the past. As a result, a less
formal style of writing is more acceptable. Other forms of communication such
as text messaging have reduced our need to write letters even
more.
However, in my opinion, there are times when there is no alternative to writing

a letter. Letters are generally more formal and carefully composed than emails.
This makes them more suitable for occasions when they are likely to be kept and
re-read, perhaps several times, by the recipient, as with formal letters of thanks
or sympathy. Letters provide a written record, unlike telephone calls, so they are
also a better way of setting out an important or complex argument, as in the
official complaints or legal matters. Moreover, that time is still very far when
everyone will have a computer and Internet connection. Till that time letter
writing can never disappear.
Certainly, it can be seen that letter writing is a very important skill to learn
because there are many parts of the world where it is very important to be
formal. This is particularly true if you are involved in international business.
Because of globalization the business world is becoming more and more
international, and it is not always possible to pick up the telephone to talk to
people. Consequently, I believe that letter writing will never die out completely.
And even though these letters may be written on computers rather than by hand,
we still need to learn and practise this skill.
To sum up, there are fewer times when we need to write letters than in the past.
On the other hand, I feel there are still some important occasions when a letter
is the most appropriate form of communication.
203. Some people believe that reading stories from a book is better
than watching TV or playing computer games for children. To what
Reading stories in books is a basic way for children to obtain knowledge and
open their minds. Although watching TV and playing computer games are also
popular educational methods among children, I believe that reading books is
better and offers more advantages than watching TV and playing computer
games.
Learning by reading is more effective compared to TV and games because it is

an active activity. Like any other skill, reading takes practice. To fully
understand the content, children have to give all their attention to the text.
Also, more than just understanding a certain topic, children tend to develop
imagination, as they imagine the characters from the description they read,
which helps them to learn more efficiently and deeply in the future.
Furthermore, reading stories also helps children master language

development, as by reading stories, children learn pronunciation and
vocabulary. It also increases a child's attention span, and develops the ability
to concentrate. It develops children's ability to express themselves more
confidently, easily, and clearly in spoken and written terms. It develops and
fosters a child's natural curiosity.
Nevertheless, the knowledge disseminated by vivid pictures on screen is

easier for children to imbibe, but too many moving objects and colorful
images can distract children, especially some young kids, from other
important tasks. Playing computer games also can be very addicting, as a
result of which children fail to do their homework. Additionally, spending too
much time before a computer screen or watching TV can lead to health
problems such as short-sightedness. Therefore, reading is better for both
efficiency and health purpose.
In conclusion, it can be reiterated that reading stories in books is better than

watching TV and playing on computers, as it is a more effective way to learn
and is better for health.
204. In many countries, traditional foods are being replaced by

international fast foods. This is having a negative effect on both families
and societies. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
In this era of technology and globalization, all spheres of life have changed
dramatically and food is also no exception. I agree that international fast foods
and restaurants have eaten up traditional foods and cuisines and this has had a
detrimental effect on families and societies. A number of arguments surround
my opinion.
There are a lot of damaging effects of international fast food on families. First of
all, in this torrid pace of life, people are working till their death. They have no
time to prepare and enjoy traditional home cooked food. Ultimately, they switch
to an easy option of restaurants. McDonalds have become a ubiquitous term in
every home. Secondly, there is the influence of occidental culture over the
oriental one. People are forgetting their roots. For example, in earlier times all
family members used to sit together and eat, and over the dining table they
shared their happenings of the day. These fast foods are eaten alone mostly
because they do not appeal to the palate of the older members. As a result,
family bonds and relationships are getting blurred. Moreover, the art of home
cooking is suffering a lot.
Admittedly, this trend has harmful effects on individuals. Undoubtedly, people

are affected by health hazards like obesity and other diseases. Obesity is the root
cause of many other diseases. Fast foods are rich in fats and salts which are not
good for health. An obese person is more likely to suffer from diseases like
hypertension and diabetes.
There are tangible consequences on society too. Broadly speaking, as people get
inclined towards fast food and restaurants, local culture dies out. It is because
traditional food is inextricably linked with culture. Undoubtedly, the identity of
the society and nation will disappear. It will be monopolized by western
societies. Also, if people are not healthy, the productivity of the nation will come
to a standstill. Last but not least, fast foods promote use-and-throw culture,
which adds to the problem of garbage dumps, contamination, pollution and
eventually many diseases.
To summarise, it can be reiterated that international fast foods have carved their
niche and traditional food has taken the backseat. Certainly, this has adverse
effects on individuals, families and societies.
205. Government needs to spend money to encourage the

development of sport and art for school students, rather than to support
professional sports and art events. Do you agree or disagree?
The professional sports and the cultural programs have been in existence for a
long time and have played an important part in people's life. Therefore, I
disagree that government should direct the funds allocated to such events
towards encouraging sports and arts among school students. A number of
arguments support my opinion.
Admittedly, the professional sports bring name and fame to a country. Countries,
which spend a lot on such sports, are always leading in sports in the Olympics,
the World Cup and other such international competitions. Professional sports
also boost the economy, as millions of spectators come to see and cheer for their
favorite teams in the stadiums. There are also big benefits from advertisements
on TV, as millions of people sit in front of TV and watch sports shows.
In addition, government needs to spend on professional arts and sports because

these preserve and spread our culture in the whole world. In the budding stages,
these professionals do not have the resources to promote their art. If the
governments do not support them, they look for other means of bread and
butter, and so our art dies and with it our culture also dies. Furthermore, the
sports and cultural programs are recreational sources that help people relax and
reduce stress after work. Entertainment is as important in human life as food,
clothing and shelter. So, the government should fund these arts and sports.
On top of that, it is difficult to motivate children to take up sports and arts

without naming and praising super stars in professional activities. The success
from people such as Sachin Tendulkar (a cricket player) or A R Rehman (a
musician) is even more important in encouraging children to participate in sport
and art subjects than any other kind of motivators. How could we tell our
children to put more efforts on arts and sports if it would not lead to any money
and success in the future?
To sum up, it can be reiterated that spending on professional sports and cultural
programs is imperative for the governments. Promoting sports in schools should
also be there, but not at the expense of professional sports and cultural events.
206. More and more people today are drinking sugar-based drinks. What are
the reasons for this? What are the solutions?
Modernization and advancement in technology has also brought about changes

in the food and beverage industry. Sugar based drinks are one such development
and these have become increasingly popular in the last few decades, and this has
led to many health-related problems. There are many reasons why the
consumption of such drinks has increased, which I shall discuss in the
forthcoming paragraphs. I would also suggest some steps that can be taken to
ameliorate this problem.
There are a number of reasons for the popularity of such sugar-based drinks. The
main reason is the advertising of such products. The companies that manufacture
these drinks have very big promotional campaigns, spend billions of dollars on
marketing and use the pervasive forms of media, like newspapers and television.
They mostly target children and youngsters, who are easily swayed by these ads.
They have famous stars as the brand ambassadors, and when people see their
role models endorsing these drinks, they do not think twice before consuming
such drinks, irrespective of their harmful effects. Another reason is that some of
these drinks contain certain substances that act as stimulants and are addictive,
such as caffeine and other chemical stimulants. When people start consuming
them, they get some kick out of them, and then there is no going back.
It has become increasingly important to deal with this issue at the earliest
possible, because the increased consumption of such sugar-based drinks have led
to a plethora of health problems, like obesity, diabetes, increase in cholesterol
levels, dental problems, and many other diseases. The first step needs to be
taken by the parents. Children follow what they observe and parents need to act
as role models. They also need to get their children into the habit of having
healthier drinks, like fresh fruit juices, milk, coconut water, and so on. They
should encourage their children to have natural sugars rather than artificial ones.
The government can also help by imposing more taxes on such drinks, so that
people are discouraged from buying them. Awareness can be spread about the
harmful effects of such drinks, through social messages on the TV, the Internet
and through newspaper ads. Instead of having sugar-based drinks at theaters,
restaurants, cinemas, etc., such places can promote healthier drinks, containing
natural sugars and no additives.
To sum up, there are several reasons why the sugary drinks have gained
popularity among the masses. However, many steps can be taken to mitigate the
health problems that have arisen due to these drinks.
207. Some people believe that sport competitions are a source of

emotional stress for young people. Therefore, youth should be banned
from participating in sport competitions. Do you agree or disagree?
I completely disagree with the notion that the youngsters should not be
permitted to compete in sports, as competition makes them emotionally
stressed. There are a number of arguments that support my view, which I will be
putting forth in the upcoming paragraphs.
There are numerous benefits of competing in sports. Such competitions promote

skills like self-confidence, team spirit, developing strategies, overcoming
obstacles, and so on. Admittedly, there is a feeling of competitiveness that can
cause some amount of emotional stress. However, that is not just limited to the
field of sports. Competition is there in every aspect of life, starting with the
school life, and continues onto when we start working. Sports competitions
teach the youth how to overcome challenges, accept failures and keep trying to
succeed, which helps them overcome other obstacles in their lives as well.
To add to it, sport is a very popular career option for many youngsters. Through
the state-level and national-level sporting competitions, the best of the talent
can be identified. These youngsters can then move on to competing at an
international level, and bring name and fame to the country. The government
also provides job opportunities to the sport laureates. Furthermore, such
competitions promote harmony, when people and teams from different cultures,
countries and backgrounds compete with one another and strengthen
relationships.
The proponents of the view that the youth should not be permitted to participate
in sport competitions say that the pressures of winning are too demanding for
the players and lead to deleterious consequences, like the win- at-all-cost
attitude, not being able to accept failure, drug abuse for better performance, etc.
However, this kind of stress is faced by children every day at schools, and
competing in sports only helps them become more confident and tough enough
to face the challenges they face in their personal and professional lives.
To sum up, the children and the youth should be encouraged to participate in
sport competitions, to promote their overall development, and to inculcate in
them the life skills, like self-confidence, sportsmanship spirit, feeling of fraternity
and many more. I am certain that when done in purposeful and developmentally
appropriate manner, which places the needs of the children well ahead of
winning, competitive sports can and should be a great experience for kids.
208. Some people think government should ban dangerous sports, such
as skydiving and rock climbing. Do you agree or disagree?
In recent years we have seen a considerable rise in dangerous or extreme sports.

