Some people think that distance learning programs can never be as good as traditional, face-to-face education. 

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

Some people believe that if a police officer carries guns, it can encourage a higher level of violence.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some countries import a large amount of food from other parts of the world.

To what extent is this a positive or negative trend?

Some people think that governments should spend more money on sports facilities for top athletes. Others argue that this money should be spent on sports facilities for ordinary people.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Music has been and will continue to be the universal language of mankind.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In some countries around the world men and women are having children at a later age than in the past.

What are the reasons for this development? What are the effects on society and family life?

Some believe that more action should be taken to prevent crime, while others feel that crime is being tackled effectively now.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Some people think it is always an advantage to buy local products.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Parents should encourage children to spend less time studying and more time doing physical activities.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that educational qualifications always bring success, while others disagree.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that too many resources and attention are devoted to the protection of wild animals and birds.

To what extend do you agree or disagree?

People used to live in the same city throughout their lives, but now they change where they live several times.

What is the cause? Do you think it is a positive or negative trend?

Some people think students should study the science of food and how to prepare it. Others think students should spend time on important subjects.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe the purpose of education should be helping the individual to become useful for society, while others believe it should help individuals to achieve their ambitions.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Children can learn many things from watching films or movies. 

What are some of the different things they can learn? Are these lessons always good for them?

Playing team sports at school can teach students a number of lessons that are useful outside of sport.

What values can students learn from playing team sports? How can they apply these values in the future? 

In recent years, television has contributed most to changing people’s quality of life.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In the future, it may be necessary for us to live on other planets. For this reason, some people believe that we should spend money now researching planets that could be a possible home, such as Mars. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some cities create extra housing by building tall buildings. Other cities do this by building on wide areas of land.

Which do you think is the best solution to the problem of housing? 

Many people continue to use cars and motorcycles even though they know that they are bad for the environment.

Why is this? What can be done to reduce the use of these vehicles?

In many cities, the construction of new houses and office buildings is not controlled. This leads to people building in whatever style they want without thinking about design.

Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?  

Young people are often influenced by their peers. 

Do the advantages of peer pressure outweigh the disadvantages? 

Many developing countries place a lot of importance on tourism.

Why is this? Do you think that this is a positive or negative development?

In the future, there will be a higher proportion of older people than younger people in many countries.

Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?

Some people believe that if an individual behaves in an anti-social manner, such as committing a crime, then society is to blame.

What are the causes of anti-social behaviour? Who do you think is responsible?

Some scientists think that computers will soon become more intelligent than humans. 

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

Some people believe that good teamwork is what makes companies successful. Others feel that it is more important to have a good leader.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people believe that charities should help people in need no matter where those people are in the world. Others feel that these organizations should only serve the people living in the country where they are based.

Discuss both sides and give your own view.

Some people think that watching imported films or TV programs is a good way to broaden a country’s culture. Others feel that it is better to let a country make its own films.

Discuss both sides and give your own view.

Some people believe that companies should manufacture products that last for a long time. Others feel that the emphasis should be placed on producing goods that are cheap.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

To succeed in a business, one needs to know maths.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some feel that the effects of advertising are positive for individuals and businesses, while others think they are negative.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Computer games are very popular for all ages and nationalities. Parents think this has little educational value and it will be harmful to children.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In some countries, there are fewer young people who listen to or play classical music these days.

Why is this? Should young people be encouraged to play or perform classical music?

Around the world more and more people today are living in urban areas.

Why is this? What problems does this cause?

Today children are spending much more time watching TV compared to the past.

Why do you think this happens? Is this a positive or a negative change?