ĐOÁN ĐỀ FULL 2019

ĐOÁN ĐỀ CẢ NĂM 2019
IELTS ĐÌNH LONG
1. More and more people buy a wide range of household goods like television, microwave
oven and rice cooker. Do you think this is positive or negative development?
The increasing variety of household goods has been recognized as an unstoppable trend, yet
argument regarding its necessity or rationality seems not to be ceased. In fact, many believe that
such excessive growth is merely a reflection of the profound influence of consumerism, of which I
second.
The intension of cyclical consumer products industry was upstanding: to fulfill various demands
and create a better and more convenient living condition. Driven by this vision, the scale of this
industry soared in the last century, and managed to add various household appliances, ranging from
traditional ones such as washing machines and electrical tin openers to stylish devices such as flat-
screen television and sweeping robots, into our life. Indeed, these items allow us to pay more
attention to other important aspects in life, and also plays a significant role of a country’s economy,
which will then assist the promotion and popularization of these merchandises. This circulation runs
smoothly for years, until the rise of consumerism.
Consumerism refers to an ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods in ever-increasing
amounts, which will eventually make customers purchasing items related to the display of status and
not to functionality or usefulness. With its influence, consumers may end up sacrificing significant
time and income not only to purchase but also to actively support a certain firm or brand. Needless
to say, this behavior should be acknowledged as a direct contradiction to the original purpose of
having more household goods, as such considerable amount of these articles, sometime quite
expensive or even luxury, may highly likely capture people’s full attention.
Without disdain the benefits brought by household goods, it may not be wise to possess as
many these goods as possible. 287 words
2. Some people believe that employers should not be concerned about the way their
employees dress, but the quality of their work. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
The importance of dress code and appearance at workplaces has already been recognized and
accepted, yet many are opposing a mandatory dress code as they believe the quality of employee’s
work is far more significant to any enterprise. Personally, I believe it would be wise to lean more
towards the working performance.
Making sure everyone in the workplace is dressed to certain standards cannot only create a
general atmosphere of professionalism—whether it means three-piece suit or jeans-and-T-shirt. This
is of great value in industries where image is highly valued and workplaces where face-to-face
contact between employees and customers is regular and consistent, as when customers look at
employees, they can see people who are dressed appropriately for the industry, which may boost
their confidence in the business as a whole. Besides, such visual uniformity in the workplace can also
promote the impression of “being a team” among the workforce, which can eventually stimulate
sales by making employees conspicuous to customers.
Despite the benefits brought by dress code in enhancing working performance, one must notice
the potential downsides of implementing one in certain industry, as clothes have a huge impact on
how people feel, their confidence levels, and how they interact with others. An example of this is
when everyone is forced to wear a suit and tie, a stuffy and conservative environment may highly
likely be inherently created. In fact, for those innovating enterprises mainly focusing on inspiring
creativity of employees to yield profits, a strict dress code is going to be counterproductive.
Therefore, the appearance of employees is not with universal importance.
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Overall, the priority of practicing a dress code should be determined by the nature of industry,
as the pursuit of performance is the sole goal of any company.
3. Lectures were used in the past with many students. With modern technology available for
education, there is no justification for this way of teaching.
The implementation of modern technology in educational institutes is certainly a progression, yet

many go overboard and claiming the traditional teaching methods should be completed replaced.
Personally, I believe the merits of the old-school ways should never be neglected.
The most distinguishable advantage of modern educational technology is that it can improve
access to education, including full degree programs, as such advance not only can provide numerous
learning materials, but also can make these materials accessible to a wider audience. With greater
possibility of engaging with these resources, students can spend more time on specific aspects of
what they may be learning in school, but at home. An example of this could be when Khan Academy
and TED Talks are actively being used in many schools and universities. Eventually, these additional
support to the educational system will enable better integration for non-full-time students,
particularly in continuing education.
Although students appreciate the convenience brought by these technologies, one must notice
the complexity of learning environment as the interplay and interactions of many things impact the
outcome of learning. When technology is brought into an educational setting, the pedagogical setting
changes in that technology-driven teaching can change the entire meaning of an activity without
adequate research validation. In fact, technology, in and of itself, does not necessarily result in
fundamental improvements to educational practice, as the implementation of such technology
would scarcely encourage students to work socially or collaboratively, and can also make them highly
susceptible to distraction and sidetracking. This issue can be solved by appropriate supervision as
provided by instructors in traditional classroom, meaning performance of courses equipped with
high-level technology can be limited.
Overall, completely replacing traditional way of teaching with modern technology could be too
aggressive due to questionable consequences of doing so.
4. People are now surrounded by advertising. This both affects what people think is important
and has a negative impact on people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The real influence advertisement can bring to ordinary people is arguable. In my opinion, although I
have to admit that the prerequisite of any successful advertisement is to influence the general public,
it would be unwise to ignore its merits.
The influence of advertisement has already gone far beyond its most obvious function: to
popularize products. Despite the fact that such ability is the main purpose when advertisement
debuts, there is more to it, as now it has commonly functioned as an approach to provide extra value
to the goods, achieved by constant appearance of certain concept in advertising and therefore to
shape public opinion. An example of this is diamond, which has been disguised so well that almost
everyone now is certain that it is one rare mineral with extremely low reserves and a symbol of long-
lasting relationship, although the fact could be the exact opposite.
However, saying it is wrong to overlook the effect of advertisement is not equal to saying it is
acceptable to ignore the most significant advantage of it, being to fulfill demands, since it is beyond
argument that demands drive purchase, especially for those living in less satisfied condition. Yet it
should also be noticed that demand is a vague expression that has been constantly misunderstood as
the‘demand of necessity’, in which case the need in people has been restricted to the basics to
maintain life. The purpose of many purchases people made has now extended to satisfy their mental
desire, or as a commitment to others in the case of diamond.
Overall, while one must recognize the profound influence of advertisement in people’s life, this
may not be completely negative.
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5. Figures show that in some countries, there is an ever-increasing proportion of population

aged 15 or younger. What do you think the effect of current and future in those countries?
In many countries there is a dramatic increase in the number of young people. This development has
far reaching implications. In this essay, I will examine the present and future impacts of the rise in the
population of children.
When there is an increase in the number of children, the demand for schools and teachers also
increases.
Unfortunately, many countries do not have enough schools to admit all the children. For example, in
China the number of school-aged children is very high; however, the country does not have enough
good schools. As a result, many students do not have access to quality education. The situation is not
much different in India.
The growth in the number of children can be attributed to the failure of family planning in these
countries. When families have several children, it becomes difficult for them to cater to the needs of
everyone. If families limit themselves to one or two children, they will be able to give more care and
attention to those children.
The rise in the number of young people will lead to unemployment in the future. And when
youngsters can’t find jobs in their country, they will be forced to emigrate. This leads to the
undesirable brain drain. When several applicants fight for the same job, finding employment will
become more difficult. This will encourage unemployed people from developing nations like India
and China to immigrate to countries like the US and Canada.
To conclude, the growing population of children below the age of 15 will impact the present and the
future in many ways. This trend calls for the allocation of more resources to education. It also
demands the generation of more jobs.
6. The restoration of old buildings in major cities in the world costs numerous governments'
expenditures. This money should be used in new housing and road development. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
The high speed urbanization has generated contrasting attitudes towards ancient buildings
among governments in different countries. Numerous old buildings are being eradicated in order to
give way to new housing and road development, which, from my own perspective,
actually conceals the underlying flaws of this practice.
It is undeniable that, under the expansion of the city, more new houses and roads are becoming
urgently needed. Well designed modern buildings with reasonable spatial arrangement are more
glamorous and functional than old ones, such as accommodating more people in the crowded
metropolis. In addition, advancedthermal insulation building materials and central heating system
result in consuming less resources, causing less environmental damages. Moreover, highly developed
cities require advanced traffic system that can ease the traffic congestions plaguing most of the
world’s major cities .
While considering from a more comprehensive aspect, the value of restoring meritorious ancient
buildings should never be neglected. Despite the cost of restoration, old building could serve as
landmarks of the unique and local history, so their historical value could weigh much more than its
function serving as mere residence. Additionally, preserving old buildings may benefit local tourism
to some extent. When well-protected ancient buildings with historical significance are publicized,
tourists attracted would surge to them, stimulating the economic increase such as purchasing and
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hotel industry. The revenue from tourism can be invested in not only safeguarding ancient buildings
but also constructing newer houses and developing roads.
Even though it is hard to arrive at an absolute conclusion, I strongly conceive that conservation of
ancient buildings could be costly, but it is rewarding in the long terms. Ancient buildings with
significant historical value should be restored however huge the expenditure is, and those of less
value be torn down to give way to urban development.
7. Some people believe that people who read books can develop more imagination and
language skills than those who prefer to watch TV.
Since the beginning of civilization, human beings have joined in the pious hope that books, as a
whole, would edify people by sparking their imagination, spurring their creativity, and enhancing
their linguistic aptitude. By stark contrast, the ascent of modern media has only goaded on the
harangues against arts by mechanical reproduction. TV – as commonly perceived as the epitome of
“lowbrow” culture – has become a case in point. However, such sweeping generalization, or rather
simplistic dichotomy, is susceptible to further examination.