Although I do not support an outright ban on such sports, I do feel that the
government should regulate such sports, so that they are played under supervision,
which will minimize the risks.
Those who maintain that the government should ban dangerous sports activities
argue on the grounds that a government has a responsibility to protect its
population. In other words, the law should be there to prevent citizens from taking
risks themselves, whether deliberately or unintentionally. These sports can be
highly dangerous and sometimes life threatening. More than that, it is not just the
participants who are at risk, but spectators too can be seriously injured. If, for
example, a Formula 1 car crashes, the driver may not escape unharmed, and there
is also a chance that a bouncing tire or debris may fly into the crowd. Because of all
these dangers, it is understandable why people call for the authorities to take action.
However, banning such sports is not the answer. Instead, the government should
ensure that the companies or centres, which provide the facilities for such sports
should meet the required, legal safety standards. Another argument against banning
is that then people would play these sports in hiding, and then they would be at
even more risk. After all we all know that forbidden fruits taste sweeter.
A further point is that in statistical terms there is a low probability of injury in many
so-called dangerous sports, and people are at greater risk carrying out everyday
activities such as crossing the road or cooking a meal. With the rapid development
of advanced technology and medical insurance in our society, the security system of
those extreme sports is absolutely mature enough to protect people who take part
in these challenging activities.
What is more, those sportsmen who excel in such sports bring name and fame to
their country. They break records set by others, and when they do so, the name of
their country shines in the whole world. I also believe that people should be allowed
to go for whatever risk they choose. So, if someone wishes to freefall from a plane
at 30,000 feet, then he should be free to do so and it should be accepted that it is
not the place of the government to dictate how people lead their lives. Not infringing
citizens' freedom should be regarded as a government's priority.
To sum up, it can be said that such sports should be performed after sufficient
training and under supervision of experts. Dangerous sport companies should
require a license for providing such training. To lay a prohibition on such sports is
not the answer.
209. People should look after their health as a duty to the society they
live in rather than personal benefits. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Good health is a basic human need. The given statement says that people
should look after their health as an obligation to the society and not think
about their own benefits. I, however, feel that compliance would be much
more if we were to look after our health for our own interest and the benefits
to the society would automatically ensue.
There are many benefits to the individual if he/she looks after his/her health.
Good health means a person leads a quality life. He does not have to spend
on expensive medical treatment and he has more productive life. He can work
better and enjoy all the good things that life has to offer. Moreover, if a
person suffers from any infectious disease and takes timely treatment then
he does not spread it to others. Later on, he does not stand the chance of
getting re-infected by other people.
Furthermore, if people looked after their health for personal reasons, the
benefit to the society would be there automatically. For instance, a lot of
government budget, which it has to spend on providing healthcare would be
saved, and this saving could be used in other areas. The government could
provide better roads, public transport and other things to the people.
Admittedly, as a part of society, we all have an obligation to the society. If all

people are healthy then the society is also healthy. A healthy society means a
more energetic workforce, which would in turn raise the level of society.
However, selfishness is a basic human nature. People would be more willing
to do something if it benefits them. So, adopting a healthy lifestyle would be
observed to a greater degree if people know it is for their benefit. Society
would also benefit involuntarily.
To sum up, we should all look after our health. It does not matter whether it
is for the society or ourselves. We are all inextricably linked to the society. If
we do something good for ourselves, the society is benefited and if we do
something for society then we are benefitted, but we will do something for
ourselves with more enthusiasm.
210. Nowadays the football supporters behave violently. What is the

cause? How we can solve it?
Football hooliganism is not a new phenomenon. It dates back to 14th century

England, when this sport was banned by the king of that time. In the modern
form of football, such violence has also been reported many times. This essay
intends to analyse the causes of this phenomenon, and suggest ways to
mitigate the problem.
The main reason of violence by football supporters is that football is a

competitive, physical sport, which is played by and attracts an audience,
which is youthful and aggressive. The supporters of the teams form gangs,
and these gangs want to assert themselves over their rivals. They have strong
emotional ties with their teams. The Heysel stadium disaster is an example of
such hooliganism, in which Liverpool supporters and Juventis supporters had
a fight, because of which a wall collapsed and there were 39 casualties.
On top of that, the influence of alcohol is there on football violence. There

were clear evidences that most of those involved in football hooliganism were
drunk. Finally, the media is also considered a culprit in contributing to football
violence. Studies have suggested that the language of war and combat
employed by the media in covering football, incited the young supporters to
indulge in violence. For instance, the Daily Mirror's headlines "Achtung!
Surrender" before the match between England and Germany in 1996, was
very provocative for the young supporters.
Many solutions have been proposed and tried, which has resulted in a
significant decrease in football hooliganism. Such measures should be
implemented more stringently to completely eradicate the menace of
football violence. First of all, sophisticated policing measures should be
employed. Spotting and barring the hooligans to attend further matches
would be very helpful. Alcohol consumption during the matches should be
banned. Finally, the media should be wise enough to play its role in such a
way that it does not give air to hooliganism.
To sum up, football violence is a problem, but many effective steps can be
taken to address the issue and prevent further mishaps.
211. There are social, medical and technical problems associated with the
use of mobile phones. What forms do they take? Do the problems of mobile
phones outweigh the benefits?
Mobile phone is one of the most important inventions that have brought people
tremendous convenience and efficiency. Admittedly, if misused or overused, it may
cause some social, medical and technical problems. However, its pros far outnumber its
cons.
The social problems of cell phones cannot be understated. People are busy on their apps
and social contact is going down. Spending time with friends, family and stranger can
strengthen the social bond. But smartphone apps and games are somehow making the
social distances larger. Cell phones also keep people connected to their work, as a
consequence of which, people fail to draw a line between their personal and
professional lives, which causes stress and strain within the family, leading to spoilt
children and broken homes.
There are many medical problems concomitant with the use of cell phones. First of all,
they emit radio frequency waves, which although are of very low frequency, can still
have negative effects if there is too prolonged use of the cell phone. Second, excessive
use of cell phone can increase stress levels and affect the mental health of young adults.
Moreover, the increased touching of the cell phones can harbor germs on the handset,
which can be more disease prone than those found on the toilet seat. Cell phones are
technological gadgets and so are bound to have technical problems as well. Network
coverage may not be there at some places, which may cause too much stress. Charging
issues, battery life and unwanted calls are some other technical glitches faced by the
cell phone users.
However, despite all these negative issues, the advantages of cell phones have an edge
over the disadvantages. Mobiles have helped people remain connected with the world
from wherever they are. Distance is not a barrier any more there is a sense of security
if the person knows he has a gadget with which he can be in touch with his near and
dear ones. At the time of emergencies and calamities, they are one of the most used
tools for supplying immediate help.
Mobile phones also provide facilities like messaging, camera, recording and the
Internet. As a matter of fact, now they can serve as a good replacement of laptop.
Business transactions can also take place at any time of the day and family
commitments can also be fulfilled while at work. Cell phones also serve as
entertainment tools as many games can now be played and some phones have FM radio
connection too.
To sum up, the advantages of the mobile phone far outweigh its disadvantages. Mobile
technology definitely has brought a revolution and changed the way to work, to
socialize and to entertain, but we must be wiser and more responsible in using it.
212. The use of mobile phone is as antisocial as smoking. Smoking is

banned in certain places and so mobile phones should also be banned.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Although smoking and the nuisance of mobile phones are both antisocial
activities, I disagree with a ban on cell phones. I believe that smoking does not
have any good side to it and therefore, its ban is justified, whereas the cell phone
has its own set of advantages and so should not be banned.
Admittedly, smoking causes harm to the smoker as well as the non-smoker who
is in the propinquity of the smoker. Studies have proven that the passive smoker
is even more at risk of lung cancer than the active smoker. This is because he
inhales the second-hand smoke, emitted by the smoker. Similarly, in public
places, the cell phone can distract other people and divert their attention. For
instance, in libraries, people can be easily distracted through ringtones of
incoming calls or people talking over the phone loudly with their loved ones.
Even in public places like hospitals, cell phones can easily interfere with the
medical equipment and also irritate the patients waiting to see the doctor.
Moreover, its usage in religious places can spoil the peace of those paying
obeisance.
However, despite all the abuses of cell phones, one cannot deny the uses of
mobiles. They are one's easily available help in case of an emergency. They also
keep loved and near ones well connected. No matter where one goes, cell phones
are the only hope of keeping families connected without any hassle. The SMS is
also a convenient way to keep in touch with your loved ones when no one has
the time for writing long letters. Mobiles are also a great source of
entertainment. You can listen to songs, play games, get live cricket scores,
market- updates and even the headlines. They are convenient, easily accessible
and of great use.
Moreover, these modern devices are very important in this commercial and
financial society. Therefore, the total banning of pagers and mobile phones in
public places is not practical. It will cause inconvenience and the people would
not be able to catch up with the modern trend of communication. Cellphones
have become vital tools in today's world and blocking them in public places will
result in a gross violation of personal freedom.
To sum up, mobiles were invented for our convenience and not to create
nuisance. If used judiciously, wisely and with public etiquette, mobiles can be of
great use. Comparing the cell phone to smoking and banning the cell phone
would not be practical.
213. Leisure is a growing industry, but people no longer entertain

themselves as much as they used to because the use of modern
technology has made them less creative. Do you agree or disagree?
I disagree with the statement that people do not entertain themselves as much
as they used to because of modern technology. I believe that modern technology
has not made people less artistic. In fact, it has changed the definition of leisure
and the lifestyle of people, and has also given people more options for creativity.
Modern technology has changed our definition of leisure. Earlier, leisure meant
going out and meeting people, playing outdoor games, going to cinema to watch
movies and so on. However, today, leisure time is full of choices. We have so
many things to do within the four walls of our house. We can watch countless
programs on national and international channels; we can play online games; we
can chat with friends and relatives in any corner of the world; we can do armchair
tourism by which we can visit any historical place or museum sitting in our
armchair. That is why perhaps it looks as if we people do not entertain ourselves
as much as we used to in yesteryears.
Another reason why people do not entertain as much as before, is also not
because of technology. Technology has, in fact, given us more time to enjoy but
we can't strike a balance between work and leisure. We have become
workaholics. Life in the past was simpler. People worked for basic needs. Now
work is not just a way of life. It is for personal fulfillment. We set goals for
ourselves such as a house or a car. We choose this way of life. Now we have
improved standard of living but this has come at a very high cost.
At last, I would like to state that the given statement is flawed, because
nowadays people specially take out time to entertain themselves. This can be
evident from the mushroom growth of leisure centres such as hotels,
restaurants, fun parks and spas. Tourist places are full of people, and train and
air reservations have to be done well in advance.
To sum up, technology has not made us less creative. We entertain ourselves
more than earlier times but the ways of entertainment are different and
technology has given us more choices than before.
214. Some people say that the government should not put money on
building theatres and sports stadiums. They should spend more money
on medical care and education. Do you agree or disagree?
It is a highly debatable issue whether the government should spend money on

healthcare and education rather than on theatres and sports stadiums. In my
opinion, all these things are important for the people and therefore, the
government should allocate equal resources for both.
Undoubtedly, basic medical care is very important for the general public. If
people are healthy, there will be more productivity of work and the country will
prosper as a whole. There are many people who live below the poverty line and
it is the government's responsibility that they should receive medical aid
whenever needed. There are also the elderly who have paid taxes throughout
their working life and now need good medical care. Moreover, good education
facilities are also the duty of the government. Today, there are a number of
children from deprived backgrounds who get substandard education. They
would definitely require a high quality of education if they were to succeed in
later life. What is more, an educated society has less crime and violence and the
country gets good recognition in the whole world if its people are educated.
Nevertheless, theatres and sports stadiums are equally essential for people. Art
and entertainment is also a basic human need. Theatrical shows provide
entertainment and at the same time preserve our culture and tradition. Our
artists earn name and fame for our country. Sports stadiums, similarly, attract
millions of spectators to watch matches every year. Many more millions watch
games on television, read about them in newspapers, and discuss them with
their friends. Therefore, we cannot say that these are unnecessary expenditures
and therefore the government should ignore them.
Summing up, medicine and education are needs that we recognize, but theatrical
or sports events are also basic needs. Therefore, governments should allocate
resources for both these things.
215. Towns and cities are attractive places. Some people suggest that
the government should spend money putting in more works of art like
paintings and statues to make them better to live in. Do you agree or
disagree?
It has long been an issue of debate whether some part of the national budget
should be spent on the beautification of towns and cities through works of art,
like statues and paintings. I believe that it should be done, and in the following
essay I will put forth my arguments in support of my views.
Art has always been an inseparable part of our lives, as it helps us express
ourselves and instills happy feelings in us. Putting up statues or sculptures in
open areas, gives an opportunity to people to enjoy it and acts as a distraction
from the monotony of everyday activities. Research has proved that appreciating
art helps people relieve stress. In addition, during tough times, people need
some form of art to release tension. It could be through music, dance, painting,
etc. Having sculptures, statues or murals in public places, gives an access to
people from all strata's of society to enjoy art and refresh their mind.
Moreover, installing statues in public places is not only a way to commemorate

