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A. AGREE/DISAGREE

1. Creative artists should always be given the freedom to express their own ideas (in words, pictures, music or film) in whichever way they wish. There should be no government restrictions on what they do.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Give reasons...examples...knowledge or experience.

2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Teachers are responsible for motivating students to learn. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

3. Some people think that government should spend as much money as possible on developing space technology for the exploration of the moon and other planets. Others think that this money should be spent on solving the basic problems of society on Earth.

Which view do you agree with?

Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

4. 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 extent do you agree with these views?

Give reasons...examples...knowledge or experience.

5. Water is an increasingly valuable resource, but people continue to waste a lot of it. Some governments want to impose permanent water restrictions on domestic and agricultural use. Others feel we should put more effort into recycling water.

To what extent do you agree with these two solutions?

B. TWO SIDES OF AN ARGUMENT 1. Some people argue that technology has a positive influence on

the music industry because it allows people to show their musical talents without having to play a musical instrument. Others argue that you need to be able to play an instrument in order to prove that you are really talented.

Discuss both these views.

2. Some parents believe that extra private lessons outside school hours, where students work alone with a teacher, can help them do better at school. Others disagree.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of private tuition?

3. Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair.

Discuss both the views and give your own opinion.

4. Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behaviour. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences.

Discuss both the views and give your opinion.

5. 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 these views and give your opinion. Give reasons...examples...knowledge or experience.

C. MAKE CHOICES AND JUSTIFY

1. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of three of he following as media for communicating information. State which you consider to be the most effective--comics, books, radio, television, film, theatre.

2. Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than experiences we may have in our life.

Which do you consider to be the major influence? Give reasons...examples...knowledge and experience.

3. Choose one of the following means of transport and explain why you think it has changed people’s lives.

cars bicycles aeroplanes

Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

4. People attend college or university for many reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or

university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

D. EVALUATE AN ARGUMENT

1. Even though globalization affects the world’s economics in a vey positive way, its negative side should not be forgotten. Discuss.

2. Dieting can change a person’s life for the better or ruin one’s health completely. What is your opinion?

3. 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?

4. Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by providing such things as food and education? Or is it the responsibility of the governments of poorer nations to look after their citizens themselves?

Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience...examples...

E. PROBLEM-SOLUTION/ OTHERS

1. In many countries, schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think are the causes of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

2. The world is experiencing a dramatic increase in population. This is causing problems not only for the poor, underdeveloped countries but also for industrialised and developing nations.

Describe some of the problems that overpopulation causes and suggest at least one possible solution.

3. Happiness is considered vey important in life.

Why is it difficult to define?

What factors are important in achieving happiness?

4. In the past building, buildings often reflected the culture of a society but today all modern buildings look alike and cities throughout the world are becoming more and more similar.

What do you think is the reason for this, and is it a good thing or a bad thing?