6 - TASK 2

IELTS LEARNING MODULE W.C.C

DISCUSSION TOPICS

1. Advantages of computer / internet.Disadvantages of computer / internet.

2. Advantages of travelling.Disadvantages of travelling.

3. Advantages of television.Disadvantages of television.

4. Advantages of working part-time.Disadvantages of working part-time.

5. Advantages of studying part-time.Disadvantages of studying part-time.

6. Advantages of studying overseas / abroad.Disadvantages of studying overseas / abroad.

7. Advantages of technology / modern technology.Disadvantages of technology / modern technology.

8. Advantages of doing the same things and avoiding changes.Disadvantages of doing the same things and avoiding changes.

9. Advantages of arrange marriage.Disadvantages of arrange marriage.

10. Advantages of spending time alone.Disadvantages of spending time alone.

11. Advantages of spending time with others.Disadvantages of spending time with others.

12. Advantages of advertisement.Disadvantages of advertisement.

13. Advantages of eating out.Disadvantages of eating out.

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14. Advantages of using e-mail.Disadvantages of using e-mail.

15. Advantages of eating fast food.Disadvantages of eating fast food.

16. Advantages of cooking at home.Disadvantages of cooking at home.

17. Advantages of staying in the village.Disadvantages of staying in the village.

18. Advantages of staying in the city.Disadvantages of staying in the city.

19. Advantages of hostel life.Disadvantages of hostel life.

20. Advantages of spending time with friends.Disadvantages of spending time with friends.

21. Advantages of traditional values.Disadvantages of traditional values.

22. Advantages of using machines at work place.Disadvantages of using machines at work place.

23. Advantages of building a factory / cinema near housing area.Disadvantages of building a factory / cinema near housing area.

24. Advantages of listening to music.Disadvantages of listening to music.

25. Advantages of studying with friends.Disadvantages of studying with friends.

26. Advantages of studying alone.Disadvantages of studying alone.

27. Advantages of working for the same company.Disadvantages of working for the same company.



28. Advantages of changing job frequently.Disadvantages of changing job frequently.

29. Advantages of working for small company.Disadvantages of working for small company.

30. Advantages of working for a big company.Disadvantages of working for a big company.

31. Advantages of e-shopping.Disadvantages of e-shopping.

32. Advantages of fashion towards teenagers.Disadvantages of fashion towards teenagers.

33. Advantages of e-learning.Disadvantages of e-learning.

34. Advantages of distance learning.Disadvantages of distance learning.

35. Advantages of car-pooling.Disadvantages of car-pooling.

36. Advantages of big family.Disadvantages of big family.

37. Advantages of small family.Disadvantages of small family.

38. Advantages of being the eldest in the family.Disadvantages of being the eldest in the family.

39. Advantages of being the youngest in the family.Disadvantages of being the youngest in the family.

40. Advantages of being a celebrity / famous person.Disadvantages of being a celebrity / famous person.

41. Advantages of having pets.Disadvantages of having pets.



42. Advantages of solar panels.Disadvantages of solar panels.

43. Advantages of handphone / mobile phone / cell phone.Disadvantages of handphone / mobile phone / cell phone.

44. Advantages of being vegetarian.Disadvantages of being vegetarian.

45. Advantages of having a car.Disadvantages of having a car.

46. Advantages of learning a foreign language.Disadvantages of learning a foreign language.

47. Advantages of being single.Disadvantages of being single.

48. Advantages of having a girlfriend / boyfriend.Disadvantages of having a girlfriend / boyfriend.

49. Advantages of nuclear energy.Disadvantages of nuclear energy.

50. Advantages of living in a foreign country.Disadvantages of living in a foreign country.

51. Causes of illiteracy? How to overcome?

52. Causes of obesity? How to overcome?

53. Causes of road accidents? How to overcome?

54. Causes of stress? How to overcome?

55. Causes of students cheating during exam? How to overcome?

56. Causes of pollution? How to overcome?

57. Causes of children running away from home? How to overcome?



58. Causes of divorce? How to overcome?

59. Causes of child abuse? How to overcome?

60. Causes of people smoking? How to overcome?

61. Causes of students failing in exam? How to overcome?

62. Causes of students unable to communicate well in English? How toovercome?

63. Causes of problems among teenagers?

64. Causes of discipline problems among students?

65. Causes of road accidents?



1. “As computers are being used more and more in education, there will soon be no role for teachers in the classroom”. Discuss.