a famous historical figure, but also is an interesting way for children to learn
about the history or the accomplishments of that person. India has a rich culture
and history and in most of the towns and cities there are statues of famous
persons or those depicting historical events. For example, in my hometown,
there is a statue of Dr. B.R Ambedkar. Everyone who passes by that statue reads
about him and children are fascinated by it and know all about Dr. Ambedkar.
Another added advantage is that statues become a tourist attraction and people
like to visit places, which have a rich history, art and culture. This helps the local
business and thus, helps make the economy of the place better. For example, the
Rock Garden in Chandigarh has modern sculptures made of trash, which attract
a lot of tourists from all over the world.
No doubt, the government should focus more on other more important issues,
like poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, etc. However, art should also not take a
backseat and should be focused on to make the cities and the country more
beautiful and attractive, for the residents and for those who visit.
In conclusion, I would reiterate that art cannot be separated from our lives and
importance should be given to making a place more appealing, by installing
works of art, like sculptures, statues and paintings in public places.
216. Many countries construct modern buildings to give good view of

towns and cities. Some people say that countries should make new
buildings with traditional style to preserve their culture as part of their
identity. Do you agree or disagree?
Architecture plays an imperative role in our lives. Modern buildings have

their own aesthetic appeal, because of which planners are constructing
such buildings. Although traditional buildings give an identity to a place
and preserve the culture, I disagree that modern buildings should be
built in traditional styles.
First and foremost, in most large cities, land is scarce and consequently
it is very valuable. This has led to the construction of tall buildings, which
occupy only a small area of land while providing lots of floor space
where people can live or work. We also have to meet the needs of the
growing population for which tall buildings are the answer. Moreover,
there would be no need for deforestation to provide more land. Also,
modern materials are more practical. Now we use concrete and steel
instead of stone, timber or brick. Because of these things, buildings can
be built comparatively quickly using prefabricated materials. They do
not use local materials, such as stone, timber or brick, which used to give
character to those buildings. In addition, changes are taking place in
climate and energy sources are depleting fast. So, energy efficient
houses are need of the hour. Modern buildings use double glass front
walls and POP (Plaster of Paris) ceilings, which lessen the energy
requirements. Moreover, now we need smaller houses as family
structure is changing.
However, I believe that every city should preserve the already existing
historic buildings, which give character and identity to the city. The
various forts and palaces in Rajasthan, India have been preserved and
are being used to attract tourism. I agree with this kind of initiative
taken by the government.
To conclude, it is the need of the day that modern buildings should be

built in today's contemporary styles. However, to give identity to a place
one or two historic buildings may be preserved in every city.
217. It is more important for a building to serve a purpose than to look

beautiful. Architects shouldn't worry about producing a building as a
work of art. Do you agree or disagree?
It is understandable that the utility of buildings is more important than

beauty. However, I disagree that architects should not make efforts
about making artistic buildings. I believe that today's architects have the
expertise and the resources to design buildings, which are both-
beautiful and useful.
A good building should satisfy the three principles of durability, utility

and beauty. It should stand up robustly and remain in good condition. It
should be useful and function well for the people using it. It should
delight people and raise their spirits. A good architect should strive to
fulfil each of these three attributes as much as possible.
Admittedly, the burgeoning population and the scarcity of land today

have raised the debate whether the buildings of today should only be
useful and not beautiful. However, the skyscrapers of today are the
answers to both these problems. They accommodate a lot of people in
the least amount of space and these skyscrapers are architectural
marvels in terms of beauty.
Apart from that, the natural resources are limited and it is the need of
the hour to make energy efficient buildings. For example, using solar
panels and other energy saving measures are the need of the day.
Today's architects have been successful in designing aesthetically
appealing solar panels, which need less space. The climate changes that
are taking place because of global warming, need buildings that need
less air conditioning and yet remain cool.
To summarise, it is imperative for architects to understand function, and

aesthetics both. It is a big responsibility to have buildings, which are
both useful and beautiful and architects of today have the capability, to
do so.
218. Some people believe that government should spend on new public
buildings, such as libraries and museums, rather than renovating old
buildings. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Public buildings like museums, post offices, town halls, libraries and schools are a
reflection of who we are as a community, and as a people. The given statement says
that the authorities should invest on constructing new public buildings, instead of
revamping the old ones. I vehemently disagree with this perspective.
Proponents of the given statement say that it is more simple, beneficial and cheaper
to build new buildings instead of preserving the old ones. They opine that the old,
withered and worn out, buildings should be demolished, and shiny new ones made
instead. They argue that replacing the old with the new is part of progress. However,
they are forgetting the benefits of keeping our heritage intact.
First of all, preservation and restoration plays a cultural role. Old buildings teach us
about the history that happened before we were born, and promote the respect for
those who lived in different times and different societies. Architectural monuments
cultivate pride of our past and heritage, making us unique in the world. For example,
Kapurthala is known for a string of beautiful buildings, which were made by the then
Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, during the pre partition days. These buildings are now the
pride of the people there. Historical structures bring character and certain charm to
the neighborhood that people live in.
Moreover, economy is an important merit of keeping the old. Architectural

monuments are great attractors of tourists. Everyone likes to experience the "spirit"
of the place, which most often is represented through architecture. To cite an
example, the Salarjung Museum in Hyderabad Telangana, was once the residence of
the Salar Jung family, who served as Prime Ministers to the Nizams, who were the
erstwhile rulers of Hyderabad. It has the biggest collection of antiques from all over
the world, and thousands of tourists visit this museum everyday. Tourists provide
locals with jobs and extra income. In this way restoration works contribute to
boosting the economy.
At last, restoring old buildings is environmentally friendly. Building new green

buildings and energy-saving houses is important, but restoring the old ones is as
"green" as it can get. Preservation and restoration is the ultimate form of recycling.
It helps reduce construction waste, and saves the energy that is usually spent on
manufacturing and transporting building materials and tools.
To sum up, although building new buildings may be cheaper and simpler than
restoring old ones, I firmly believe that old is gold, and should be preserved.
219. In many countries, the quality of life in the large cities is becoming
worse. What causes this problem? What measure can be taken to solve
it?
It is irrefutable that urbanization is occurring at an unprecedented rate.

Unfortunately, this development does have some negative aspects. This essay
intends to analyze the causes of this situation and suggest some solutions to address
this problem.
The main reason for the deteriorating quality of life in large metropolitans and mega
cities is the high population pressure on these cities. This means that there is always
a demand supply gap, which further means that there is a shortage of infrastructure
because of which the price of real estate and other products is always higher than
normal. This high population density also leads to a high density of private vehicles
on roads, which leads to traffic jams and high air pollution. Thus, city inhabitants
have to deal with increasing commuting times and a poor quality of air leading to
stress and health problems.
Another factor responsible the worsening city life is poor planning. Most city
planning is done with regards to the current city conditions and problems rather
than the problems expected in the future. Creation of slum areas in cities is because
of housing shortage due to poor planning, which fails to account for increasing
population and migration into cities. At last, a huge problem faced by city dwellers
these days is the rising crime. This is due to shortage of law and order personnel,
which is again a failure on the part of the urban administration.
The solutions are not simple, but many of these problems can be solved with proper
planning. Firstly, the government can tackle the problem of high population density
by controlling the migration to cities. This can be done in many ways, such as by
creating livelihoods in nearby towns and villages. If these jobs employ the people
living nearby, they would not have to move into large cities. Government and the
real estate businesses can also try to plan affordable housing in different areas of
cities to ensure that slum areas are not created. A second measure could be to create
high speed connectivity between nearby towns and cities. This would ensure that
people commute to cities rather than move there. This has been successfully done
by the South Korean government by constructing high speed rail to control the
population influx into Seoul in Korea. Lastly, technology like CCTV and surveillance
cameras can be used to reduce crime to a certain extent.
To sum up, high population pressure and poor planning on the part of urban
administration are the main reasons that have impacted the quality of life in large
cities. However, these problems can certainly be addressed by proper measures.
220. An increasing number of people choose to live in big cities. What

problems will this bring about? Should the government encourage
people to live in small towns?
Cities act as magnets to many from rural areas, as a consequence of which, many
problems arise in the cities. This essay will discuss these problems and also give
opinion on whether or not the government should encourage people to live in small
towns.
There are many negative consequences owing to rapid urbanization in cities. A

major problem is the pressure on the cities' infrastructure. For example, as more
and more people crowd into cities, water delivery and sewerage disposal systems
are often found to be inadequate to cope with demand. Moreover, unlicensed
construction of dwellings usually leads to further problems for water and sewerage
systems. Roads and transport services also suffer when they are overused. As more
and more people attempt to travel, the roads quickly become overcrowded and
traffic slows. Examples of this situation can be found in many cities throughout the
world. Not only this, these congested roads become more and more accident-prone.
Certainly, if the government encourages people to live in small towns, it would have
a positive impact on the overcrowding of some cities. There would be less traffic,
less people in the city centre, and this would obviously be highly desirable. In
addition, there would be less strain on the services offered by the city - banks, public
transportation, restaurants and the like. This would mean a reduction in queues and
faster customer service.
However, the problem would be that a dramatic reduction in numbers of people in