If books in ancient times or pre-industrial era remained rare commodities or some “food for
soul” of scarcity, such trite elitism hardly holds true anymore. It’s commonly acknowledged that the
modern publishing industry has thrived in tandem not only with people’s intellectual needs or the
authors’ meticulous research and tormenting introspection, but also the economic cycle, the
scandals and rumors of celebrities, the life and (probably untimely) death of much glorified
politicians and business tycoons, recipes for success, some ephemeral buzzwords in marketing etc.
The life cycle publishing industry hence no more than mirrors the myriad of supply and demand
curves in the real commercialized world, which only makes it all the more demanding on the readers’
effort to distinguish what is good from what is bad. It thus does not come as surprise when Arthur
Rubinstein, the pianist of great theatricality, grieved at his becoming blind at 90 years young: “I
simply regret having read so many bad books all my life.” Such compunction will undoubtedly repeat
itself on you and me and alike.
If a book is characterized as intellectual fast food or worse by readers, it would be futile and far-
fetching to discuss its effect on their cognition or knack for languages. However, if we think of some
breath-taking TV documentaries on some of scenic places in some uncharted land or those
unraveling the myth of human civilization and the universe, it is hard not to concede that they are
indeed more edifying than some of the potboiler books. As Nabokov once wryly has it, “imagination
is merely a function of memory”; and memory a multiplication of vision and learning. By the same
token, who would deny that Maggie Smith’s impeccable rendering – with those witty twists in her
uncanny demeanor - in so many TV series simply outshines the unending clichés in those best-selling
books?
To conclude, books, as a traditionally much venerated cultural form, should not be overrated in
its importance on transforming one’s intellectual capacity, as manifested by many cautionary tales.
Both illuminating books and inspiring TV programs call for one’s discerning capacity.
8. As countries develop, more and more people buy and use their own cars. Do the advantages
of this trend for individuals outweigh the disadvantages for the environment?
Citizens of diverse nations have benefited considerably from economic prosperity which not only
improves their living standards, but also enhances their purchasing power that enables people to
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enjoy previous unaffordable or even luxury stuffs. It can be widely observed that an increasing
number of households have equipped themselves with at least one car each, which has more
disadvantages for the environment rather than advantages for individuals.
Undeniably, vehicles can offer plenty of conveniences for citizens. Under the progress of
urbanization, the city lay-outs have been greatly extended while people are living more dispersedly
in different communities compared to past residence structure. With cars, it is easier for people to
reach their destinations within short periods of time, which offers more freedom
for individuals’ choice of residence as well as enhances their efficiency of commuting to some
extent.
Considering from the exploitation of natural fuel, however, such a development shall be judged in a
more comprehensive way. More vehicles require for more supplies of energy, thus imposing a
great threat on the preservation of limited natural fuel. Once the natural resources are exhausted,
it is no longer possible for people to reverse this phenomenon, posing a fatal influence on human
existence.
What is more, more waste gases from cars will be emitted, which inevitably threatens the
environmental balance. Up until now, no feasible method has been invented to perfectly tackle the
environmental pollution. As a result, both the environment and the public health have undergone
massive tortures. For example, people living in cities have long been suffering from diseases in
their noses and lungs. Some are even attached by cancers just because they have long been
exposed under the pollution caused by car emissions. The wide equipment of cars has indeed
triggered great dangers to the whole natural system.
In conclusion, although conveniences to individuals provided by cars are highly visible, the
considerable flaws and troubles caused by this phenomenon have always served as an alarm and it
is urgent to implement certain countermeasures to slow down this development.
9. In most countries, prison is the most common solution for the problem of crime. However,
the more effective solution is to provide people with better education so that they do not
become criminals.
In many countries, it is not uncommon that depriving the freedom of criminals as punishment. Yet,
some argue providing better education may be a more effective solution. As far as I am concerned, I
disagree with the abovementioned statement, as both education and imprisonment are effective in
terms of preventing potential crimes, while prisoning criminals also exerts positive effects in terms of
fairness and deterrent effects.
To begin with, offering better education strengthens individuals’ competitive edge which
consequently increases their job opportunities. This measure, from a long-term perspective, will
effectively lower the criminal rate, as lower unemployment rate tends to cause higher criminal rates.
Furthermore, good moral education helps people, especially the young, to develop upright moral
values such as honesty, fairness and respect for others. Most importantly, they will learn how to tell
right from wrong. Therefore, education plays a paramount role in preventing crimes.
Besides proper education, prisoning is also effective to nip crimes in bud. Imprisoning criminals for
what they have committed shows a powerful deterrent against potential crimes. Deprived of
freedom, on the other hand, most of them may be remorseful for their previous actions, which could
decrease the future reoffending rate. Also, punishing criminals for malicious acts according to the law
shows judicial fairness for victims.
From what we have discussed above, it is safe to conclude that the crucial role of education for
prevention of crimes is undeniable, and it also benefits teenagers who cannot tell right from wrong.
Meanwhile, prison also shows its effectiveness in the aspects including deterrence and justice.
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10. Some people think that one of the best ways to solve environmental problems is to increase
the cost of fuels for cars and other vehicles. To what extent do you agree or disagree with
this statement?
The severity and urgency of properly addressing environmental problems are hardly arguable, yet
the specific method is contested for decades. Although many choose to believe the solidity of dealing
with these issues with higher price of fuels, I consider this as too narrow an approach.
While the occurrence of positive outcome towards environment is almost inevitable were the
price of fuels to increase, the final result may not be as expected for long. Rooted from the human
nature of rejecting any cost increase, the leading reason for the optimistic attitude of this particular
approach would be the effect on limiting the number of cars and therefore reducing the amount of
environment-damaging gas emission. However, since the cost of public transport would also be
affected, resistance in people with the need of travel seems to be inevitable, hence the impossibility
of achieving the desired goal.
In addition, the delicacy of eco-system and the complexity of environmental issues make the
proposal mentioned above nothing but a delusion. In fact, one must not only notice the close
interaction within the sub-system of environment, for example the pollutant in soil will eventually
migrate into water body, but also fully appreciate the necessity of comprehensively solving
environmental problems, meaning that the overall performance of any eco-system will not become
better if only the air quality were to be improved. Therefore, the method of meddling with fuel price
can only be described as biased, as it merely focuses on the issue of air pollutants.
Overall, increasing the price of fuels is most defiantly not the best solution to environmental
issues, as it has neglected both the reaction of consumers and the complexity of environment.
11. Many country invest money to prepare competitors to join top competitions like Olympic
Game and the World Cup. It is necessary to offer money to encourage children to exercise.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many countries are investing more in pulling for the children’s exercise in order to promote
competitor’s fostering. Some people embrace the phenomenon, while others side against this.
Personally, my preference goes to the former notion.
Indeed, it is understandable why many oppose it. Spending money to encourage children to
take exercise will distract their attention from study. The time children can spend is established. If
they involve themselves in exercising further，they have to cut down the energy and time on study.
It is reported that more children prefer to exercise because exercise can make them relaxed and they
can play with the peers. Exercise encouragement among children can definitely result in study time
occupation.
Although the stance sound plausible，I still insist that the progress of encouraging juveniles to
exercise should not be curbed. The primary reason for this is that physical condition of children can
be improved. More equipment for entertainment are facilitated at home, leading to the young
generation’s lacking physical excises and sedentary life. More investment in exercise encouragement,
such as building more sport fields and setting up scholarship for these positive young sport
participants, would render activity joining more attractive.
Furthermore, more potential and competitive athletes can earn more prizes in top
competitions. More money spent on fostering competitors can cultivate lots of potential sportsmen.
Government’s inclination means stronger supporting in professional equipment and training. And
changing social bias that exercising is not an achievement is another bonus. Both these benefits will
make children devote themselves to exercising and have more possibilities to access to great prizes
in great competitions.
To sum up, I do not deny that exercise encouragement among young generation will bring about
learning time occupation. However, I still believe we should take into consideration the healthy
condition enhancing of the children and more possibilities in gaining prizes in competitions.
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12. Some people believe that newspaper is the best way to learn about news, while others
believe that more effective way is through other media.Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
Although the necessity of being informed is hardly arguable, the specific way of doing so is: while
many still praise the old-fashioned newspaper, others consider it obsolete. For me, I believe that
learning the news is too complicated to be properly done only by newspaper or other media.
Acquiring information should be time-efficient and vivid, which are also the leading reasons of
the rise of media other than newspaper. In fact, the new media, being recognized as “grassroots” as
basically everyone with access to Internet can upload and spread their own vision of news, is much
faster than newspaper, since the time, not only for printing and distributing, but also for reporters to
get to the scene, can be saved. In addition, the importance of diffusing news visually and/or aurally
should also be reckoned, since comparing with articles, sounds and images can easily make a deeper
impression.