2. “Not everything that is learned is contained in books.” What do you think about this idea? Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important. Why?

3. International travel influences individuals as well as countries they visit. Do the advantages of international travel outweigh the disadvantages?

4. Many people believe that the high levels of violence in films today are causing serious social problems. What are these problems and how could they be reduced?

5. E-mail has had a huge impact on professional and social communication, but this impact has been positive as well as negative. Do the advantages of using e-mail outweigh the disadvantages?

6. In the modern world, the image (photograph or film) is becoming a more powerful way of communicating that the written word. To what extend do you agree or disagree?

7. Illiteracy has traditionally been viewed as largely a third world problem. However, it is becoming apparent that in countries such as the USA and Australia, illiteracy is on the increase. Discuss possible causes for this and its effects on the society.

8. The number of overweight children in developed countries is increasing. Some people think this is due to problems such as the growing number of fast food outlets. Others believe that parents are to blame for not looking after their children’s health. To what extend do you agree with these views?

9. In a recent survey conducted in this country, it was found that up to 20% of twelve years old in some schools were showing early signs of nicotine addiction. In the eighteen to twenty year age bracket the percentage was as high as 70%. A large contributing factor to this high level of addiction is attributed to the uncensored TV advertising of cigarettes. For this reason all cigarette advertising should be banned. What do you think?



10. In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

11. Will modern technology such as the internet ever replace the book or the written word as the main source of information?

12. Should sports classes be sacrificed in colleges and universities so students can concentrate on academic subjects?

13. Should parents accept responsibility and also be punished if their children behave badly, or is it the sole responsibility of the child?

14. How does travel help to promote understanding and communication between countries?

15. In your opinion, what are the factors that contribute to a good movie? Illustrate with examples drawn from movies you have seen.

16. Using a computer every day can have more negative than positive effects on your children. Do you agree or disagree?

17. Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

18. Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other more important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

19. Does modern technology make life better, or was life better when there was less technology?

20. Should developing countries concentrate on proving industrial skills or should they promote education first?

21. “Internet does more harm than good to children; hence, they should not be



given access to it”. Discuss.

22. Some businesses now say that no one can smoke cigarettes in any of their offices. Some governments have even banned smoking in all public places. This is a good idea but it takes away some of our freedom. What are your opinions on this?

23. Education is essential for all, but as everyone cannot afford it, the government should provide free education for all. Do you agree?

24. “The government should not spend too much on space research. Rather, they should spend more on development activities”. Critically analyze this statement.

25. Should alcohol be completely banned? What are your views?

26. In many countries today, the eating habits and lifestyle of children are different from those of previous generations. Some people say this has had a negative effect on their health. To what extend do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

27. Working women tend to fail in looking after their children satisfactorily. Illustrate with examples from your own experience.

28. The gap between the rich and the poor is ever increasing. Suggest effective measures to narrow this gap.

29. Some people like to spend time alone, while others like to spend time with their friends. Which do you prefer? Discuss.

30. School children are becoming far too dependent on computers. This is having an alarming effect on reading and writing skills. Teachers need to avoid using computers in the classroom at all costs and go back to teaching basic study skills. Do you agree or disagree?

31. If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

32. A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your



community. Discuss the possible advantages and disadvantages of this plan for your community. Do you support or oppose the plan? Explain your position.

33. Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

34. People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, and increase knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

35. Nowadays we are producing more and more rubbish. Why do you think this is happening? What can governments do to help reduce the amount of rubbish produced?

36. Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things that we really do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives. Which viewpoints do you agree with?

37. In some countries, marriages are arranged by the parents but in other cases, people choose their own marriage partners. Discuss both systems.

38. Firm discipline is a necessary part of teaching children. To what extend to you agree or disagree?

39. Too much education is dangerous. If people receive more education than they need to function in their jobs, it will only breed dissatisfaction. In what extend do you agree or disagree?

40. Parents and family background have more influence than teachers on a young person’s learning and academic achievement. To what extend do you agree or disagree?

41. To be successful in education, it is more important to be a good student than to have good teachers. To what extend do you agree or disagree?