the cities would mean that many businesses would go broke. Restaurants, cafes and
other service areas would suffer tremendously. What would happen is that
overcrowding would occur in the small towns. More and more people offering
services would spring up restaurants, shopping centres and other businesses would
be needed to service the increasingly larger numbers of people who live in that area.
So, although the idea seems good in theory, it would be very impractical. The better
solution to the problem would be a careful planning of the city keeping in mind the
future population predictions.
Summing up, because of migration of people from rural to urban areas, many
problems arise in cities but the solution is not in encouraging people to live in small
towns, as this would be a shortsighted approach.
221. The 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?
The world is steadily becoming more urban, as people move to cities and towns in
search of employment, educational opportunities and higher standards of living.
This situation can cause serious problems in both, villages and cities, which I shall
discuss in this essay and also suggest some ways forward.
There are many negative consequences owing to rapid urbanization in cities. First,
there is a lot of pressure on the resources such as land, water and infrastructure like
public transport, health care and law and order etc. Secondly, there is an increased
demand for land, which pushes the property prices. This also leads to encroachment
of pavements and creation of slums. There is increase in demand and consumption
of water. Limited access to drinking water poses serious health hazards and easy
spread of water borne diseases across the masses. Health hazards resulting from
urbanization are also connected to air pollution, as well as crime, traffic and lifestyle.
There is also a sharp growth in urban traffic and the public transport system of the
urban cities is choked.
On top of that, villages also have to bear the brunt of urbanization. To begin with, it
affects the demographics of rural areas. There are less young people and more
dependent population, as most people who migrate are young men. It also impacts
the upbringing of children in the families of such migrant workers. Secondly,
migration of young people leads to shortage of agricultural labour impacting
agricultural productivity.
The solutions are not simple. What must be understood is that we cannot stop
urbanization. Urbanization is synonymous with progress. Growth of cities is not bad;
unplanned growth is bad. Careful planning of cities with the future in mind is
required. This will reduce the creation of slum areas. Finally, strengthened and
improved rural-urban linkages can make important contributions in improving the
situation. If cities and villages were linked well with efficient public transport, many
people would not shift to cities.
Summing up, urbanization per se is not bad but it can have some serious
consequences if it is not managed well. Steps must be taken to regulate so that the
negative impacts can be minimized.
222. It is important for all towns and cities to have large public outdoor
places like squares and parks. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Public spaces such as squares and parks are social spaces, which are very much
needed in today's era where people otherwise lead isolated lives. Therefore, I
strongly agree that is imperative for all urban areas to have such outdoor places.
There are many advantages of having outdoor places such as squares and parks.
Firstly, if such places are not there, people may not even know their neighbours.
Earlier, most people in the world grew up, and died within 10 or 20 miles of where
they were born. Everybody knew everybody, within that radius. Now, with
emigration and greater physical and social mobility, many of the world's people find
themselves in places far from home. As a consequence, they may not know their
neighbors at all. It is often necessary to bring people together, so that they can get
to know one another, learn about one another's cultures, and develop common
interests, concerns, and goals. Therefore, large public places are the need of the day.
In addition, parks are the lungs of the concrete jungles that we live in today. A city
park can also serve as a neighborhood focus, with playgrounds, sports fields, and
other facilities bringing together adults and children from all corners of the area.
State and national parks are also places where significant interaction usually takes
place. The fact, that everyone is there with a common goal-to see the features of
the park-make conversation easier, and break down social barriers. Another
important reason for having such public spaces is that they add identity to a place
and act as places of tourist interest. Thus, they can boost the economy. For example,
the Trafalgar Square in the UK, the Times Square in New York and the St. Peters
Square in Rome are frequented by tourists across the globe.
Also, most town squares are the most suitable places for open markets, music
concerts, political rallies, and other events that require such large open spaces.
Being centrally located, town squares are usually surrounded by small shops such as
bakeries, meat markets, cheese stores, and clothing stores. At their center is often
a fountain, a monument or a statue. Many of those with fountains are actually
named Fountain Square.
To conclude, large open spaces such as parks and squares are absolutely essential
for all towns and cities, as they serve many important purposes.
223. The restoration of old buildings in major cities in the world

involves a lot of government expenditures. This money should be used
in new housing and road development. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Old buildings are there in almost all major cities around the globe. Some opine that
it is pointless to spend money on their restoration and upkeep, and that it would be
better to spend that money on roads and new buildings. I partially agree with their
view. I believe that those old buildings which are neither beautiful nor useful, should
be demolished, whereas those buildings which add character to a place, give it a
unique identity or have a historic significance should be repaired and renovated at
all costs.
There are many arguments in favour of making new buildings and roads. The new
modern buildings, of course, look much more glamorous and function better than
old ones. Modern architectural techniques give modern buildings an advantage that
they can accommodate more people in lesser space. New roads are also in need due
to the fast progress of trade and business. There is also an economic factor regarding
this practice. Constructing new buildings consumes more materials, which can boost
related industries such as steel, iron, lumber, cement and so forth.
Moreover, the newer buildings could be made in such a way that they are energy
efficient by using newer technologies, which could save a lot of energy later on. For
example, double glass panels could be used for insulation and the terraces could be
made as to accommodate solar panels. All these measures are the need of the hour
considering the rapidly occurring climate changes and the burgeoning population.
Nevertheless, there are some old buildings, which give a unique identity to a place,
and with a little maintenance can be used effectively even today. For example, the
Sainik School of Kapurthala was the home the maharaja of Kapurthala, Jagatjit
Singh. It is a magnificent piece of architecture and is now serving a very good
purpose. There are many other such buildings, which house important government
offices or have been converted to hotels for tourists. The Umedh Bhawan Palace in
Jodhpur, Rajasthan has been converted into a hotel and is a good source of revenue
for the government. We would be losing a lot of our historical and cultural
background if we demolish such buildings.
To summarise, the decision to preserve or demolish old buildings should be made

after considering many factors. If the old buildings can be used effectively or be
made into tourist attractions or are giving a unique identity to a place, these should
definitely be preserved. Only if a building is occupying a lot of space and is unfit to
live in, it should be demolished.
224. As housing is a basic need for people, government should provide

free housing for everyone who cannot afford it. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
Homelessness is a big problem faced by the developing and under-developed countries.

However, I do not agree that the governments have the obligation to provide free
homes to everyone, as it would not be a practical and sustainable solution to
homelessness and would annoy the taxpayers. I would like to support my opinion with
my arguments in the following paragraphs.
First of all, if government started providing homes to all the people, it would imbalance
the economy. The government has so much on its shoulders. Providing basic education
and healthcare and maintaining other infrastructure of the country, is also the onus of
the government. Moreover, the taxpayers would not be happy about it as their money,
which they pay as taxes, would be helping some people who may be unemployed just
to get government benefits. If people knew they would get free housing, they would
stop working hard and become complacent. Such a policy would not be good for the
economy of any country.
The government should provide free housing only if homelessness is because of its
inefficiency. It is a well-known fact that the economy of any country depends on internal
and external factors. A government can be held responsible for the internal conflicts
that might be causing homelessness. However, no government in the world can
effectively control external affairs. For example, a lot of people lost jobs due to the
economic crisis in 2008. Consequently, they became homeless. In fact, the US recession
caused job loss in countries like India and China. It affected India's booming outsourcing
industry. And because it was an external factor, the government in India couldn't be
held responsible for this situation. So, it is not possible for any government to provide
free housing to one and all.
Undoubtedly, it is the responsibility of the governments to improve the living standards

of the poorer sections of the society. In India, for example, the government has
launched several schemes to provide housing and employment to people. Although the
country still faces these problems, the situation has considerably improved in recent
years. This is a clear indication that political willpower and proper governance can
improve the economic status of a country and its people.
To sum up, it is difficult for governments to provide free housing to all its citizens. Of
course, the governments have a role to play in easing the problem of homelessness, but
cannot, and should not provide free housing to all.
225. There are an increasing number of people who do not know their
neighbours. What causes this situation? How to solve it?
It is undeniable that in today's contemporary society, more and more people are leading
self-centered lives, unaware of who their neighbours are. This essay intends to look into
the causes of this situation and suggest some ways to ameliorate the situation.
The first reason is workaholism, which may be by choice or due to the pressures of the
highly competitive era of today. People work late hours and so whatever time is left is
hardly sufficient for one's own family. Therefore, socializing with neighbours is out of
question. People work more because they want more and more materialistic things. The
consumerist society lures people with glittering things, which need money to buy,
because of which people are becoming workaholics and this ultimately becomes a way
of life. A vicious cycle is created and people find it difficult to come out of it.
On top of that, people do not meet their neighbours because they do not need to do so
these days. They have become self-dependent and their entertainment sources are also
within the four walls of the house. Earlier, neighbours used to meet after work hours
and chat and play with each other, but now all the recreational activities are at home
only such as watching TV and surfing the net. Earlier, people did shopping from local
small shops where one could accidentally bump into neighbours, but now the mall-
culture has even deprived people of such accidental collisions.
The solutions are not simple but the onus is largely on people themselves.
Neighbourhood associations should be set up and neighbourhood parks should be
maintained. People should take time off on festivals and celebrate them together. As
all are busy, potluck lunches and dinners could be organized which would be welcomed
by all. Children should be encouraged to play outdoor games with other children of the
neighbourhood.
To summarise, we are forgetting the community spirit and do not interact with their
neighbours. Whatever the reasons, steps should be taken to spend more time and know
our neighbours. After all, neighbours are our family apart from our family in today's
time of nuclear families and neighbours are the people with whom we share our walls.
226. The tendency of human beings to copy one another is shown in the
popularity of fashions in clothes and other consumer goods. Do you
agree or disagree?
Undoubtedly, in the contemporary society most people are following the

same fashions and buying the same consumer goods. The given statement
implies that because people want to copy each other, we have similar fashion
and similar things. However, I disagree with the statement. I believe that this
similarity is because we all have access to the same clothes and the same
material things, and not because we want to imitate each other.
Admittedly, widespread purchase of the popular consumer products is not

because people want to imitate one another, but because they have the
knowledge of the best things available around the globe. They can compare
things and check the reviews and then choose to buy anything if it suits their
pocket or needs. People do not buy anything just because the other person
has it. For example, the Apple I-phone is widely accepted and used by an
increasing number of people around the world due to its extraordinary
functions and ease of use.
In addition, people wear similar clothes because these are comfortable and
not because they want to imitate others. Even after watching the fashion
shows on TV, people do not rush out to wear all that stuff. They buy and wear
only what is comfortable to them and suits them and not because others are
wearing the same clothes. For instance, jeans and T-shirts are worn all over
because they are the most comfortable clothes for casual wear. So, even
though it looks as if everyone is wearing similar clothes because of a tendency
to copy one another, it is actually not so.
It cannot also be denied, that there is a tendency among people to feel

wanted and a part of a group. This is because man is, after all, a social animal
and so he does what everyone else does. If he doesn't wear what is the
fashion of the day, he feels out of place, or may even be ridiculed by others.
Therefore, to some extent it can be said that people imitate each other, which
can be reflected in what they wear or do.
To sum up, I reiterate my opinion that the popularity of fashion is the

irreversible tendency brought about by advanced technology, which has led
to the economic and cultural integration and only partly due to the so-called
tendency to copy.
227. Team activities can teach more skills for life than those activities,
which are played alone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Both teamwork and individual work require different skills and teach
different things. The given statement says that group activities are better
teachers of the skills needed in life than solo activities. While, I do believe that
individual activities are important, team activities certainly hold more
relevance.
There are many significant skills learnt by working in a group such as

communication skills, cooperation and conflict management skills. All these
are only learnt through teamwork. In solo activities, people do not need to
communicate, and so people do not learn these skills. However, when people
step into daily life, they realise that communication skills are the most needed
skills. They also have to co-operate with their family members, colleagues,
friends and neighbours in daily life. When they do team activities, they learn
cooperation also. Conflict management skills are also learnt when they do
team activities. People have differences of opinion and people learn to
manage tough situations very diplomatically.
Furthermore, team activities also broaden people's horizons, as they get to

interact with people from diverse backgrounds. Individuals learn how to make
their voice heard, and also learn how to accept the suggestions of others.
Finally, people learn sportsman-spirit, which is a very good trait. They learn
to accept victory with modesty and defeat with grace. This is an important life
skill.
Nevertheless, people learn many skills of life through solo activities also.
People learn a sense of competition and perseverance through individual
activities. All life skills are important. However, people cannot forget that man
is a social animal, and cannot live alone. Especially today due to segregation
of work people are more dependent on each other than ever before. Success
in life today depends upon how people deal with others and how they adapt
to working in different situations, which is learnt only by working with others.
To conclude, I would reiterate that team activities and individual activities -

both teach important skills of life, but the skills learnt by working with others
have a lot more importance.
228. Today, large shopping centres and shopping malls are more
common than small shops. Is this a positive or a negative development?
It is indubitable that supermarkets and malls have gained a lot of popularity

