From IELTS Liz
It is becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and going to university. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
Many elderly people are no longer looked after by their families but are put in care homes or nursing homes. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
Some people think that it would be better for large companies and industry to move to regional areas outside large urban centres. Do you think that the advantages outweigh disadvantages?
It is often considered that change is more beneficial than avoiding it and securing the stability of the familiar situation. Do you think the advantages of change outweigh the disadvantages?
With the rise of e-books comes the decline of the paper books. Some people see this as a good step forward while others do not. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
The rise of convenience foods has helped people keep up with the speed of modern life style. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
There is an increasing trend of assessing students through exams rather than continual assessment. What are the advantages and disadvantages of exams as a form of assessment?
Space exploration costs tax payers an exorbitant amount of money each year. What are the advantages and disadvantages of spending money on space exploration?
From Online IELTS Buddy:
Animals
A growing number of people feel that animals should not be exploited by people and that they should have the same rights as humans, while others argue that humans must employ animals to satisfy their various needs, including uses for food and research.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
______________________________ Blood sports have become a hot topic for debate in recent years. As society develops it is increasingly seen as an uncivilized activity and cruel to the helpless animals that are killed. All blood sports should be banned.
Discuss the main arguments for this statement and give your own opinion.
______________________________ Examine the arguments in favour of and against animal experiments, and come to a conclusion on this issue.
Culture
Government investment in the arts, such as music and theatre, is a waste of money. Governments must invest this money in public services instead.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
It is inevitable that as technology advances, traditional cultures will be lost. It seems that we cannot have these two things together.To what extent do you agree or disagree?
There are many types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important and should it be preserved or is international music that is heard everywhere nowadays more useful to a society?
______________________________ Many old buildings protected by law are part of a nation’s history. Some people think they should be knocked down and replaced by news ones.
How important is it to maintain old buildings?
Should history stand in the way of progress?
Education
Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. Others believe there are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals and society.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
______________________________ Education is not a luxury, but a basic human right and as such should be free for everyone irrespective of personal wealth.
Do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that children's free time must include educational activities otherwise they will waste their time.What is your opinion?
Formal examinations are the only effective way to assess a student's performance. Continual assessment such as course work and projects is not a satisfactory way to do this.To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Environment
Developed countries have created many environmental problems in the World, particularly in their contribution to global warming.What can be done to reduce the dangers of global warming?
In order to solve traffic problems, governments should tax private car owners heavily and use the money to improve public transportation.What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution?
Global warming is one of the most serious issues that the world is facing today.What are the causes of global warming and what measures can governments and individuals take to tackle the issue?
______________________________
Logging of the rain forests is a serious problem and it may lead to the extinction of animal life and human life.Discuss.
Health
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?
______________________________ The percentage of overweight children in western society has increased by almost 20% in the last ten years.
Discuss the causes and effects of this disturbing trend.
Eating a balanced diet is the most important factor for a healthy life.To what extent do you agree?
Do the dangers derived from the use of chemicals in food production and preservation outweigh the advantages?
______________________________ Many of the medical problems that people are experiencing in today's world are due to the fact that we have a very sedentary lifestyle.
To what extent to you agree?
Stress is now a major problem in many countries around the world.What are some of the factors in modern society that cause this stress, and how can we reduce it?
Media
Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s society.
To what extent do you agree with this view?
______________________________ Are famous people treated unfairly by the media? Should they be given more privacy, or is the price of their fame an invasion into their private lives?
These days, we are seeing an increasing amount of violence on television, and this is having a negative impact on children's behaviour.Do you agree or disagree?
Society
Nowadays, families are not as close as in the past and a lot of people have become used to this.
Explain the reasons for this and discuss any possible effects it may have on society.
Smokers have rights too, so they should be allowed to smoke in public places.To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Smoking not only harms the smoker, but also those who are nearby. Therefore, smoking should be banned in public places.To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
______________________________ Levels of youth crime are increasing rapidly in most cities around the world.
What are the reasons for this, and suggest some solutions.
There is an increasing trend around the world to have a small family rather than a large family.What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a small family rather than a large family?
______________________________ Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems.
Identify one or two serious ones and suggest ways that governments and individuals can tackle these problems.
Technology
In the last 20 years there have been significant developments in the field of information technology (IT), for example the World Wide Web and communication by email. However, future developments in IT are likely to have more negative effects than positive.
To what extent do you agree with this view?
______________________________ People use computers when they work or go banking, but some argue that it will make people isolated and decrease their social skills.
To what extent do you agree with this viewpoint?
Some people think that computers are more of a hindrance than a help in today's society. Others believe that they are such indispensable tools that they would not be able to live or work without them.Discuss both opinions and give your opinion.
Nowadays many people have access to computers on a wide basis and a large number of children play computer games.What are the negative and positive impacts of playing computer games and what can be done to minimize the bad effects?
Do you think that modern technology, such as the internet and computers will ever replace the book or the written word as the main source of information?
Science
Genetic engineering is an important issue in modern society. Some people think that it will improve people's lives in many ways. Others feel that it may be a threat to life on earth.Discuss both opinions and give your opinion?
______________________________ As people live longer and longer, the idea of cloning human beings in order to provide spare parts is becoming a reality. The idea horrifies most people, yet it is no longer mere science fiction.
To what extent do you agree with such a procedure?
Do you have any reservations?