However, speed and realism cannot be the only features that matter in getting the news. For
many, accuracy is of the greatest significance, hence their support to newspaper simply due to the
rigorous censorship system of traditional printing industry that can make the information gaining
from printed media more reliable than from other ways. This belief, however, is only partially true, as
the diminishing newspaper industry is now are willing to adjust their content according to viewers’
appetite just to stay in business, and therefore it is getting difficult to find a truly trustworthy
newspaper.
Overall, I believe newspaper today is becoming a verification tool of news towards other media,
as despite the dip in form in the aspect of being fast and being vivid, newspaper still remains
competitive in reliability.
13. Some people think the most important thing about being rich is that it gives person an
opportunity to help other people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The gap between rich and poor are increasing day by day. Undoubtedly, rich people have extra
potential to help others as they have surplus money. There only a few people are realizing this fact
and helping others. In my essay, I will explain the main reasons in support of my views.
Only a few industrialists are philanthropists. They spend their money on luxuries, such as lavish
parties and unwanted things. Instead, they should spend the money on educating poor children or
supporting old peoples. A smile of gratitude is worth millions of dollars. For instance, when you feed
the hungry and receive the whole hearted blessings from them, you will realize the power of helping
others. On the contrary, spending a lot of money on organizing a party for the affluent people will
not bring you that much satisfaction. The plastic smiles of the guests will reveal it at all.
Man is a social animal. The sufferings of the society are affecting the well being of the society. Rich
people can help the community in so many ways. They are often powerful, and are able to make
changes. Besides, they have rich friends. Money, influential friends and their connections can make a
difference to an entire society not just an individual person. We often hear milliners say that they
want to give something back to the community, to their old school, or some times to the poor
people. A few millions out of a billionaire’s fortune is really a blessing for others. Rich people have to
examine their reasons of spending.
In conclusion, affluent people should donate to charity rather than waste money on expensive
trinkets or meaningless entertainment.
14. Governments should make people responsible for looking after their own local
environment. Do you agree or disagree?
With the unprecedented pace of industrialization in many developing countries, quality of local air
and water has deteriorated to appalling levels. Consequently, governments and communities have
devised various strategies to contain the plight. Among them, some governments tend to resort to
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authoritative measures such as enacting strict laws on environmental protection; however, some
others are inclined to take a more laissez-faire stance – they subscribe to the notion that people
should be hold accountable for safeguarding their own local environment. From my perspective, the
practicability of such strategy is questionable at best, and this age-old issue needs more
comprehensive solutions.
First and foremost, not every single individual is incentivized to protect the local environment,
which could be deemed as a purely altruistic deed for some. It’s universally acknowledged that
human beings are inherently selfish and make most of the decisions out of self-interest, be it external
rewards and incentives or some inward sense of gratification. However, when it comes to
environmental issues, while many do recognize the perilous status quo, they regard it as too
irrelevant, or even far-fetching to act on someone else’s behalf. For instance, if someone gets used to
commuting to work by car on a daily basis, he might feel averse to the nuisance of having to double
or even triple his time spent on riding public transport, sweating among the crowd in the tormenting
heat and smell, and putting up with the cacophonous noises, although he is fully aware of the good
he would do to the environmental well-being. By the same token, if the government cannot ensure
the individuals can act out of the collective interest of the society, it connives at the environmental
decisions of business entities, which are completely profit oriented, and to which sustainability is
more often than not counterproductive.
Accordingly, normative measures which serve to bind citizens’ behavior should only be
secondary to the administrative ones. Of paramount importance to this is strict legislations which can
truly wield coercive effects on individuals and companies alike. One salient example of this is the
stripe penalty in the city state Singapore, one of the inarguably cleanest countries in the world. It also
boasts the soundest environment, as is indicated by its air quality and forest coverage. Furthermore,
government should also channel more resources to the amelioration of the public transport, making
it an inviting alternative to citizens.
In conclusion, making people responsible for environmental protection is well-intended but ill-
advised. To effectively tackle such a problem, more comprehensive strategies, rather than a
singlehanded one, are called for.
15. Many parents choose to teach their children at home instead of sending them to school. Do
you think the benefits of home schooling outweigh its drawbacks?
Education was carried at homes for centuries. There were not schools. Teachers were hired for
wealthy people. The poor could not afford for teachers so their children did not take any education.
The most people were illiterate. Then appeared voices that more education could improving life of all
class of society. So schools were established, but education at home was still popular at wealthier
homes. Both school and education at home have some advantages and disadvantages.
Teaching children at home gives them more opportunity to understand any subject. All attention is
paying to one pupil and every question is answered. There is no possibility to cheat or be unprepared
to lesson. Students could develop their interesting in any subject very easily. This is the better way to
be very good prepared for every exam. But, in general, this is the most expensive way to have well
educated child. Children, who are educated alone, have less friends and colleagues, are more selfish
and could have difficulties in adult life.
School, again in general, is reasonably cheaper than home education. There is less attention for one
pupil but among more children is some kind of rivalry. Students learn because want to be better than
friend or colleague. They meet more people so their life is more civilized. Friendship for all life starts
very often in school. Adult life has less mysteries for them than for children educated at homes.
However there are more violence, more opportunity to meet bad company and finally end school
without any education.
In conclude, school has more advantages because not only teach, but also socialize pupils. And for
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parenting two of the most important subjects are good education and good breeding. It is the best
preparing for adult life.
16. Traffic and housing problems in major cities can be solved by moving large companies,
factories and their employees to the countryside. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Increased traffic and lack of housing supply are major concerns in many places. By relocating large
businesses, including their factories and employees, to rural areas, these issues can be properly
addressed. I personally find this idea justifiable; however, at the same time, some other initiatives
should be implemented if we expect to solve traffic and housing problems effectively.
Moving businesses and their facilities to the countryside will cause urban population to
shrink substantially as successful companies, such as Apple, provide work for thousands of people.
This, as a result, will relieve pressure on urban housing supply systems. Another apparent advantage
of a decreased population is lower volumes of traffic which help reduce traffic congestion. In Hanoi
for example, most people travel to work by private vehicles, and this leads to overcrowded roads
during the rush hour. If big companies are based in a rural area and offer accommodation to their
employees near their workplaces, this will no longer be the case.
Nonetheless, I think the mentioned problems are rather complicated and can only be solved
completely by the introduction of some other measures. One example involves the development of
road systems because narrow roads largely contribute to traffic jams in major cities. Building wider
roads and motorways will allow a greater number of vehicles, both private and public, and therefore
reduce traffic congestion. Also, residential areas with small living spaces that can accommodate a
growing population should be established in urban centers.
In conclusion, I agree that relocating businesses to the countryside is one way to deal with traffic and
housing problems. I also believe that we need a combination of this approach and a number of other
actions, as listed above, to tackle these problems in a more comprehensive manner.
17. Some people think that art (such as painting and music) does not directly improve quality of
people’s life, so the government should spend money on other areas. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
Throughout the history, arts have always been placed in an inferior place compared with other more
seemingly more important facets such as education, economy and health care. As intangible arts
might be, I still believe that it should be more highly valued by government because it Can make the
masses enjoy a better life.
Arts, especially the visual ones, can make cities and towns more visually attractive and
spectacular. This is because artists know the tips that can please our brains, and they can employ a
variety of shapes, pattern, colors and designs to arouse our origin desire Moderns cities are a place
to demonstrate the function of art because it is ubiquitous to see a host of well-designed advertising
pictures displayed along the streets and in the shopping malls; some cities decorate landmark
buildings with sophisticated external glass walls. Living in this Environment, citizens are likely to be
proud of the modernization of the place where they live and their sense of happiness will also be
improved.
Other forms of art, such as music, opera, and dancing, can also never be underestimated due to
their effect on people's emotions. Enjoying a piece of light music or immersing themselves in an
opera, people's mind can be soothed; Also likely to help release some pressures because dancers
focus on motions and paces, casting the worries aside for the time being. In some developed
countries, music and dancing even used as aiding therapy for those who are born mental fatigue,
may stress or mental Disorder.
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In conclude, it is quite justifiable for governments to allocate fund to arts even though some
opponents who are short sighted and norrow-mined will complain the uselessness of arts.
Governments should be visionary, believing their attention and assistance in arts will never be in vain
18. In many countries, people can eat a wide variety of food that are grown in other areas. As a
result, they eat more food produced in other regions than local food. Do you think the
advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
With the globalization, trading among different countries in the global develops significantly.
Nowadays, it is easier for residents in one country to purchase commodities from other areas. This
essay will discuss both pros and cons of this issue.
To begin with, it is undeniable that there are a range of advantages of buying foods from all over the
world. First and foremost, that there a wide diversity of foods from more countries is beneficial for
consumers. In details, local inhabitants have countless opportunities to choose what they want to
buy. Therefore, they can shop around and purchase the things they need at the cheapest price. In
addition, this development has positive influences on both export and import countries. Regarding
exporters, to produce a huge number of products, the demand of labours went up considerably. As a
result, there will be more jobs and the rate of unemployment will reduce. In terms of importers, it
will help these nations decline the pressure about producing foods within small farm area.