and have driven many small shopkeepers out of business. While I agree that
this trend is negative for the small shops and the environment, the positive
effects are much more.
On the positive side, these mega stores and malls provide various things to
people under one roof. For instance, people can buy grocery items, fruit,
vegetables, stationery, clothes, shoes and many other things without having
to go from one shop to the other. The second major advantage is that these
stores provide things at a cheaper rate. This is because they buy things in bulk
directly from the manufacturers. So, they get things at much lesser price than
the small businessman. They pass on some of their profit margin to the
customers. So, people are happy frequenting these stores.
Furthermore, shopping from these stores saves time. As these stores are
usually in the outskirts of the city or town, people usually plan going there
and have their list of things they need ready. They just move through the isles
with the shopping cart and pick up what all they need. No time is wasted
waiting for the salesman to show them the things. Last but not least, these
stores and malls have provided employment to many people. It has been seen
that wherever these stores have opened, many people from the surroundings
get work there in the different departments, such as unpacking, arranging,
billing, maintaining stocks and so on.
On the other hand, it cannot be denied that these supermarkets and malls
promote the use of cars, which leads to congestion on the roads and also adds
to pollution. Secondly these stores have snatched away the livelihood of
many small shopkeepers, who have been forced to shut down. In addition,
these stores promote consumerism as people are attracted by the variety of
things displayed beautifully and so tend to purchase things even if they do not
need them.
To sum up, despite a few disadvantages of supermarkets and malls, the

advantages are much more. That is perhaps why these have become popular
among the people.
229. Today, people can use the internet to learn about the culture and
lifestyle of the people of other countries. So, there is no need to travel to
other countries to learn their culture. Do you agree or disagree?
There is no doubt that nowadays people can find a lot of information online
about the culture and lifestyle of foreigners. While I agree that internet can
be useful to some extent to learn about another culture, it cannot match what
a person can learn by actually visiting a country.
The main reason why I believe that travelling to a country is a must to learn
about its culture, is that learning about a culture from the internet is just not
the same. Experiencing a culture in reality is totally different. People expose
themselves to foreigners and lifestyles that are usually totally different to
what they find back home. They visit museums, meet new people and try out
completely different cuisines. There are also some nuances in every culture,
which can never be expressed in words or shown in a video. So, real culture is
much more than what the internet can show.
Moreover, although the differences between two countries might not be that
different, every new country people visit teaches them to appreciate new
cultures. Travelling abroad makes people more broad-minded and more
accepting of new things. Reading about a culture in a book or watching a video
on the country can never bring about that appreciation. Besides this,
travelling is just not about learning culture, it makes us patient, it makes us
try new things, it teaches us how to make friends out of strangers, it is so
much more.
Admittedly, internet can be an alternative if a person is curious to learn about

another culture but cannot afford visiting the country. In the same way, it can
be effective solution for people who cannot travel due to physical ailments. A
person can certainly get an idea about a foreign culture by watching their
movies on the internet or by reading online travel blogs.
To conclude, although internet is vast source of knowledge including

information about other country's culture and traditions, it can never be the
same as learning about a culture by actually experiencing it.
230. Scientists have been warning for many years about protecting the
environment and that people must limit the use of energy in their daily
lives. Despite warnings, many people do not do so. What are the reasons
for this and how can people be encouraged to protect the environment?
It has been known for a long time that human beings need to limit everyday
energy use and that environment needs to be protected. However, it is also a
fact that very few people actually take steps to improve the situation. There
are several reasons behind this, but if proper measures are taken this
situation can be rectified.
There are many factors responsible for the indifference towards the
environment among people. To begin with, people are accustomed to the
luxuries of life and it is very hard to switch back to a simpler life. For example,
it is very difficult to live without air conditioners today. Actually, global
warming is making conditions warmer, accentuating the need of air
conditioners. Similarly, we are accustomed to machines like washing
machines, blenders and choppers in kitchen and it is certainly very difficult if
not impossible to go back to washing clothes by hands or chopping vegetables
using knives. Another reason is that people believe that their individual action
would not make a big difference. Some people are also of the opinion that
environmentalists are exaggerating the consequences of climate change and
global warning. They trust science to find them the solutions to these issues.
Despite all these reasons, I still believe that many people can be encouraged
to take steps. First of all, the government can implement strict rules and
regulations, which would ensure energy efficiency in homes or use of
renewable energy in homes. For example, many local governments pass large
new residential building plans only if the plan incorporates solar rooftop
panels. The second measure that governments from around the world can do
is penalizing wastage or excessive use of energy by very high rates. Nothing
would prompt a bigger reaction than a hit at people's pockets.
In conclusion, there are many reasons for people not taking steps to safeguard
the environment and to cut down their energy use. However, I still believe
that a lot of people can still be motivated to mend their ways.
231. Employers should give staff at least four weeks holidays a year to
make employees better at their jobs. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this statement?
It is irrefutable that work stress has increased a lot in the past few years.
Hence, some people opine that employers should give workers a month of
holidays in a year at least. I believe this is certainly a good idea and it would
not only benefit the employees but also the employers.
There are many reasons why I believe that such an initiative would benefit
the employees. First of all, it has been seen that due to long working hours
and lack of holidays, many employees are under a lot of stress. In fact, in
recent times work stress has been a major cause of suicides as well. A month
of holidays would enable people to recharge their batteries and to refresh
themselves. Apart from this, it would give people time to spend with families
and go on vacations and pursue their hobbies. Many companies are facing
attrition because employees are unable to balance their personal life and
their professional life and thus such a step would go a long way in reversing
this trend.
Furthermore, companies and firms would also be benefitted by such a change.

To begin with, companies which offer holidays would be more attractive to
job seekers. In other words, such initiatives would help companies recruit
better talent. Another advantage would be increase in work efficiency and
productivity. Regular yearly breaks would reduce stress and thus, help
employees to concentrate better at their work. Also, I believe that if
employees feel cared about and important, it would also improve customer
satisfaction as customer satisfaction depends largely upon employee moods
and their working conditions.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that I am strongly in favour of the idea

of employers giving four weeks of holidays to their employees, since it would
benefit the employees as well as the employers.
232. There is increased use of technology in workplace. Some people

find that it is good for young people's prospects of gaining job and
harder for old people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is undeniable that technology is a major part of the workplace nowadays.

However, many individuals are of the opinion that although technology has
increased the employability of youngsters, it has made it harder for old people
to compete for jobs. I certainly agree with this notion.
The main reasons why I consider that technology has given youth an edge
over the old in regard to jobs is that the youth of today have been using
technology since their childhood. They are very comfortable with it, while the
old have to spend time and make efforts to learn it and even after spending
time it is very hard to reach the same level of affinity that youth have with
technology. Furthermore, there is also a perception among employers that
the old-aged candidates are not adept with technology and thus hiring them
would either mean lower productivity or extra expenditure to train them. This
perception maybe wrong but it does create a barrier and senior candidates
need to make special efforts in interviews to prove that are comfortable
handling technology.
Last but not least, technology is not constant. The technology keeps changing
and thus there is need to relearn and to adjust continuously. It is also human
nature that our ability to adapt and to change decreases with age. In other
words, young people are easily able to make changes and learn new things,
while it takes time for old generation to do the same. Not only that some old
people try to resist change, rather than to adapt themselves and this further
makes employers avoid hiring them.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that while coming of technology in the

workplace has benefitted the youth, it has made it all the more challenging
for the old.
233. Some people think that the best way to reduce time spent in
traveling to work is to replace parks and gardens close to the city centres
with apartment buildings where commuters can live. To what extent do
To reduce the commuting time to workplace, some people consider that parks
and gardens in proximity to the city centres should be converted into
apartments. I believe that such a change would not reduce the travelling time,
and on the contrary would create more problems.
There are many reasons why I believe that replacing parks with apartment
buildings would not reduce the travelling time. First of all, the prime reason
for long travelling times is not the long distances but actually traffic
congestion. This is due to increasing number of cars on the road and building
apartments near to city centres would worsen the situation by adding even
more cars on the roads. Additionally, many people like to live far away
because of the noise and overcrowding near the city centres and building new
apartments would increase this problem even more. In other words, it would
be very hard to convince people to move into such apartments.
Moreover, taking such a drastic step would bring its own set of problems. To
begin with, the abundance of buildings made up of asphalt and concrete in
cities, creates the urban heat island effect. This makes urban neighbourhoods
noticeably warmer than other nearby areas. Additionally, removing trees in
parks and gardens would add to air pollution, which can increase the risk of
certain cancers and have adverse effects on children, the elderly and anyone
with underlying respiratory problems. The lack of parks and gardens would
further exacerbate such problems.
Certainly, parks provide space for neighbourhood residents to interact with

each other and meet new people. They're also great spaces for events and for
people to engage in recreational activities. This allows people to develop a
sense of community. Hence, converting parks into apartments would
adversely impact people's quality of life and their sense of community.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that although I agree that travelling

times need to be reduced, converting parks and gardens in the city centres
would not be a step in the right direction.
234. People believe that not all school children have the natural ability
to learn a new language. This means it is not right to force all school
children to study a foreign language. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that foreign languages should not be compulsory for all
school students as all the students do not have the cognitive ability to learn a
language. While forcing mentally slow children to learn foreign languages can
have certain problems, I still believe that schools should teach at least one
foreign language to every student.
There are a range of benefits of teaching foreign language to school students.

To begin with, now there is a lot of competition and companies prefer
candidates who are multilingual. So, learning foreign language at the young
age may be difficult, but it would be very beneficial in the long run. It would
also open education opportunities for these children in other countries and
getting an education overseas can be beneficial for children in many ways.
Moreover, it has been seen that multilingual children perform better than
monolingual children in academics. So, teaching foreign language might
improve performance of these children in other. subjects. Furthermore,
forcing might also create some interest and these students will then put more
efforts in learning the language and overcome their mental limitations.
However, there could also be certain drawbacks of forcing foreign language

on young children. Firstly, if they are forced, they would become stressed.
This would affect their other studies as well. Second, they would not
concentrate, so it would be waste of time and money. They would also slow
down the learning speed of other children. Therefore, forcing children to learn
foreign language can be disadvantageous as well.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that although forcing a foreign language

on children might cause certain negative effects on children's learning, I still
cannot support the idea that foreign language should not be taught to weak
students.
235. Some languages are increasingly spoken in different countries,

while the usage of others is rapidly declining. Is this a positive or a
Today, we do not belong to a big planet called Earth. We are part of a global
village and there is more interaction among people of different parts of the
globe than ever before. Therefore, some languages are being spoken more,
and the use of a few languages is declining. This is both - a negative as well as
a positive development.
On the positive side, the increasing use of some languages is easing

communication among people. For example, English is now spoken in more
than 86 countries of the world and French in around 33 countries. In fact,
English has become the lingua franca in many parts of the world. Because of
this people do not face difficulty when they travel from one country to the
other. What is more, if people speak the same language then they also find it
easy to do business with each other. Global trade is based on good
communication. Businesses cannot flourish if for every small communication
an interpreter is required.
Nowadays, we belong to a 24/7 society. Many multinational companies have

opened in different parts of the world. The rich nations who own these MNCs
provide jobs to millions of people worldwide. Naturally, a person who knows
their language is better placed in these companies. The pay package is also
better and chances to work abroad also go up. In a way the widespread use
of a few languages also helps to decrease the gap between the rich and the
poor.
On the other hand, the decline in use of some languages is also something to
be concerned about. It is a well- known fact that language and culture are
interrelated. If languages die out then culture also dies out. Moreover, we all
enjoy life on this planet because of its diversity. If diversity decreases, then
boredom sets in and the earth becomes a dull and boring place to live in.
To conclude, it could be said that, the increase in use of a few languages and
the decline of others is both a positive as well as a negative development. This
situation is an inevitable sequel of globalization. If the governments take
steps to protect the endangered languages, then the negative effects can be
minimized.
236. Many people join distance-learning programs and study at home,