42. Trees are essential for the existence of the human race as they provide the oxygen that we need to survive. Yet, daily all around the globe, large areas of woodland are being destroyed. Many people feel that they as individuals can do nothing and that only governments and large companies can halt the



destruction. To what extend do you agree with this?

43. Young people are said to have lost many of the traditional values of the older generations. This does not matter, because the old values have no relevance in the modern world. We need to develop a whole new set of values. To what extend do you agree or disagree.

44. Technology can bring many benefits, but it can also cause social and environmental problems. In relation to new technology, the primary duty of governments should be to focus on potential problems, rather than benefits. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

45. In the future, we will have more and more leisure time as machines replace many of the tasks we do at home and work. Discuss the benefits this will bring and also the problems it may cause?

46. The internet is becoming more central to our lives, as it provides more information, acts as interactive entertainment, and as a mean of voting. These functions have obvious benefits, but there are dangers involved in the control the Internet is exerting over our lives. In what extend do you agree or disagree?

47. Modern lifestyles mean that many parents have little time for their children. Many children do not get as much attention from their parents as children did in the past. To what extend do you agree or disagree?

48. Governments should not be expected to take sole responsibility for reducing the number of road accidents; individuals should also bear this responsibility. To what extend do you agree or disagree?

49. There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays? Discuss.

50. Fatherhood ought to be emphasized as much as motherhood. The idea that women are solely responsible for deciding whether or not to have babies leads on to the idea that they are also solely responsible for bringing the children up. To what extend do you agree or disagree?

51. Many people believe that women make better parents than men and this is why they have the greater role in raising children in most societies. Others claim that men are just as good as women in parenting. Write an essay



expressing your point of view.

52. Many people keep dogs and cats as companions. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pet ownership for the animals involved and for the community as a whole.

53. Some students prefer to study alone. Others prefer to study with a group of students. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answers.

54. Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience. Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning about life. Which do you think is preferable? Use specific examples to support your preferences?

55. It has recently been announced that a new movie theatre may be built in your neighbourhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why?

56. According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings. Should we worry about the effect this is having on social interaction or should we see the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities worldwide? What are your views?

57. The idea of going overseas for university study is an exciting prospect for many people. But while it may offer some advantages, it is probably better to stay home because of the difficulties a student inevitably encounters living and studying in a different culture. To what extend do you agree or disagree with this statement.

58. A foreign visitor has only one day to spend in your country. Where should this visitor go to on this day? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choices.

59. Being in a new environment can cause stress. You, as a new student in this college, also went through some forms of stress. What were the things that gave you stress and how did you deal with them?

60. Parents are the best teachers. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?



61. Without capital punishment (the death penalty) our lives are less secure and crimes of violence increase. Capital punishment is essential to control violence in society. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

62. Disruptive school students have a negative influence on others. Students who are noisy and disobedient should be grouped together and taught separately.

63. People have different job expectations. Some people prefer to do the same job for the same company, whereas others prefer to change jobs frequently. What are the advantages of changing jobs frequently?

64. There is nothing that young people can teach older people. Do you agree or disagree with this statement.

65. Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company. Which do you prefer? Why?

66. Classmates are a more important influence than parents on a child’s success in school. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?

67.Children should be required to help with household tasks as soon as they are able to do so. Do you agree or disagree with the following situation?

68. Some people prefer to eat out while others prefer to prepare and cook at home. Which do you prefer?

69. Stress is a common illness in the modern society especially among students. Some students tend to take short cuts to solve their problems by resorting suicide, drugs and other things but these aren’t the effective methods of overcoming stress. In your opinion, what are the common types of stress faced by a student and what are the effective methods of overcoming stress.

70. It is generally accepted that families are not as close as they used to be. Give reasons why this change has happened and suggest how families could be brought closer together.

71. Improvements in health, education and trade are essential for the development



of poorer nations. The governments of richer nations should take more responsibility for helping the poorer nations in such areas. To what extend do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

72. Some people believe that children’s leisure activities must be educational; otherwise they are a complete waste of time. Do you agree or disagree?

73. In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility. What are your opinions on this?

74. Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to be co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults. Discuss both these views and view your own opinions.

75. Studies show that television has a negative effect on children, who spend more time watching TV these days rather than being active playing outdoors. What do you think is the case? What measures can you suggest to encourage children to be more active?