On the other hand, importing foods from overseas can bring some adverse effects. Firstly,
nourishment which is transported from aboard may be not fresh and unsafe. Due to the fact that it
takes a long time to move commodities from foreign countries to inland, these foods can contain
preservative which is harmful for people health. Moreover, that the quality of imported foods
accelerate will threat the development of local commodities. For instance, the abundance of foods
from overseas along with a suitable cost results in a remarkable decrease in consuming domestic
products. This makes farmers face with more challenging circumstances.
In conclusion, although there are some drawbacks of buying foods which shipped from other
countries in the world, I strongly believe that the advantages of this development outstrip the
disadvantages, especially in countries where the areas of agriculture land is narrowed.
19. Some people believe that the range of technology available to individuals is increasing
the gap between the rich people and the poor people. Others think this has an opposite
effect. Discuss both view and give your own opinion.
Word count (280)
It is quite common to see technology merge into people's everyday life. However, whether it
would be a driving force of widening wealth gap between the rich and the bottom 10% of people has
become a debatable issue. Personally, I believe that it has both Positive and negative effects on the
income gap.
On the one hand, it is true that the richer a person is, the more he benefits from the technology
enhancement. There is no doubt that those with more possession focus more on the cutting-edge
technology having impacts on people's life. By doing this , they smell the trend of the future market
right from the beginning and buy relevant stocks accordingly. For example, they had, since five years
ago, held the stocks of Amazon and Apple, which have tripled their stock price since a significant
amount of people Have purchased their products, long before other people even saw their
potential., the upper class takes more advantage of the technological development, leading to
greater gap between the very top 10% and the bottom of the scale.
On the other hand, it seems average people have more opportunities to move to higher class by
utilizing more high-tech gadgets for individuals. For example, computers were an extremely
expensive laboratory product two decades ago. However, it has become a necessity in average
Family in China. This allows those even from disadvantaged families to acquire the latest technology
and use it to move up the ladder since being a programmer is the job with the highest pay in China.
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In this sense, more people are allowed to lead a better Life in such social environment; and
therefore, the general wealth gap may reduce.
In conclusion, with the spread of the latest technology, the odds are high that both the rich and
the poor are leading a better life. And whether it would widen or narrow the gap between the two
group of people remaining unknown.
20. Children are experiencing the increasing educational, social and commercial pressures.
What are the causes? What measures do you think can be taken to reduce them?
It is true that children nowadays are burdened with academic and competitive requirements in the
society. Due to this, the general habits of children are not as healthy as they were in the past, which
is a worrying development.
Due to the rapidly broadening vistas of education, the expectations from a child to learn more
and perform excellently are leading to them being overburdened and fatigued. There are certain
select schools which make themselves out of bounds for students below a certain academic level.
Parents inflict high expectations upon their kids to get admitted in these over-hyped institutions. As a
result, the children instead of utilizing their free time in playing sports or nurturing a hobby, are
constantly under the pressure of shining in their parent’s eyes.
The achievements of children also become a topic to boast about in social circles. Instead of
encouraging a healthy competitive environment and motivating their child to pursue the things of his
interest, they compare him with other’s kids thus obligating him to prove himself better than the
others. Sometimes children do not realize they are under pressure and strive to excel in order to feel
appreciated.
The solution to this rising and concerning problem is that first and foremost, parents need to
understand that they are not breeding racehorses. Every child has his own unique capability which
should be explored and strengthened. The educational institutions too need to ease up on the façade
of expecting outstanding results from every child and not overwhelm children with extra load of
studies.
In conclusion, every child should be left to grow naturally in order to achieve the best out of
him. Imposing various pressures on children may hamper their development on a long run.
21. Many people today prefer socializing online to that in the local community，do you think the
advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Traditionally, we tended to have face- to-face communication in the scope of local neighbourhood.
With the advent of Internet, the form of social networking has been dramatically shaped and online
communication is more prevail. From my personal perspectives, this brand-new phenomenon should
be embraced with more optimism.
Online social networking is tremendously beneficial to enlarge the circle of friends. In the past,
the geographical barrier took its toll on the number and scope of friends individuals can make, which
means that the interpersonal relation was made only in the proximity of where we live and work and
therefore the diversity of interpersonal relationship will be reduced. However, based on the Internet,
a variety of social networking such as Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin enable individuals to make new
friends, build business connections or simply extend their personal base globally. Therefore, they can
experience more exotic lifestyles and hear voices of people of distinct ethnicities.
Another benefit of online socialization is that more information can be exchanged
simultaneously. Many social networking platforms incorporate an instant messaging feature, through
which one can communicate with different friends on different issues at the same time. In this way,
more fresh between friends can be shared and the more information can be processed.
However, the shortcomings of online socialization can also not be underestimated, and
potential risk of being a victim of cybercrime obviously stands out. The personal information can be
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exaggerated or even faked in the virtual world, as some criminals intend to deceive some innocent
netizens for financial purposes, but this hazard can be easily avoided if online regulation is tightened.
To conclude, we should regard online social networking as a positive contributor to
interpersonal relationship. Some undesired consequences might be induced, but that is occasional.
22. The young people in the workforce are changing their jobs or careers every few years. What
do you think are the reasons? Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Traditionally, we tended to have face- to-face communication in the scope of local neighbourhood.
With the advent of Internet, the form of social networking has been dramatically shaped and online
communication is more prevail. From my personal perspectives, this brand-new phenomenon should
be embraced with more optimism.
Online social networking is tremendously beneficial to enlarge the circle of friends. In the past,
the geographical barrier took its toll on the number and scope of friends individuals can make, which
means that the interpersonal relation was made only in the proximity of where we live and work and
therefore the diversity of interpersonal relationship will be reduced. However, based on the Internet,
a variety of social networking such as Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin enable individuals to make new
friends, build business connections or simply extend their personal base globally. Therefore, they can
experience more exotic lifestyles and hear voices of people of distinct ethnicities.
Another benefit of online socialization is that more information can be exchanged
simultaneously. Many social networking platforms incorporate an instant messaging feature, through
which one can communicate with different friends on different issues at the same time. In this way,
more fresh between friends can be shared and the more information can be processed.
However, the shortcomings of online socialization can also not be underestimated, and
potential risk of being a victim of cybercrime obviously stands out. The personal information can be
exaggerated or even faked in the virtual world, as some criminals intend to deceive some innocent
netizens for financial purposes, but this hazard can be easily avoided if online regulation is tightened.
To conclude, we should regard online social networking as a positive contributor to
interpersonal relationship. Some undesired consequences might be induced, but that is occasional.
23. More and more people want to buy famous brands of clothes, cars and other items. What
are the reasons? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
It is true that famous brands, including clothes, perfume, and cars, are always attractive. As people’s
preference of these brands grows, so does the unease about this trend’s influence.
There are several reasons resulting in this tendency. Firstly, it is without doubts that with the
development of economy, more modern people in most countries are able to afford famous brands.
Secondly, famous brands usually mean higher quality and longer service life, leading to an improved
live standard. Besides the practical benefits, what the famous brands bring to their buyers probably is
social status. After all, with shockingly high endorsement fee and other marketing expenses, nearly
all famous brands keep out the mass in the lower-class group, so it seems that only people coming
from a higher social ladder can afford a luxury car or bag.
Therefore, this misconception or vanity –the possession of a product with a famous brand stands for
a higher social status –impulses some people to decide to purchase them, even though they know
such decision can cost their three-month’s wage. Though they are aware of the economic burden of
paying for famous brands, the admire from others and satisfaction lure them to continuously lead to
a pleasure-seeking lifestyle. In a society where the majority of people are materialistic, it can be
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easily predicted that some valuable inner qualities, such as frugality and diligence may be despised,
which will do a great disservice to the development of economy from a longer term.
In conclusion, there are mixed reasons why more people choose to buy famous brands, including
pragmatism and materialism. Though this trend may reflect an improving economic advancement, it
will bring more adverse impacts to a society.
24. An increasing number of people are changing careers during their working life. What are the
reasons for this? Does it have a positive or negative development for society?
Relatively frequent change of job and career in youngsters is becoming increasingly common. There
are several reasons to explain this trend, and generally I believe the society would benefit from it.
The reason of this development is not complicated: information is becoming more accessible,
actionable, and leverage-able than ever before. In the past, if one were to switch jobs, they would
have to search job openings in the newspaper, print out a resume, write a cover letter, and then mail
them to a potential interview. This process can and will be repetitive, for there is no grantee that job
hunting can always be as smooth as one may assume. Such endeavor, most of which will be in void,
can cause great pain for every job hunter, especially those who have a family and personal life to
manage. In the modern era, however, such hassle does not exist anymore due to the fundamental
shift of information actionability—we can now find hundreds and thousands of job openings on the
internet at a click of a button, not to mention the growing number of headhunters.