but some people think that it cannot bring the same benefit as attending
colleges or universities does. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Distance learning has become increasingly popular in recent years as people

opt for the convenience of studying at home. However, many people believe
that studying through distance learning programmes cannot provide the same
benefits as attending universities or colleges in person. I completely agree
with the view. This essay explains my position on the topic.
To begin with, distance learning programmes lack face-to-face interaction

between students and teachers, which is an essential component of
traditional learning. Classroom discussions, debates, and interactions with
professors and classmates provide an opportunity for students to develop
their critical thinking and communication skills. Moreover, it allows students
to receive immediate feedback and guidance from their teachers, which can
be invaluable in shaping their understanding of the subject.
In addition to the lack of interaction, distance learning programmes often

require students to be self-disciplined and motivated in order to succeed.
Students who study through these programmes may not have access to the
same resources, such as libraries, laboratories, and extracurricular activities,
that are available on university campuses. Moreover, they may not have the
opportunity to participate in collaborative projects and group activities,
which are crucial for developing teamwork and leadership skills.
Furthermore, distance learning programmes may not be suitable for all

subjects, particularly those that require practical training, such as laboratory
work, fieldwork, or internships. These experiences cannot be replicated
through distance learning, and students may miss out on crucial learning
opportunities. For instance, in the medical field, distance learning certainly is
not as effective as attending traditional classes, as students require hands-on
experience and direct interaction with patients to develop essential skills.
In conclusion, while distance learning programmes offer convenience and

flexibility, they cannot match the benefits of traditional campus-based
learning. Classroom interactions, access to resources, and practical training
opportunities are essential components of education that cannot be
replicated through distance learning.
237. Once children start school, teachers have more influence on their
intellectual and social development than parents. To what extent do you
agree or disagree with this statement?
It is true that school children are at an impressionable age, and two strong
influences on their intelligence and social development are teachers and
parents. While I accept that teachers may have more influence on the
intelligence of their pupils, I would argue that parents probably exert a
greater influence on the social development of their children.
In terms of encouraging intellectual development and stimulating the

intelligence of school children, I believe that teachers play the major role.
While not all teachers are capable of inspiring their students, they are trained
to impart their knowledge of their subject areas in challenging and
imaginative ways. For example, some students owe their lifelong love of a
subject to dedicated teachers who taught this discipline in secondary school.
Of course, at home, parents may also reinforce this passion by encouraging
good study habits during the formative years of their children. Such support
is vital for academic achievement.
From the perspective of social development, I think that parents are mainly
responsible for guiding their children. Firstly, they spend far more time with
their children than any individual teacher is able to do. They can therefore
monitor the activities of children outside school hours, at weekends and
during holidays. Secondly, parents are able to provide role models in a whole
range of situations. These might include showing respect towards elders,
choice of friends, or proper behaviour in public when eating out in
restaurants.
In conclusion, although teachers probably have a greater effect in stimulating

the intelligence of school children, parental influences on the development of
children are stronger in social situations.
238. Some people think that because some children find some subject
such as mathematics and philosophy difficult, they ought to be optional
instead of compulsory. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Mathematics and Philosophy seek to find the truth behind the underlying
workings and meanings of the universe. Mathematics teaches the
formulation of proofs and concepts and Philosophy teaches the theoretical
basis of our social organisation and social relationships. It is difficult to agree
or disagree with the entire statement. I believe that maths should be
compulsory in schools even if students find it difficult, but philosophy can be
made optional.
There are many reasons why mathematics should be a mandatory part of school
curricula. Firstly, maths is the basis of all other subjects. Children need to be
taught numeracy from early childhood. Secondly, the knowledge of maths makes
children smarter as it teaches them to think critically. If maths is not taught, then
the phobia some children have of maths will be even more pronounced when
they are older.
Moreover, if maths is studied in school, then it opens doors to many interesting

subjects and careers. Many good universities and colleges in Canada and USA,
require the knowledge of maths till Senior Secondary level. Many high paid jobs
require analytical thinking which only those children have who have a good
mathematics base. Therefore, maths should be compulsory in schools. The onus
is on the teachers to make it interesting for the students.
On the other hand, philosophy can be made optional because of many reasons.
Firstly, school children are too immature to learn about the complexities of
human relationships. They can learn such social skills from parents and teachers
in an informal way by just observing them. Secondly, philosophy, as a subject,
would be too boring and would only add to the burden of the students. As it is,
today's children are over-burdened with tough academic subjects to make them
competent enough to be a part of the global village of today. So, only those who
are really interested to study philosophy should be given the option of studying
it.
To conclude, it can be reiterated that maths should undoubtedly be compulsory

but philosophy should be optional as maths is needed to survive today in this era
of technology where as philosophy can be left for college or university studies.
That is why, perhaps, in our Indian school curricula, maths is compulsory but
philosophy is optional and that too in the senior secondary classes.
239. Sport is becoming a business. More and more companies are getting
involved in sporting events. Do you think that it is a positive or negative
development?
It is irrefutable that sporting events have become quite popular with big business
houses, which try to reach more and more customers by sponsoring such events.
Nowadays, big corporate houses are also buying sports teams. It is obviously a win-
win situation for both. Sports teams and individual sportsmen need money and
companies need advertisement. However, I believe that the situation is not as rosy
as it looks.
There are many advantages of big businesses funding professional sporting events.
Now that companies pump in millions of dollars into many sports items, talented
players are eager to enter the field. This is a definitely a positive development. Many
sportsmen are now earning enough to concentrate in their game and not worry
about providing bread and butter to the family. Earlier, many sports persons weren't
earning enough and also the prize money wasn't good. This deterred many talented
players from pursuing a career in sports. Now the situation is totally different.
Today, sports have become the backbone of the economy of any country. Today's
sportsmen act as ambassadors for their respective countries and provide name and
fame to their country.
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages if sports are supported by the
corporate sector. When sports become a business, the focus can shift from talent to
profit. This can also lead to vices like match fixing. It is not uncommon for
international cricket and football players to get involved in match fixing
controversies. What is more, the win at any cost attitude can also compel many
players to resort to unethical means such as consumption of drugs to enhance
performance.
Ultimately, the biggest sufferers are the non-glamorous games, which the private
companies are unwilling to sponsor. For example, in India cricket is hugely popular
so companies are eager to sponsor cricketers. All businesses ignore the players of
other less popular games and events. The governments may try to cover up to some
extent, but the government funding can never match that of private companies.
To conclude, it is not hard to see that corporates entering the field of sports is both
good and bad. Big prize money and sponsorship deals will definitely encourage more
people to pursue a career in sports. On the other hand, companies will always have
business interest in their mind. Non-glamorous sports are ignored and also,
sometimes, this can take the focus away from the game. Therefore, I believe that it
is largely a negative development.
240. Some people think that people moving to a new country should
accept new culture in the foreign country rather than living as a separate
minority group with different lifestyle. Do you agree or disagree?
It is a highly debated issue whether immigrants should do and behave as the people
of the host country or whether they should stick to their traditional lifestyle and live
as a separate minority. I partially agree with this statement. I believe that it is a
matter of personal choice as both situations have their own pros and cons.
Admittedly, there are many benefits of adopting host countries' customs. Firstly, it
decreases chances of misunderstanding and embarrassment. For e.g. in the UK it is
offensive to ask about pay to anyone, which is common in India. In addition, a
nation's customs and traditions are fascinating and offer a deep insight into that
country. People move to other countries to broaden their horizon. So, if immigrants
copy the customs of host country, they learn more about them and that too in an
interesting way. Finally, visitors establish a rapport with local people because people
feel respected when their customs are understood and imitated. They become a
member of the host country and so they don't suffer any culture shock.
On the other hand, there are many advantages of making a minority group. If a
person is from a country with strong and old traditions, it will be difficult for him to
adapt to the new customs. He can't break the old customs such as food habits and
wearing certain types of clothes. In such cases if he retains his old customs and lives
with his own community as a separate minority, he won't suffer from homesickness.
On balance, I feel that someone who is moving to another country should respect
the customs, culture, traditions etc. of that country, but should not change himself
altogether. Following the host country is necessary because a newcomer is like a
guest in someone else's home. So, he is expected to follow the rules of that country.
However, it should not be obligatory for him to follow those customs and change
himself totally. As time passes and he gets to know the hosts better then he can
decide if he wants to adopt any custom or stick to his own. After all being a
cosmopolitan is the need of the hour.
Summing up, it is a matter of personal choice. Mutual understanding between both

the visitor and the host is necessary to maintain harmony. A cosmopolitan society
in which everyone is tolerant of each other's customs and traditions is the need of
the day. After all, today, we are part of a small global village and not a big planet
Earth.
241. A large amount of advertisements nowadays are targeted at

children. Many people say this has negative effects on children and
should therefore be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Advertisements are ubiquitous nowadays and especially advertising targeting

children, who are considered vulnerable target by companies. Many people
are worried about this phenomenon. However, we cannot ban
advertisements because they serve a lot of useful purposes as well.
Admittedly, in sensitive areas such as the toy industry, some censorship

should be there to limit children's access to excess advertisement. This is
because children under a certain age lack ability to make wise judgment as to
what they really want. They are attracted by colourful pictures on
advertisement and swayed by misleading information. So, they pester their
parents to buy those things and this can upset the budget of many families.
Even the advertisements of fast foods are bad for children. Children cannot
understand that the slim-trim models advertising McDonalds burgers hardly
ever eat such foods themselves. They are attracted to fast foods and these
are very detrimental for their health. Finally, children try to copy the stunts,
which can be disastrous for them.
On the other hand, advertising provides us with information on new products.

