1 A long-distance flight consumes the same amount of fuel as a car does in several years' time and causes the same amount of environmental damage. Some people think that we should discourage non-essential flights such as tourist air travel instead of limiting the use of cars. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2 Early technological developments helped ordinary people and change their lives more than recent technological developments. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
3 Throughout history, male leaders have led us to violence and conflict. If a society is governed by female leaders, it will be more peaceful. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
4 The pace of life is speeding up in many areas. We travel and communicate faster and eat more fast food. Some people think this trend has negative effects at all levels — individual, national and global. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
5 Some people think that students should be encouraged to evaluate and criticise their teachers. Others believe that will result in a loss of respect and discipline in the classroom. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
6 It is suggested that all secondary-school students should be required to do unpaid work in their free time to help the local community. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
7 In order to learn a foreign language well, students should also learn about the culture and lifestyles of the people who speak the language. Do you agree or disagree?
8 In many countries, good schools and medical facilities are available only in cities. Some people think that all new teachers and doctors should work in rural areas for a few years, while others think that everyone should be free to choose where they work. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
9 A society becomes more interesting and develops more quickly if it is made up of a wide variety of ethnic groups. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10 Some people think that we should create a new language for international communication. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
11 The world of work is changing rapidly. People no longer rely on one job for life. What are the causes of this trend? How should people prepare for work in the future?
12 Some people think that they should keep all the money they have earned and should not pay tax to the state. Do you agree or disagree?
13 It is more important for a building to look good than to serve a purpose. Architects should not worry about designing buildings as works of art. Do you agree or disagree?
14 The main purpose of public libraries is to provide books. They should not waste their limited resources and space on providing high-tech media such as computer software, videos and DVDs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?