Associated with this trend, the society would tend to be more fair, reasonable and dynamic: without
being stuck with jobs, tasks, and daily routine, an individual can surely create things where one’s true
passion is about, and therefore fill one’s life with joy. In fact, such change would eventually forge a
society where the majority of general public cantruly enjoy their lives. Some, however, would argue
that a frequent change would create a sense of uncertainty, but one should also fully appreciate
that the ultimate purpose of society is to ensure a life with pleasure for everyone, which is not going
to happen if general public is forced doing things they do not like.
Overall, although some believe changing jobs or careers should not be frequent, I believe it is
beneficial, as people can now truly grasp their life and future.
25. People have different views on how to reduce traffic congestion. Some think that
governments should build more train and subway lines, while others think that building
more roads and widening existing roads will reduce traffic congestion. Discuss both views
and give your own opinion.
While speed is one of the reasons why modern society prospers, traffic congestion today can be the
tumor that poisons. And to save us from the seating waste of time behind steering wheel, different
solutions have been given by people.
It couldn’t be more easy for a bunch of people to realize that the roads are not enough or too narrow
to the fact of traffic jam, and their solution is to build more roads and widen the existing roads, which
seems to be an upright cure to the symptom. But it’s also easy for them to come to another fact that
the cost of this solution would be an immense abyss, provided that a lot of heated spots of traffic
jams are in the top centers of cities where every inch of land must have already been occupied with
blocks and constructions on the surface and the land price is shooting high.
Then, what about more trains and subway lines underground, as many other would propose so?
Well, this could be the way out, since it is faster and does carry the loads. However, the concern is
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that trains and subways have less flexibility than other transportation as the former only shuttle on
fixed schedule and between certain locations so that they would be laid in waste after traffic peaks.
In my opinion, any hope to eradicate the tumor with single solution could result in prodigality
without effect. And to prescribe for the syndrome of congestion, we have to probe into the essential
cause of disease, which is time itself. Traffic peaks exist because of people’s overlapped schedule of
commuting. Therefore, only by staggering the work schedule and allowing more flextime can we root
out the problem rather than just to build either more roads or subway lines
26. These days, an increasing number of people in many cities know little about their neighbors
and do not have a sense of community. What do you think are the causes and what
solutions can you suggest?
Though “a neighbor that is near is better than a cousin far off”, an increasing number of people today
in cites seems to be indifferent to their neighbor and live in a community that witnesses a more and
more remote neighborhood. The reasons for this phenomenon are obvious if you compared the
present living situation of city people with the old day’s and with what it would be in rural areas.
It is said that in the old days, a family will have their steady supply of bread if there be one of family
to work, leaving a great bunch of time for the rest family members home to make well acquaintance
with their neighbors. But nowadays, all of the core family member are very possibly engaged at
either their workplace or school during most of the day, rather than at their house. No doubt that
very limited time or zeal, which is needed for maintenance of any human relationship, to acquaint
their neighbor. Moreover, compared with the life in rural areas, people in cities lead a life that has
not only the need but also the convenience to have an ever-changing social network, which is no
longer circled within some near distance. And that should be the reason why a neighbor for some city
people today is merely another person existing next door who is civil enough to make no noise and
therefore no sense of being.
However, we all know this kind of unhealthy neighborhood should never stay as it is. To bond a sense
of community, that is, to make a real neighbor of the person living next door could be the same kind
of thing that people make friends. Instead of shutting the door tightly to each other, they should be
encouraged to spend some time together, which will require the community center to organize some
social activities that could engaged neighbors together. Only by that can people in cites break down
the walls that isolates them from each other.
27. Some businesses find that new employees who just finished their education lack basic
interpersonal ability such as work with others as a part of team.What do you think are the
causes and what solutions can you suggest?
Although basic interpersonal ability is a must for most jobs, some businesses find their new
employees who just finished their education lack it and struggle at the start to work in a team. While
it is easy for some people to start bombarding on our educational system with the blame, I think they
should stop before clarifying the reasons behind this problem. After all, work is a completely new
experience and schooling can’t always prepare students that far and much.
On the one hand, communication is a matter with the social status of both sides of it, and work in a
business team has positioned the employees in a totally different social structure from school，
which requires time for these fresh worker to reorient themselves in such kind of relationship. While
there are only teachers and students at school and opinions are exchanged in a usually direct way,
there are, undeniably, hierarchical situations between colleagues ranked by their job titles and
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opinions should be expressed in related way. On the other hand, it’s vital for us to realize that
communication, especially in a team, is a skill, which means it’s something that should be learned
and trained out in real situations. As far as I know, most companies choose email as their formal way
to communicate, and there are various formats of email expression. I wonder how could a fresh
graduate know the exact way of wording or the minute tonal difference in email with their first party
rather than their vendor, with or without another senior, manger or director needed to be copied in
sending, considering the specific affair in communications, if they are not born to the job of emailing.
To solve the problem, schools and universities should certainly leave more extracurricular time for
students to take internship in companies. But more importantly, the businesses should take the
responsibility in adjusting their recruits to communications in new environment, that is, to leave
proper budget for training and mentoring the freshers as a matter of long-term benefits of the team.
28. Some people who have been in prison become good citizens later. Some people think that
they are the best people to talk to school students the danger of committing a crime. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
There is always a price to pay after breaking the law, and it’s an indispensable part of legal education
to let school students know what exactly the consequence is there waiting for a criminal. But who
should take the job? When some people say those who have been in prison and now are good
citizens should do, I raise both hands in favor.
Though most of us could never imagine how harsh the imprisoned life could be and what kind of life
would be after jail, these refreshed citizens do; and as most of us in most of our life have come to the
moment of impulse to commit a crime, they have and they are the price-takers of that impulse, for
which they, rather than someone else, have a say. To be more specific, while it’s usually an instinct
for most of us to stay within the boundary of law and be “good”, it’s a choice for them to do so after
all what they have experienced, which is not easy. As far as I know, a number of freed criminals were
seized back to imprisonment after failed try of starting a new life, since the social tolerance for these
once-convicted person is so little. It would be really educational to let the students know the reasons
why these people, weighing the very danger of committing a crime, would maintain so hard a civic
life with the slate of sin that might always incur them blames and contempt rather than offend the
law again, which seems to be easier for those weak-minded.
Unlike failure in exams, law means real, not just knowledge and words, as the consequence can be
life-ruining, and only by these people’s real experience can students be impressed by the price of any
choice of delinquency or crime.
29. Some people say modern children's games do not develop a wide range of skills, while
traditional games can be much better for developing such skills. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
While the industry of electronic game is booming by leaps and bounds with more and more people
enjoying the fun it brings, some start to proclaim that it develops a smaller range of skills than the
traditional games, with which I disagree, for it sounds just like another story of the backward who is
intimidated by what is new.
First, let’s see what is the most possible reason we can expect from their saying. Traditional games
engage more body participation and therefore, more physical training, while the modern ones do
not, but is that true? With the device of latest technique, modern games could happen within a
small room in virtual reality and child can really do the movement of wielding a badminton bat or
even a sword anywhere, feeling it rather than just seeing it on the screen, with the sensors held in
hand. In this way, you don’t have to worry that kids will sit all day dropping off their physical abilities.
But modern games can do more goods with children’s skills than that. While traditional games are
typically composed of a playground, a ball or some other thingies, a certain number of people and
rules, modern games have manoeuvred these elements in a variety of form with sci-tech innovations
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and the help of other professions. Kids who are playing modern games are immersed in the vivid
animation of art, the considerate interaction designs, a storytelling plot, the strategies of cooperation
with other players, and way more than these. How could they be blind and deaf to these all if they
are not picking up skills along the course of game.
To conclude, I think those who are clamoring, carping and blaring about children’s lack of gains from
modern games are only lacked of imagination, that is, the imagination of future and the development
of technologies.
30. Nowadays a large amount of advertising is aimed at children. Some people think this can
have negative effects on children and should be banned. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
While more and more products are oriented to satisfy the need of children, an increasing amount of
advertising that is aimed at children swarm into eye of public, which strikes the alert of some over-
protective adults who claim necessity of banning this kind of advertisements for its possible negative
effects on children. However, I don’t think there is any need for them to worry.
The concern of people who are against children advertisements is most derived from their
misunderstanding of the concept of advertising, which seems to be a cunning craft of persuasion and
inducing maneuvered by merchants and children today are poisoned by these ads as poisoned by
mobile phones, TV programs and computer games. However, the top priority of advertising is to
inform and publicize the use and features of products, and that means two things: first, children as
consumers have the right to know the variety and the information of their intended products as
adults. Second, it’s hard to tell from the effect which ad is children-targeted as long as all kinds of ads
are circulating on channels and internet. Hence, whoever catches a sight of them have the chance to
be advertised and whichever ad that is seen by children could brand its products into children’s
mind, activate them to make a choice of its products in purchasing and be labeled as “a children-
targeted ad”. In this way, any attempt to ban the so-called “children-targeted ads” should be in vain.
And for those worrying people, we have to remind them that in 21st century, we live in an age of
highly-developed public media, which means advertising could be everywhere and our children are
the people who are not only born in this age but also growing up in this age. And this could endow
them the gift to smell out and choose what they exactly need from a miscellany of information
presented by a kaleidoscope of advertisements, which might not be the property of their earlier
generations who obviously fear the way information spreads.