If it were not for electronic and print advertising, many products would not
be bought. In this way, advertising provides an important service to
manufacturers and some consumers. Additionally, it fuels the advertising
industry, creating jobs for thousands of people. In this respect it has become
the backbone of many economies of the world. Furthermore, advertisements
touch social issues. For example, when Amitabh Bachchan tells people to
bring their children for pulse polio immunization, people listen. Then there
are ads against female foeticide which are very informative. Advertisements
also teach a lot about the country from where the ads come. This is because
through satellite TV we can see ads from all over the world. When we see a
Japanese advert of a lady in a kimono, we come to know about the traditional
clothes of Japan.
To conclude, it is imperative that regulations be imposed on advertisers who

target children or who make false claims. However, advertisement is
indispensable in this highly competitive market and produces much more
positive effects than negative ones to the society as a whole. So, we should
not ban advertisements.
242. If a product is good and meets customer needs, then people will buy it
and advertising is unnecessary and no more than entertainment. To what
Advertising in modern society is ubiquitous - on the radio, TV, the internet

and in our letterboxes. While it is true that a good product will sell even
without any advertisement, I disagree that advertisements are unnecessary
and just a form of entertainment.
It is irrefutable that advertising provides us with information on new

products. If it were not for electronic and print advertising, many products
would not be bought. This is because, there is a flood of consumer goods in
the market and consumers ask for those products which they have heard of
or seen in the market. Therefore, in the initial stages, adverts are necessary
but later on only those products will sustain in the market which are really
good. In this way, advertising provides an important service to manufacturers
and some consumers.
Additionally, the advertising industry creates jobs for thousands of people. In

this respect it has become the backbone of many economies of the world.
Jobs are also created in the manufacturing industries because of adverts. As
demand increases, mass production has to be done and therefore more and
more people are employed. Furthermore, advertisements touch social issues.
For example, when Amitabh Bachchan tells people to bring their children for
pulse polio immunization, people listen. Then there are ads against female
foeticide which are very informative. Advertisements also teach a lot about
the country from where the ads come. This is because through satellite TV we
can see ads from all over the world. When we see a Japanese advert of a lady
in a kimono, we come to know about the clothes of Japan.
Summing up, adverts are not just a form of entertainment but they serve
many other purposes as well. Even the good products need propaganda in
today's competitive market.
243. Many people believe that scientific research should be carried out and
controlled by the governments rather than private companies. To what extent
do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Innovation is critical to the economic and social development of the country. In

this regard many people believe that research should be mainly in the hands of
the state. However, I disagree with this notion to a large extent.
The belief that governments should control research is not without reason. It
stems from the underlying principles of private companies. Private companies
are profit-oriented. They invest in research with the main aim of making money
on their investment. The problem occurs when this main purpose goes against
the general public interest. To cite an example, a large drug manufacturer in India
created an artificial shortage in the market just to sell its cancer medicines at a
premium. The government rightly intervened and issued a temporary license to
a generic manufacturer to overcome the shortage.
Furthermore, research only in the hands of private organizations could be

detrimental for the country. Private companies tend to neglect certain areas,
which are not so lucrative. A case in point being Ebola vaccination, as Ebola is
third world disease with people lacking the financial capacity to pay huge prices,
research on it was neglected for a very long time. Compare this with potentially
less threatening, developed world diseases like diabetes and obesity, where
considerable amount of money has been spent. There are some other areas,
which are better left off in the hands of the government like defense, atomic
energy etcetera because these areas are pivotal to a country's security.
I believe that to expect government to be solely responsible for research would

be wrong too. To begin with, private companies do researches more efficiently
because they are profit driven. Every dollar is spent wisely to ensure maximum
benefits and every resource is used effectively to avoid waste. Also, government
has so many priorities like healthcare, education and so on. Thus, it is financially
constrained. Barring private companies from research would slow down
innovation and ultimately progress. Governments can invest more in critical and
neglected areas and also subsidize the final products like medicines even if
private companies do the research. India has recently done so for stunts bringing
down their cost considerably.
To conclude, governments and private companies should be active in scientific

research. However, some critical areas should only be reserved for the
government.
244. Some people believe that the best way to produce a happier society is to
ensure that there are only small differences between the richest and the poorest
members. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Admittedly, everybody is in favour of bettering the lot of those who are worse
off in society, and narrowing the financial gap between the two poles brings
about social happiness. For example, the wealth gap arising from power and
corruption is certainly unfair and needs to be gotten rid of, and only in that way
can social satisfaction be achieved. But then, there are those who have become
very rich because of their hard work and perseverance. In such cases, if steps are
taken to bring the rich down by increasing their tax slabs, then it would lead to
their unhappiness and so the whole society will again not be happy. Therefore,
efforts should be made in other
directions for a happier society.
To have a happier society, the focus should be on raising the standard of living,
and opportunities for the very poorest of society. If this were accomplished, the
gap between rich and poor would indeed be reduced, and it would be extremely
welcome. The poorer sections should be taken care of by the government in
every way- given jobs, housing, and welfare for all medical and social needs. This
gives people comfort and reduces anxiety. Another important factor in the
creation of inequality is variation in individuals' access to education. Therefore,
if education facilities are provided to the have-nots, then they can raise their
standard of living and the gap will automatically come down. Education provides
knowledge and an introspective attitude, and thus life is enriched with more and
possibly higher purposes. When the whole society is equipped with education,
happiness is ensured.
Eventually, a better living environment makes the public happier. Environment

is the very basis on which life is maintained, and happiness is achieved. However,
as technology is evolving, living environment is being harmed and pushed to the
edge of endangering lives. People are suffering from many diseases because of
pollution. So, pollution needs to be controlled for a happier society.
To sum up, there is no doubt that economic inequality can be pernicious and
damaging, but decreasing the gap is not the best way for a happier society. The
focus should be on lifting the bottom and not pulling the top down.
245. Some people think foreign visitors should be charged more than local people
when they visit the cultural and historical attractions in a country. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?
International tourism has become the backbone of many economies of the world,
and these countries rely heavily on the tourist dollar. Therefore, some people argue
that tourists from overseas should be charged more than local residents to visit
important sites and monuments. However, I disagree with this practice as it is not
the right approach to treat the visitors.
Those who are in favour of charging foreign tourists more, cite the benefits of this
practice. They argue that these cultural or historical attractions often depend on
state subsidies to keep them going, which means that the local population already
pays money to these sites through taxes. The tourists, on the other hand, come for
a short time and pay no taxes. They also say that the foreign tourists, on average,
are more well to do than local people. They spend a lot on visiting such places in
their own country. So, it does not pinch them to pay more for these attractions.
Hence, it is only fair to charge them more, as these sites require a lot of funds for
their maintenance.
However, I believe this to be a very shortsighted view. We should not oversee the
fact that foreign tourists contribute to the economy of the host country in many
other ways. They spend money on a wide range of goods and services, including
food, souvenirs, accommodation and travel. The governments and inhabitants of
every country should be happy to subsidise important tourist sites and encourage
people from the rest of the world to visit them.
Furthermore, if travellers realised that they would have to pay more to visit
historical and cultural attractions in a particular nation, they would perhaps decide
not to visit those places and choose other methods to occupy themselves while in
another country. For instance, they would enjoy the beaches and mountains. In this
way the host country would lose out important chances of spreading their culture
and tradition, which these historical sites do beautifully.
To sum up, I believe that every effort should be made to attract tourists from
overseas, and it would be counterproductive to make them pay more than local
residents.
246. Animals are in danger of extinction. Some people say that we

should protect only those animals, which are useful to humans. Do you
agree or disagree?
Animal extinction has become a matter of great concern. I disagree with the given
statement that we should conserve only those animals, which are beneficial to
humans. I believe that all animals have direct or indirect effect on mankind. It has
been rightly said that plans to protect wildlife are in fact plans to protect man.
The most important reason for saving all animals is that they are part of our
ecosystem. Every species of wildlife plays a role to maintain the balance of life on
Earth. Thus, the loss of any species can affect us directly or indirectly. For example,
there are many bat species that are becoming extinct. Such bats help keep the insect
population in control. If these bats die then the insects will increase a lot and destroy
our crops. So, we will have nothing to eat. In addition, many animals, like rodents,
help in the dispersal of plant seeds and in the pollination of plants. By protecting
endangered animals we ensure not only their survival but also the biodiversity that
is necessary for the ecological health of the planet.
Additionally, wild animals provide many valuable substances such as medicine and
fur. The horn of the rhinoceros has medicinal value and the fur of the mink is very
valuable. The recreational viewing of animals at zoos is also a source of revenue.
Thus, the financial value of wild species is important to the economies of many
nations. Furthermore, wild animals have aesthetic appeal. They are beautiful
creatures of nature and are a part of our bio-diversity. Their beautiful and
mysterious life has enchanted mankind since the dawn of evolution. Scientists have
been awed, by observing their behavior. Such study has helped scientists
understand how the human body functions and why people behave as they do.
Scientists have also gained medical knowledge by studying the effect of many drugs
on these animals. In fact, it is undeniable that animal species have been vanishing
at a much faster rate for about a century now due to human factors such as
pollution, commercial overexploitation, poaching and deforestation. Knowingly or
unknowingly, we humans are doing so much damage to plants and animals that
working for their conservation has become a necessity.
To sum up, it can be reiterated that saving all the animal species on the verge of
extinction is well justified. All animals have direct or indirect relation to humans. So
we should not work to save only those few species, which have a visible effect on
humans.
247. In the modern world, it is no longer necessary to use animals for

food or use animal products, for instance, clothing and medicines. To
Trying to live without exploiting animals for food, clothing or medicine can certainly
be done nowadays, and people in the modern world seem to agree that it is not at
all justified to eat meat, clothe in leather, or use animals as medical research
subjects. Therefore, I agree with the given statement that we can do without animal
products.
To begin with, a vegetarian diet has proven to be a healthy choice. The earlier beliefs
that vegetarian diet is deficient in proteins and other micronutrients, such as
vitamins and minerals, have been challenged successfully. On top of that, a
vegetarian diet, is rich in fiber, prevents cancer of the colon, which is the most
prevalent cancers in the West, where people mostly eat non-vegetarian food. Even
the vegans, the very strict vegetarians, who do not even use animal products such
as milk and eggs, have not been seen to be suffering from any malnutrition. So, we
can safely spare the animals from becoming our source of such nutrition.
Talking about clothes, today pure leather shoes and garments can be easily replaced
by faux leather, which is just like pure leather and only a true connoisseur can tell
the difference. Such products have the added advantage of being easier on the
pocket, as their initial cost is also less and the maintenance cost is also lesser that of
pure leather products. So, even for clothing, animals can be left alone.
It is true that animals have been used for experimenting new drugs and are also the
source of many medicines, but for that too today we have computer-simulated
experiments, which give better results than those done on animals. Therefore,
animals are not needed anymore in this field also. It is beyond argument that for
this Earth to go the distance, we must respect nature and its elements. We mustn't
abuse or exploit the animal kingdom because preserving those results in long term
and ultimate good for mankind.
To sum up, it can be reiterated that it is definitely possible to lead a good life without
depending on animal products, and so we have no right to exploit animals.
248. Advertising discourages people from being different individuals by

making us all want to do the same and look the same. Do you agree or
disagree?
The role of advertisements in destroying individuality has sparked much debate in

the recent times. Some people opine that advertisements eliminate individual sense
of identity, making people indistinguishable from each other. I, however, disagree
with this allegation.
To begin with, when any advertisement bombards people with any new product,
then people rush to buy it and it appears that all people are doing the same.
However, this similarity is very short-lived, as sooner or later they realize that it is a
huge waste of time and money to spend on something that is not really appropriate
for them. Therefore, ads cannot suppress individuality permanently.
Additionally, all people cannot afford all things shown in the adverts. Even when ads
use famous celebs to endorse their products, and people want to purchase those
things, even then they have to consider their pocket and requirement. For instance,
when it comes to luxury goods, solely a marginal number of purchasers can afford
the financial cost. Therefore, no matter how attractive and persuasive an
advertisement is, never can it tempt people to make the same purchase. Most
people cannot afford to upset the whole monthly budget just because of certain
alluring ads.
Furthermore, when we talk of the latest fashions, all people do not wear the similar
clothes because of ads. If people wear jeans, it is because jeans are comfortable, and
in today's fast life people need comfortable clothes. Nowadays, everyone knows
that only that fashion should be followed which suits them. If adverts show celebs
in flared pants, those who are not blessed with a good height would surely not
follow them.
To sum up, from what has been analyzed above, it is concluded that advertisement
cannot dominate the market trends as all people have different requirements,
different material wealth and different choices. If at all there are any similarities,
they are very short lived.
249. In many countries, women are allowed to take maternity leave