76. Nowadays, we can do daily tasks such as shopping, banking and business transactions without meeting face to face. What are the possible effects of this development on individual and society?

77. More and more people are wearing fashionable clothes. Is this a positive or negative development? Give reasons to support your answer.

78. Nowadays, more jobs and work are done by machines. What are the effects of this on individual and society? Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Discuss.

79. Famous people play an important role in shaping the characters of others, especially young people – these well known people may act at ‘role models’ for the young. It is a good or a bad development. Discuss.

80. Many people say that air travel brings harm to the environment from air pollution, which is much higher from airplanes then from cars. Therefore it is



necessary to persuade people to use cars more and air travel less. Do you agree or disagree?

81. Happiness is considered very important in our life. What factors are in achieving happiness?

82. New editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported? Discuss.

83. The mass media, including television, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping people’s ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

84. Television is dangerous because it has destroyed the family living and communication. Some people said that it absorb people’s time too much that they have no time to talk to each other. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

85. Some people said the age of books is past. The information will be presented by video, computers, televisions, films. Others think the books and the written words will be necessary for spread information and complete education. Discuss.

86. Television has had a significant influence on the culture of many societies. To what extent would you say that television has positively or negatively affected the culture development of your society?

87. We can get knowledge from news, but some people think we can’t trust the journalist. Discuss, what do you think is the important qualities that a journalist should have?

88. In many countries schools have severe problems with student behavior. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?

89. Subjects such as Art, Sport and Music are being dropped from the school curriculum for subjects such as Information Technology. Many people children suffer as a result of these changes. To what extent would you support or reject the idea of moving these subjects from school curriculum?

90. Because of the pressure of new subjects such as business studies, many



schools have dropped sport or physical education (PE) from the curriculum. How important is sport or PE in a young person’s education?

91. Studying the English language in an English-speaking country is the best but not the only way to learn the language. Do you agree with this statement?

92. The idea of going overseas for university study is an exciting prospect for many people. But while it may offer some advantages, it is probably better to stay at home because of the difficulties a student inevitably encounters living and studying in a different culture. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

93. In order to learn a new language well, you should also get to know the culture and the lifestyle. To what extent do you agree with this idea

94. Only formal examinations, written or practical, can give a clear picture of students’ true knowledge and ability at university level. Continuous assessment like course word and project are poor measures of student ability. In what extent do you agree or disagree?

95. Some academic subjects are useful for children's future careers, while some subjects such as music and sports are not useful. What’s your opinion?

96. The only way to improve the safety in the roads is to give much stricter punishment for driving offences. Agree or Disagree?

97. Some people think that if you want to learn a language well, you should also learn about the culture and the lifestyle of the people who speak it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

98. Some people think male leaders always lead us to violence and conflict, but female leaders are better to give us a more governed and peaceful society, do you agree or disagree?

99. Some people think students should be encouraged to begin working after they have graduated from senior high school, while others think students should attend university first and then begin to work. What’s your opinion?

100. Many people believe that main aim for university education is to help graduates to find a better job, while other people believe that university education has wider benefits for individual and society. Discuss both views and give your opinion.



101. Some people think children’s spending time on TV, video and PC games is good, while others think it is bad. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

102. Some people think that criminals should be given longer terms in prison, so as to reduce the crime rate. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

103. With technology speeding up, more and more young people begin to use mobile phones and the Internet, but old people have little chance to be exposed to them. What ways could mobile phone and the Internet be useful to old people? How do old people be encouraged to use this new technology?

EXERCISE 1

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic :

As computers are being used more and more in education, there will be soon no role for teachers in classroom. Discuss.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

MINDMAP



EXERCISE 2


“Not everything that is learned is contained in books.” What do you think about this idea? Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important. Why?


MINDMAP



EXERCISE 3


International travel influences individuals as well as the countries they visit. Do advantages outweigh the disadvantages?


MINDMAP



EXERCISE 4


Many people believe that the high levels of violence in films today are causing serious social problems. What are these problems and how could they be reduced?


MINDMAP



EXERCISE 5


E-mail has had a huge impact on professional and social communication, but this impact has been negative as well as positive. Do the advantages of using e-mail outweigh the advantages?


MINDMAP


6 - TASK 2

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Transcript of 6 - TASK 2