All in all, every coin has two sides, and that’s why we should never ban anything just because some
stare at the negative side. So does it with children advertising.
31. Some people think that schools should stop teaching students by using books, because
students find them boring and that children can learn from films, TV, video games and
computer instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays, the voice of replacing book with films, TV, video games and computer in class is getting
louder and louder as many argue that books today are easy to lose attention from students and
make classes boring in the face of multimedia, which I disagree. It’s true that the introduction of
multimedia to teaching makes the class more attractive, but it doesn’t mean that the books lost their
place in class.
Why? Because books and multimedia serve as different ways to enlighten children, that is, while the
text and illustrations of books can present ampler knowledge and the logic behind it, multimedia
means are only taken to enhance students’ memory of knowledge by either vivid animated scenes or
the interaction between man and machine in modern classroom. And if the use of books is stopped
in school, it would be also a pity that the children then might lose the chance pick up ability to
comprehend knowledge and concepts by simply the written statement of it that leaves greater room
to train children in imagination and pick up the skills of wording and writing during it along the way.
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What’s more, study as a self-driven process towards self-achievement should not always be just
“fun” as it requires persistence and time, and it should be a good thing to teach by books as it allows
the students to be immersed in the lines of words rather than distracted by other things in
multimedia.
All in all, traditional as it is, teaching by books is still the best way to arrive the best learning effect
and will keep on functioning inconveying knowledge clearly and logically into students’ mind.
32. one people say that children should go to school as young as possible, while others believe
that children should go to school of at least 7 years old. Discuss both views and give your
own opinion.
While for most of us, the memory of primary school starts at 7 years old as we finished our
kindergarten and set out to receive education rather than just babysitting, it doesn’t seem so natural for
some people who are eager to push forward the time as much as children could kick off their life as
pupils.
Reasons from these people could be complicated but all seem to me poorly grounded in arguments.
For example, they proclaim that kids of smaller age possess greater curiosity than those 1 or 2 years older
and hence, enjoy some possible advantages in nurturing passion for knowledge. But I wonder how could
it be practicable to tap the so-called curiosity into the expected seeking spirit of wisdom without a
torment of sitting 40 minutes each class forced before children are mature in body and mind.
However, it isn’t also very rational for some other people to stick to the number of 7 as the pupil
admission age without enough consideration of kid’s mental readiness for school, which could be earlier
or later in specific cases.
In my opinion, either ripping children off from parenting too early or forcing to send them all to school
in their 7 would be too lacked of concern, for I believe there is no good to press kids on seat for schooling
as long as they are not mentally ready. And like what we are supposed to do with other aspects of child
education, to individualize the age of school admission requires professional consultancy, but before we
leave the timing to its experts and arrange the best children need, it’s first our job to break the shackle of
mind of so-called school age and have it no rush, no lateness.
33. nowadays, more and more women have full-time jobs as men, so it is logic that men and
women should share the housework tasks equally. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Although in many societies, women are engaged in an extensive range of positions just as men are, it
is still illogical to claim that the two parts should take the same amount of household tasks.
Considering the reality, it is not sensible to reckon that men and women should shoulder chores
equally. Social norms widely exist in many cultures, in which the two sexes are tightly bound to
different roles. Men are expected to undertake more financial responsibilities to support families,
while women are deemed as those who take charge of domestic tasks. Despite the fact that there
are increasing career opportunities for women, various sex-related barriers such as glass ceiling
mean that female workers are less likely to make professional achievements, and hence economical
rewards, than male employees. Thus, requiring men to shift their concerns from career and to level
up the time and energy they put on housework with women is counterproductive to the interest of
individual families.
However, contrary to the thought that women are more capable of doing household tasks than men,
in many cases, it is males who exceed their female partners in chores, both in terms of quantity and
quality. Men naturally are stronger than women, so they take the majority of works demanding
strength, including repairing and gardening. Many husbands are more creative than wives and are
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proved as better cooks and housekeepers. Even men can be more competent than womenin the
areas which are regarded as female dominant, like baby care and needling.
Therefore, it does not make perfect logical sense to believe that women should share equal
household duties because they both work full time.
34. Group or team activities can teach more important skills for life than those activities which
are done alone. To what extend do you agree or disagree?
People have different views about how they can acquire more important skills for life. While some agree
that engaging in group or team activities can be helpful for them to obtain the additional key skills for
their life. From my perspective，individuals can also have better desirable outcomes by attending those
activities independently.
It is apparent that getting involved in group activities allows people to be good at communicating with
others. This is because in such activities, everyone needs to listen to and respond to others’ opinions.
People also develop decision making and critical thinking skills while playing a part in team activities. For
example, in the case of group discussion in high school lectures, students learn how to make their voice
heard and they also learn how to accept the correct suggestions, probably sounding harsh, from others.
However, I also believe that we are able to grasp many important skills for our life which could be
obtained from solo activities instead of collective activities. For example, for those traveling alone, they
are more likely to develop the ability to live independently, make decisions, and solve problems, even
learn how to survive in the wilderness. Furthermore, taking part in certain sports like swimming, ping-
pong and tennis can help players to develop a stronger sense of competition, which may make a big
difference to life.
In conclusion, both team and individual activities are helpful for people to develop useful life skills, but I
strongly believe that the latter can produce better results.
35. Nowadays people always throw old things away, what causes this problem? What effects
does the phenomenon lead to? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant
examples from your own knowledge or experience.
It is true that people have a tendency to discard their old or damaged possessions these days when
they own something new. There are various reasons why we behave in this way, and it seems to me
that the effects are largely negative.
Many people tend to throw the old things away because of several reasons following. The bottom
line is that the rapid development of technological industry. Every day a wide range of modern
gadgets is launched. We would find it easy to renew our household appliances and replace the old
things by the most up to date ones. In addition, due to busy lifestyle in modern world, many
individuals do not have sufficient time to repair objects. Moreover, these days while the higher spirit
of competition of among manufactures worldwide, people earn more money compared to past.
Therefore, customers who follow fashion can benefit from this competitiveness and buy a good
product at a lower price, and they do not care about throwing old things away and buy the new ones.
There are also some potential problems at the cost of human activities. Firstly, this trend can cause
serious environmental degradation. It is truly that the amount of garbage discharged into the
environment is going up, which results in the insufficient room left; therefore, individuals have to
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burn it to make room for upcoming waste. By doing this, there can be a rise in the number of carbon
footprint emitted into the nature, which can definitely exacerbate the current climate change. In
addition, this issue can place a burden on the government as well as citizens. The government has to
spend money on building up landfill sites, where can be used to constructed public park the standard
of living of the residents instead. Therefore, it can downsize government budget allocated for public
services, such as railway network or public facilities, resulting in a decrease in the residents’ standard
of living.
In conclusion, it seems to me that the government and each individual should take steps to raise
community awareness, so that they can repair their old-fashion things instead of wastefully throw it
away.
36. some people think scientific research is a waste of time and money，to what degree do you
agree or disagree
The functions of governments come in an array of forms, where which science education is an
indispensable facet. In spite of its importance, I am of the opinion that there exist other aspects
which governments should attach significance to.
Apparently, science boosts the productivity reducing man power in the mean time, as we
currently are pushing buttons in factory production rather than doing original heave-lifting. Modern
transportation as another child of science brings us to the other half of hemisphere within less than
one Day while it would have taken months years ago.
On the other hand, it is quite obvious that the people are inclined to be economically burdened
if governments prioritize health care. This is because more favorable policies will be issued and more
funds will be granted to the public, making it more convenient and cost -effective for the public to
see a doctor. For example, the financial support from governments is likely to render various
medicines and treatments more affordable to people not so well-off. Compared with the situation
where citizens have to bear the cost totally by themselves , the economic pressure will be relieved to
a large extent.
However, governments' investment should not be confined within the boundary of one aspect.
Education, which concerns the long-term development of the whole nation, should also receive more
funds. More talented students will be cultivated due to the abundance of governments' financial
Support, offering more intellectual support to the development of the society. Apart from education,
it is also advisable that taxpayers' money should be distributed to the infrastructure construction,
which will not only benefit every citizen's daily life, but also attract more investment and create
More job opportunities.
To sum up, the allocation of governments' funds can go to more sectors which will exert more
influence on publics and the society as a whole, although the importance of science cannot be
underestimated.
37. Some groups, such as poor people and people from rural areas, think universities should
make it especially easy for them to get access to university education. To what extent do
you agree or disagree？
Having desires to learn, many suburban students could not study further in universities because of
financial problems or living in country-sides. Many assert that universities should assist these
students to fulfill their dreams, however, it can spawn other problems too that now will be discussed.
Admittedly, suburban students are more difficult to access the higher education in the current
context and condition, many of them could still not embrace the fruit of advanced knowledge due to
certain aspects like a humble birth and lower quality of pre-college learning equipped with better
opportunities to receive better teaching resources, like those highly-academic and qualified teaching
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staff and numerous after-schooling training, affluent students living in urban areas have the
competitive edge, including broader vision of the world and better digital literacy, in the admission
tests, thereby a guarantee in the job market. From the economic perspective, it seems to be sensible
to make the higher education accessible to these disadvantaged students. Universities could provide
them some facilities, such as scholarships or discounted course books.