during the first month after the birth of the newborn. Do you think the
advantages of maternity leave outweigh the disadvantages?
The maternity leave is a benefit given to protect the dignity of motherhood

and to ensure the health of the mother and child. I believe that the pros of
maternity leave outweigh the cons.
Certainly, maternity leave is very advantageous for the newborns. The future
of the world rests largely in the hands of the coming generations. Once a child
is born, it becomes national property. Mothers are the front-line childcare
providers and therefore, if they are given maternity leave, they can do their
job better. In most Indian homes the mother's salary is necessary to support
the family. So, if the mother does not get a paid maternity leave, then she has
to go back to job earlier and this affects the childcare. Nurseries fail to provide
the one-to- one interaction children need.
Apart from this, maternity leave is beneficial for the mother herself. It is an
undeniable fact that a woman has to go through a very stressful time
physically, emotionally, and financially, during pregnancy. Therefore, if
women are allowed maternity leave, they can look after their health. Another
important advantage of the maternity leave is that, the job is secure. The fear
of losing the job altogether makes many women apprehensive and so they
get back to work at the cost of their health and their child's health.
Admittedly, there are a few disadvantages of the maternity leave. A long

maternity leave may be an obstacle for career progression. Secondly,
companies may have to find a temporary replacement for work, which may
not be that easy. Finally, small companies may not afford to give maternity
leave to its employees.
To sum up, the disadvantages of maternity leave are negligible as compared

to the advantages. That is why some countries have taken a step forward and
allowed maternity leave to women after childbirth.
250. Some people believe they should keep all the money they have
earned and should not pay tax to the state. Do you agree or disagree?
The government runs the country from the taxes it collects. Taxes are
collected only from those who earn above a certain minimum limit. It is our
moral duty to pay taxes. Therefore, I disagree with the statement that
individuals should not pay taxes to the state.
Tax money collected by government is used to fund basic amenities, provide

various services to citizens and for government administration and projects,
running of jails and defense system, and many other operations. It is not
wrong to say that "taxes run a country." Thus, it is very important for a
government to make people pay
taxes.
The main reason why people do not want to pay taxes is their dissatisfaction
with government in serving them. They blame government for things like lack
of infrastructure, poverty and unemployment, but they are not completely
wrong as tax revenue is misused in some or the other way in every country.
In developed countries, however, because of higher satisfaction from
government's functioning, citizens may be more willing to pay taxes. Another
factor generating dissatisfaction is the tax structure itself. Often the tax
system is complex and it drives people away from paying taxes. It is also felt
that the tax rates are high and tax slabs are unequal, So, they feel it is not
unethical if one goes for tax avoidance or tax evasion.
Not paying taxes can drastically affect a country's revenue generation, my

own country, India, for that matter. But then, it is equally desired that
government come up with a fair tax structure and also make people aware
where the taxes are being diverted. Even lowering the tax rates can help a
country increase its tax collection as it would increase compliance among the
taxpayers. Tax reform should also be fast so that no public grievance or non-
compliance remains for long. A proper tax system backed up with strict tax
laws can produce the best results.
Summing up, I reiterate my opinion by saying that it is the duty of every citizen
to pay tax and the duty of every government to use it appropriately in public
interest.
251. Some people say that professional workers such as doctors, nurses and
teachers who make greater contribution to the society should be paid more
than those people in the field of sports and entertainment. To what extent do
The high incomes of celebs in the field of sports and entertainment have always
been a matter of dispute. I disagree that doctors, nurses and teachers should be paid
more than these celebrities. I shall put forth my arguments to support my views in
the following paragraphs.
There are convincing arguments given by those who say that doctors, nurses and
teachers should be paid more than celebs. They say that these professionals touch
the lives of all people and are indispensable for them. Without the contribution of
teachers, no country could go further. That is why teachers are called the nation
builders. Doctors and nurses provide a healing touch to those suffering from
diseases. Without the input of these health workers, many people's lives would be
miserable.
However, the contribution of these celebrities is also no less. They provide us

entertainment and inspiration. They are role models for the society and people
follow them and listen to them. Art and entertainment is as much a human need as
food, clothing and shelter. These celebs also bring name and fame to our country.
They spread our culture through their art. Therefore, their high earnings are very
well deserved.
On top of that, those working in sports and entertainment have a very short career
span. Most of the people in these fields start their career at the age of 19-20 and
retire by 33-35 years. A doctor, teacher or nurse does not ever retire if he does not
wish to. For example, my uncle is a doctor and even at the age of 94 he goes to his
clinic for two hours every day. Whatever these celebs earn is during these few years
and after that they face struggle. Of course, there are exceptions such as the great
legend Amitabh Bachchan, but such examples can be counted on fingertips.
My final argument is that these superstars sacrifice their personal life completely,
and so they do deserve these high salaries. They cannot enjoy the common things of
life like the common man does. They are always followed by the paparazzi, and their
children also always need security. This is too much price to pay, and so the high
salaries they receive are fully justified.
Summing up, people in the field of sports and entertainment, well deserve their high
incomes. Their services to the society are as important as, if not more, the services
of doctors, teachers and nurses.
252. Nowadays, some workplaces tend to employ equal numbers of men

and women workers. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
Traditional male dominated workplaces are decreasing nowadays, and some

workplaces are giving jobs to equal number of men and women. I believe that this
is a negative development. A number of arguments surround my opinion.
My first argument is that reserving half the seats for women could lead to negative
discrimination against men. Both men and women should have the same right to
choose their profession. People should be chosen for jobs based on their skills,
qualification and character. Gender should not come in the way of the selection
process. Having a fixed quota would mean that some qualified men might be denied
a job, while some unqualified women would be given one.
On top of that, considering today's scenario, this quota might go against women. It
has been seen in the recent years that more and more women are opting for higher
education. For example, thirty years ago, in a typical class of any medical college,
girls were far less as compared to boys. Today, the situation is reversed. This means,
that women could dominate some workplaces today. So, having a reservation in the
workplace could mar the chances of deserving women. With high levels of
education, women can hold even the highest positions in science, politics or law,
successfully. Women have proved their mettle in many jobs traditionally thought to
be the domain of men. Who has not heard of our IPS officer Kiran Bedi? Therefore,
such a quota is not needed by the women of today.
Ultimately, it could be said that having a quota would not ensure moving towards
an egalitarian society, where all are considered equal. Those who tend to
discriminate against women would find some other ways to discriminate, such as by
underpaying the women at the same posts as men.
Summing up, the trend of employing an equal number of men and women in the
workplace is a negative development, because it could lead to negative
discrimination against men, it may boomerang against women, and it is not needed
by the women of today.
253. An increasing number of people change their career and place of

residence several times during their lifetime. Is this a positive or negative
development?
The world is changing rapidly. People today face numerous challenges in achieving a
meaningful and fulfilling life. Those days are over when people did one job for life. Old
methods of career development no longer apply. That is why many people change their
career and place of residence many times during their lifetime. This situation is largely
a positive one.
Undoubtedly, there are some drawbacks of changing job and place of living. The first
disadvantage is that there is risk involved. If a person changes jobs or residence, then
he has to face new challenges and adjust with new people. There is always a risk that
he may not find things very smooth sailing and may have to suffer emotional and
physical stress.
However, there are some strong benefits that can come from a career change. One of
the major benefits is the pay hike which is usually there with a career change.
Additionally, individuals with a wider range of job experiences and skill sets will be
seriously considered for new job openings. Moreover, those who have a wide range of
career experiences will also have lesser chances of suffering from unemployment. For
instance, if they lose one job, they can seek out jobs in different career fields, as
opposed to one career field.
What is more, a change in career can be a liberating experience for some people. A
person may finally discover a career, which gives him the maximum job satisfaction. He
may be working in a mundane job to fulfil their basic requirements, but he may get to
do something interesting, which would also give them personal satisfaction. In other
words, it frees people to consider a variety of professional and personal avenues that
were previously closed to them because of their work attachments. Some choose to
return to school to pursue courses of study that can lead into whole new careers, while
many others choose to open their own small business.
There are also many advantages associated with the change of residence, which comes
along with a career change. Change of surroundings and new exciting experiences are
useful for self-education and development of a person. Besides, these changes usually
bring positive emotions, which help to fight stresses and have overall good effect on
health. It is also very beneficial for the person's family, as this change gives them the
opportunity to make new friends, enjoy new cultures and experience new climates. In
other words, it adds spice to life.
Summing up, I reiterate my opinion by saying that changing careers and place of
residence several times during a lifetime may bring some challenges in life, but overall
it is a positive development.

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It is commonly believed that a nation can succeed in the future by spending

The second argument in support of my view is based on empirical evidence.

To conclude, I would like to reiterate that importance of youth to the future

To commence with, on one hand, people think high credibility of artificial

In conclusion, although the dangerous effects can hamper mankind to a certain

In spite of these facts, the considerable difference in the earnings of politicians

4. Some people think that governments should change the

It is a highly controversial issue that whether should authorities

On the one hand, there are those who maintain that on no

On the other hand, other people claim that governments

In conclusion, I believe that everyone should be at liberty to do

Good healthcare service is a fundamental need for every citizen in a

Admittedly, when the government is incapable of providing sufficient

On top of that, the private healthcare centers are often accused of

In conclusion, a better environment and more doctors and nurses in private

Despite the conveniences of online media, the news that is printed in

To conclude, media is powerful enough to influence one's attitudes and

People are divided on the role of TV in the development of children. Some

Undoubtedly, I believe that watching TV is beneficial for children if done in

To conclude, I reiterate my view that TV is on the whole advantageous for

9. The increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to

In today’s times, humans concede heavy reliance on consumer goods because

Admittedly, the increasing population has left many companies ramping up

Nevertheless, this whole process can be arrested by following certain steps.

In conclusion, the increasing production of consumer goods is causing a

It is believed by some that the changes brought by modernization have

11. In the modern world, it is possible to shop, work and communicate

It is true that in contemporary life, people in many parts of the world

Nevertheless, as social beings, people need personal contact. Firstly,

12. In some cities, people are choosing cars instead of

Advancements in technology have brought many changes to

There are many reasons why people prefer motorized means

Nevertheless, as humans are becoming more aware of the

modes of transport, like bicycles. The major cause of the

Another very important reason for investing in the cycling

To conclude, I would reiterate my view that even though the

Raising fuel prices is believed to be the best solution to the planet’s

However, as environmental issues stem from many causes, there are

In conclusion, since each problem requires a unique solution, it is justifiable

Whether economic growth in a well-off country would increase its

Admittedly, economic wealth is only a part of life satisfaction, therefore,

Nevertheless, I believe that however prosperous a country is, additional

In conclusion, although people require more than wealth to be

With the advancement of technology, more people are opening accounts

Nevertheless, there are multiple problems with readily providing one’s

In conclusion, although providing personal information makes registration

It is true that spending on education is top priority for many governments

Undoubtedly, spending on education is very essential for the progress of

However, spending on free-time activities is equally important. Such

Furthermore, life is stressful and free time activities act as stress-busters.

To conclude, I would like to reiterate my opinion that apart from

17. Some believe that younger family members should be legally

Some people believe that younger family members be held legally

Admittedly, younger family members have an inherent moral obligation to

Another compelling reason for legal responsibility is the practical

In conclusion, I firmly support the notion that younger family members

18. Environmental protection is the responsibility of politicians, not

With regards to protecting the environment, there are those who

Admittedly, environmental protections are in everyone’s best economic