However, it is unfair to lower the qualification for poverty-stricken students from suburban places.
The standard of admission should be based on students’ academic performances and overall abilities,
rather than their economic backgrounds and the places where they come from. If these two factors
are taken into account when admission process begins, when admission officers lower their criteria
for them, it is unfair for other candidates. Regardless their financial backgrounds, students in cities
also made an effort to be competitive enough when faced with tertiary education. Rendering
students with monetary assistance is not just a method to save them from poverty, but an essential
way to encourage those talented students with real potential to dedicate more to their fields.
To conclude, although this notion seems a justifiable way to help student who are living poverty or
from rural backgrounds, however, universities education should maintain its strict admission
requirement and are not meant to provide additional help to those people.
38. In many countries women are allowed to take maternity leave from their jobs during the
first month after the birth of their baby. Does advantage outweigh disadvantages?
Being a mother is a milestone for many women in the course of life, which means that the long term
nurturing and caring of the unborn babies finally bear fruit. Though I am not a feminist, I suppose it is
very necessary for female to take a maternity leave in the wake of delivery.
Being temporarily off work means the newly mothers can have a time to recover from their delivery.
The birth of a baby indicates the painstaking care from his/her mother, which is quite arduous and
energy-consuming. With the maternity leave, mothers can enjoy the professional health care in some
well-equipped hospitals or be soundly taken care of by their family, guaranteeing that they can
recuperate from this strenuous process soon and immune from some adverse health impacts.
Besides, the maternity leave can also make it possible that father, mother and the newly-born baby
share good quality family time. The birth of the baby means the completion of a new family and
every member of the family is indispensable during this time. If women are deprived of the maternity
leave, not only their babies cannot be taken care of, but also it leaves an emotional isolation, thereby
making the family less closely-knit.
There are, of course, some problems for women to take the maternity leave. The elevation of female
status and their competitiveness in workplace render them to be irreplaceable to some extent.
Although the maternity leave is not long, it is still likely to bring about the managerial problems to
the companies and organizations where they work.
In conclusion, the disadvantages pale into insignificance when compared with the bright sides of
maternity leave. Women are supposed to be given maternity leave and this is beneficial to their
family life and personal physical fitness.
39. Reports show that it is increasingly expensive to keep museums open to public. What is the
best way to fund them (government, business, individual)?
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Most public museums worldwide function mainly based on government funding. However, facing the
continuously cost, the sole reliance on the government revenue is barely enough. In my opinion, the
optimal solution requires integration of commercial plans and citizens’ diverse forms of contribution.
It is obvious that the stable fiscal allocation should still be the primary source of financial
support for public museums. Serving as a main platform to present a city’s cultural identity,
preserves its historic heritages and promote its international image, it is justified that museum
should be funded by taxpayers’ money. Nevertheless, this does not mean museums should be
absolutely free to the public. In fact, the admission can be charged in order to generate an additional
income. After all, not visitors are locals. For example, a visit to national museum often is included in
the itinerary of a commercial tour package designed by travel agencies for overseas tourists.
Compared with the admission, opening a variety of business within the proximity of the
premises might be a more direct strategy to generate more revenue. Selling commodities associated
with exhibits, including postcards, books and handicrafts in a souvenir shop is a common approach
can be seen in the majority of museums around the world today. Besides, adding catering facilities
such as cafes and restaurants could provide extra profits.
What individuals can offer varies from person to person according t their capabilities. Firstly, the
donations are not doubt the most straightforward means to contribute. This approach, however, is
beyond ordinary people’s abilities due to their limitations in wealth. Participation in some voluntary
jobs, such as ticket officer or tour commentators is a more realistic way for most people with a
purpose of helping reduce museums’ labor cost.
In conclusion, the best way to fund museums should not be restrained with a single angle. It
depends on the combination of adequate government funding, feasible business plans and
individuals’ involvement.
40. Some people think that young people should spend more of their free time at home with
their families, and spend less time entertaining outside. Others disagree. Discuss both views
and give your own opinion.
The younger generation, as the focus of the whole world, are always supervised by others. They are
characterized as untraditional and bold ones, which also influences their attitude towards the
relationships with families and friends who are indispensable in their life.
Undoubtedly, family is regarded as one of the most important part in our life, especially in China
putting family as the nuclear of the culture. It is the tradition that the youth have the responsibility
and duty to accompany and support their parents and family members, from which the connection
between each other in one family has been strengthened, and the union of the family is also the
bond to maintain our society stable. Besides, if the individual has the awareness of staying at home
with parents when they are free from busy work, they would notice the value of the virtue that the
younger should always respect the older and being with them could be the best way; by following
this, the model could be established for the next generation and the moral customs can be remained.
However, the young people living in today's society not only rely on the family, but also friends
who cannot be replaced. Nowadays, isolation cannot help one survive, but the close relationship with
friends can bring both happiness and strength when facing various challenges ranging from life to
work. Moreover, having friends with similar interests and personalities has been a dream for many
people, which requires a great amount of time to develop the friendship; therefore, the after-
working time is worth handing out with friends to relax and experience the different satisfaction
brought by your generation.
In conclusion, it is impossible for the youth living without family or friends, so that what they
can do is to seek a way of how to balance the time spent on different groups, and develop it well.
41. Public transport should be funded by the government so that it can be free for the people
who use it. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement.
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Urbanization requires that the development of public transportation, including bus and subway,
should be improved rapidly, and then many people believe that we need not be charged by taking
such transportation. In my opinion, it is reasonable to support this idea by the mass.
As the basic necessity in a city, public transport has gradually become the symbol of
development and modernization, which means that it is worth putting enough money in its
construction, and this is one of the government's responsibilities; additionally, making it free would
also be the purpose that one government should pursue. Undoubtedly, free public transportation
could be a huge attraction for all the citizens, encouraging them to take bus or train whenever they
need and helping to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and air pollution. Meanwhile,
everyone would regard the free transportation service as the improvement of social welfare, and
their satisfaction of the government and the living environment can reach a higher level, which can
be the win-win situation for both individuals and the local government.
On the other hand, it is not easy to demolish the fee of public transport. In order to cover the
cost on construction, operation and maintenance, the fiscal revenue should bear lots of pressure; as
a result, there may be the unbalanced allocation of government's funds, and it could impact the
development of other essential fields like education. However, under the understanding from various
researches and professional instructions, the local government can find a way to balance the
investment in different areas and make sure the fact that the advantages of providing free public
transport could fulfill everyone's expectation.
In conclusion, in spite of the potential risk, the idea - popularizing the public transport for free -
would be the trend in constructing the infrastructures of a city to enhance people's sense of
belonging.
42. It is shown that many criminals have a low level of education, some people believe that the
best way to reduce crime is to educate them in prison so that they can find a job after they
leave prison. To what extent do you agree?
Lack of education and employment opportunities are the main causes of the rising crime rate. Some
people, therefore, feel that by simply educating prisoners, we can discourage them from committing
crimes again after they get released from prison. I totally agree with this view.
Almost nobody is born a criminal. Most criminals are victims of circumstances. In fact most of them
come from the poor strata of the society and lack education. As a result they don’t have many
employment opportunities. Many of them eventually become thieves or gangsters. By contrast,
criminal tendencies are comparatively low among educated people.
Educating convicted criminals in prison will certainly not erase their shoddy past. However, it
improves their chances of finding employment once they get released. One of the biggest problems
that ex-prisoners face is the lack of rehabilitation opportunities. The society prefers to keep them at
an arm’s length and as such they have fewer opportunities for making a living once they complete
their sentence. Unfortunately, this increases their chances of getting into crime again.
Education may change the situation for good. If prisoners receive an opportunity to learn and acquire
vocational or academic degrees from prison, they are more likely to find employment upon their
release. When they have a secure job and a means of living, most people will not want to get into
crime again.
To conclude, education improves a person’s employability. Just because someone is a prisoner, it
does not mean that they cannot learn or acquire degrees. In fact, educating prisoners is one of the
best things we can do for their rehabilitation and successful induction into the society.
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43. Many employers think that social skills are as important as good qualifications employing
people. To what extent do you agree that social skills are as important as good qualifications
for success in the job?
Nowadays social skills are given increasing importance by employers. To a large extent, I agree
with the view that social skills are as essential as good qualifications for success in workplaces.
To begin with, job-hunters with excellent social skills as well as good qualifications will land decent
jobs much easier than those who only have good qualifications. Social skills, such as
communication skills, negotiation skills and teamwork spirits, can always manifest candidates’
comprehensive abilities; that is, graduates with such skills are believed to have participated in
enough extracurricular activities to increase their employability; therefore, they may find it easier
to hunt a suitable job than their competitors.
In addition, good social skills are also beneficial for further career development. It is universally
acknowledged that in an increasingly teamwork-oriented and multicultural workplace, qualified
supervisors are supposed to be those who are competent both professionally and socially,
because only with such competence can the leaders deal with conflicts and co-operate with
different departments. In contrast, employees who only have good qualifications, may stick to the
fundamental work for a lifelong time. Moreover, with the development of technology, machines
are gradually taking the place of workers possessing qualifications only. For example, ATM has
substituted for many bank clerks. Only if the workers develop good qualifications as well as social
skills can they survive in modern society.
Nevertheless, we have to admit that good qualifications, as a prerequisite for individuals’

professional competence, are always highlighted in current society. There are always apparent
imbalances between numerous applicants and limited job demand, which means good
qualifications are necessary for the employers to select competent employees much easier.
In conclusion, social skills, which are the unique attribute of human beings, are as important as
good qualifications for job-hunting as well as further career development.
44. Some people think the qualities a person needs to become successful in today’s world
cannot be learned at a university or similar academic institutions. To what extent do you
agree or disagree.
There is a discussion about whether or not higher education can provide students with qualities that
can lead to success. While I accept that studying at university is useful, I believe students should also
learn from real-life activities.
On the one hand, I agree that young people should attend academic institutions if they want to be
successful. Firstly, when going to university or college, students can acquire basic knowledge about
their fields. Universities often provide theories which have been collected by many experienced
professors after years of researching. There are also a great number of materials and case studies
provided to help students enhance their understanding of the subject, so learners can easily
approach fundamental knowledge without putting too much effort. Secondly, university students are
usually supported by tutors and instructors. All the questions arising can be answered quickly by
those experts, so people who attend higher education could study more effectively than those who
do not.
On the other hand, individuals cannot become successful with only academic knowledge. They need
to broaden their skills in the real working environment. Theories learnt from universities could be
very different from reality, so people are more likely to fail if they are not sufficiently prepared. For
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example, many students graduate with excellent results, but they cannot have a job due to their lack
of experience. Furthermore, people need to improve their interpersonal skills apart from knowledge.
In order to be successful, they need to know how to handle relationships and deal with others. These
abilities can be gained through working or doing voluntary jobs.
In conclusion, I think people should improve their qualities through both academic institutions and
real-life situations if they want to achieve success in current world.
45. Some people think that money spent on developing technology on space exploration is not
justified, they think there are more beneficial ways to cost.Do you agree or disagree?
It is true that human is going to suffer from a variety of problems in the near decades, such as a
population explosion and an energy crisis. While I do believe there are so many unsolved problems in
our society that require money, it is still justified and necessary to spend money on exploring the
universe.
Granted, pouring money on other areas does bring more benefits. This is because money from the
governments has addressed many existing problems on developing countries, such as a food
shortage, inadequate energy supply and poor infrastructure. Nevertheless, these problems are also
key obstacles to developments in underdeveloped regions, which means if there are more funds on
such issues, the crime rate will reduce in those areas and people working there are motivated to
work harder. Apparently, spending money in this way is more meaningful for mankind than in space
explorations.
However, that is not to say we should stop investing money on space exploration. Our universe is rich
in resources than we can ever imagine, and once our technology reach the level of gaining such
resources, the problems that we faced in the future might be eradicated once and for all. For
example, the US government has been progressing their technology in studying mysterious Mars,
and NASA recently confirms evidence that liquid water flows on today’s Mars. This breaking news
indicates that in the future mankind is able to live beyond the Earth to satisfy the increasing need of
population. From the perspective of scientific research, huge breakthroughs in medicine and
constructing will come in when our high-tech spacecrafts discover life or rare metal that do not exist
on the Earth.
In conclusion, it seems to me that spending money on social issues is more significant, while we still
have to share the cost of the technology for space exploration to seek help in tackling upcoming
problems.
46. Some people think that schools should select their pupils according to their academic ability.
Others believe that young people with different abilities should be educated together.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Some people contend that mixed ability classes are more beneficial for children’s development than
streaming them on the basis of judgement about their academic abilities. However, from my perspective,
I disagree with this contention.
Admittedly, mixed ability classes provide a better environment for children’s all-round development. In
such classes, children with different abilities study together and in turn they can learn from one another.
From example, a student, who is good at academic study but weak in dancing or painting, can learn how
to dance or paint formhis peers. In this sense, mixed ability classes allow students to develop their
abilities in different subjects instead of only academic abilities.
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Despite the argument above, I believe streaming students brings more benefits to teachers and students.
As for teachers, separating children with better academic abilities from others facilitates effective
teaching. This practice helps teachers to control their students more conveniently and easily. Compared
with mixed ability in which teacher should consider students’ differences when they are using teaching
methodologies, streaming makes this situation simpler. To be more specific, students are at the same
level of academic ability in a class, and in turn teachers can use the same methodologies for them all. In
this way, the narrower the spread of ability in the class, the more convenient the teaching can be.
On top of this, steaming enables students to learn in an effective way. According to students’ different
abilities, they are taught in different ways that are more suitable for them. In the top streams, students
use more difficult materials, therefore, they can learn more. In sharp contrast, teachers can explain the
material more slowly to those in bottom streams. Under this circumstance, students with different
academic abilities can study effectively and efficiently.
In the final analysis, mixed ability classes are beneficial for students’ versatile development, but in my
opinion, segregating students based on different academic ability is better for both teachers and
students.
47. Many young people like pop stars and international movie stars rather than famous people
about history of their country. Why? Measures?
It is irrefutable that today we are flooded with information about everything. The youth of today
know It is irrefutable that today we are flooded with information about everything. The youth of
today know about global celebs but are increasingly ill informed about their own historical
personalities. This essay shall analyse why this is happening, and also suggest some measures, to
generate their interest in historical events and people.
The first and major reason for this is that the education system in most of the countries is test-based.
Students are only taught to get good grades and as a result, they only focus on passing their exams,
rather than gaining knowledge about any topic. Their interest is never developed in history and
heroes of our past. On top of that, the youth today is more fascinated towards the celebrities
because of the exposure and importance the media gives to them. Furthermore, most of the families
have now started living in nuclear setups, where both the parents are working, and because of this
the children’s education about their roots and history has taken a back seat.
There are many methods that can be used by parents, schools and the media to develop the interest
of youngsters in knowing about the famous people from history. The schools can incorporate
technology in teaching methods, like the use of audio-visual aids. Educational trips to museums
and famous historical places also help develop the children’s interest. The government should set up
museums and encourage children to visit them by highly subsidizing tickets for the students. For
example, the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Museum has become a great source of information about
the freedom struggle and the sacrifices made by freedom fighters. Also, the Virasat-e-Khalsa
museum has become very popular among the youth as they can learn a lot about Sikh history and
culture. Moreover, TV shows and movies can be made around famous historical personalities and
their contributions. For instance, the recent Bollywood movie Bajirao Mastani, has been a super hit
at the box office and has made a lot of people more aware about historical events and characters. TV
channels like History channel has shows which run throughout the day, giving information about
famous people and events from history.
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To conclude, there are several innovative and creative methods that can be used to make the youth
more interested and aware about the notable people from history. This effort has to be made by
parents, at schools and media also has a big role to play in spreading this awareness.
48. In some cities, there are few controls over the design and construction of new homes and
office buildings, so people can build in whatever style they like. Do you think advantages
outweigh disadvantages?
In some cities, people can build homes and offices in various designs, sizes and shapes whereas in
some others restrictions apply. In my opinion, such restrictions have both advantages and
disadvantages. Let me explain.
Cities where all homes and offices look alike have a unique identity. However, in my opinion, such
cities also look a little boring. This may be acceptable in heritage areas. In many such places
restrictions already apply and people cannot alter the existing designs or build new structures that
don’t conform to the existing buildings. This practice will help preserve the heritage nature of these
towns.
However, in other places, there are hardly any reasons to build homes and offices of the same kind.
Buildings that look unique make cities visually appealing. Also, these structures can serve as
landmarks. I possess limited spatial skills. If I have to find my way through a city where all buildings
look alike, I will have a tough time.
There is a downside to this. If people are allowed to build homes of whatever designs they like, they
might be tempted to show off their wealth. This already happens in a prosperous state like Kerala.
Anyone who has been to this South Indian state couldn’t have missed the palatial homes that dot its
landscape. In Kerala, like in many other parts of India, people can build homes of any size and design.
Unfortunately, this has created rivalry between neighbours. Everyone wants their home to be the
best and the biggest. This obsession with building the biggest home in the neighbourhood has
actually led to the depletion of natural resources in this state.
To conclude, there are both merits and demerits to imposing restrictions on the size and design of
homes and offices that people can build. In my opinion, people should be allowed to choose the
design of their home in areas that do not belong to the heritage category. The government should,
however, impose some restrictions on the size of homes. People must not be allowed to build
excessively large homes just to show off their wealth.
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The implementation of modern technology in educational institutes is certainly a progression, yet

5. Figures show that in some countries, there is an ever-increasing proportion of population

Nevertheless, we have to admit that good qualifications, as a prerequisite for individuals’

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