120 Sample Essays
120 Sample Essays
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Sample essay 2
Earlier technological development brought more changes to the life of
ordinary people than recent technological development does. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?
Undoubtedly, people are now enjoying one of the greatest technological boom
times in human history. Although there is a consensus that social changes
coincide normally with technological advances, it is a contentious issue whether
the earlier technology (e. g., machines, cars, aeroplanes) impacts on people's lives
to a larger extent than does the recent technology (e. g., Internet, computers). In
my opinion, the recent improvements in technology have more far-reaching
consequences.
Sample essay 3
Explain some of the ways in which humans are damaging the environment.
What can governments do to address these problems? What can individuals
do to help?
It is known that humans are responsible for a variety of environmental problems,
but we can also take steps to minimize the damages that we are causing to the
planet. This essay will discuss environmental problems and the measures that
governments and individuals can take to address these problems.
Two of the biggest threats to the environment are air pollution and waste. Gas
emissions from factories and exhaust fumes from vehicles lead to global
warming, which may have a devastating effect on the planet in the future. As the
human population increases, we are also producing ever greater quantities of
waste, which contaminates the earth and pollutes rivers and oceans.
Governments could certainly make more effort to reduce air pollution. They
could introduce laws to limit emissions from factories or to force companies to
use renewable energy from solar, wind or water power. They could also impose
‘green taxes’ on drivers and airline companies. In this way, people would be
encouraged to use public transport and to take fewer flights abroad, therefore
reducing emissions. Individuals should also take responsibility for the impact
they have on the environment. They can take public transport rather than driving,
choose products with less packaging, and recycle as much as possible. Most
supermarkets now provide reusable bags for shoppers as well as ‘banks’ for
recycling glass, plastic paper in their car parks. By reusing and recycling, we can
help to reduce waste.
In conclusion, both national governments and individuals must play their part in
looking after the environment.
Synonym list:
minimize the damages: giảm thiểu tối đa những thiệt hại
gas emissions: việc thải khí độc
devastating(adj): nguy kịch
Sample essay 4
Some people believe that it is wrong to keep animals in zoos, while others
think that zoos are both entertaining and ecologically important. Discuss
both views.
In this modern world, perspectives of how to keep animals are varied among
people. Some people think about caging them in zoos or forests while others think
it is illogical to limit animals’ movements. I am going to discuss these views
according to environmental, personal and economic perspectives.
Keeping some animals in zoos will protect them against predators, bad weather,
and food unavailability. Nevertheless, keeping animals free is more logical than
isolating them because if we keep animals caged, they would not be able to have
fresh air and chase other animals. Therefore, it is cruel keeping animals confined
in small spaces. It is advisable to put our efforts into keeping our creatures in their
natural habitats, in order to give them the opportunity to experience normal life.
Keeping animals is essential because some animals are in fact becoming extinct.
Although keeping these animals is costly, the profits made by keeping these
animals are substantial. Take Indian lions for example; a wide range of people
travel to India to see these animals in circuses in India. However, some people
think that governments should invest the money in improving the infrastructure
of their nations instead. Building a new electrical power station, for instance, is
more important than spending thousands of pounds to preserve certain creatures
from extinction. Lastly, keeping animals is important for study and research
whereas others think we have no right to use animals for entertainment and in
labs.
To conclude, keeping animals in zoos might have value but it is irrational to
keep these animals away from their natural habitat. The reasons are that besides
they are not vulnerable creatures, they have the right to survive independently
because of having feelings and emotions as humans.
Sample essay 5
Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in
every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is believed that men and women should have the same educational
opportunities. However, I do not agree with the idea of accepting equal
proportions of each gender in every university subject. This essay will explain the
reasons why admitting equal numbers of male and female students in every major
is impractical.
First, having the same number of men and women on all degree courses is simply
unrealistic. Student numbers on any course depend on the applications that the
institution receives. If a university decided to fill courses with equal numbers of
males and females, it would need enough applicants of each gender. In reality,
many courses are more popular with one gender than the other, and it would not
be practical to aim for equal proportions. For example, nursing courses tend to
attract more female applicants, and it would be difficult to fill these courses if
fifty percent of the places needed to go to males.
Apart from the practical concerns expressed above, I also believe that it would be
unfair to base admission to university courses on gender. Universities should
continue to select the best candidates for each course according to their
qualifications. In this way, both men and women have the same opportunities,
and applicants know that they will be successful if they work hard to achieve
good grades at school. If a female student is the best candidate for a place on a
course, it would be wrong to reject her in favour of a male student with lower
grades or fewer qualifications.
Sample essay 6
We cannot help everyone in the world that needs help, so we should only be
concerned with our own communities and countries.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some people believe that we should not help people in other countries as long as
there are problems in our own society. I disagree with this view because I believe
that we should try to help as many people as possible.
On the one hand, I accept that it is important to help our neighbours and fellow
citizens. In most communities there are people who are impoverished or
disadvantaged in some way. It is possible to find homeless people, for example,
in even the wealthiest of cities, and for those who are concerned about this
problem, there are usually opportunities to volunteer time or give money to
support these people. In the UK, people can help in a variety of ways, from
donating clothing to serving free food in a soup kitchen. As the problems are on
our doorstep, and there are obvious ways to help, I can understand why some
people feel that we should prioritise local charity.
At the same time, I believe that we have an obligation to help those who live
beyond our national borders. In some countries the problems that people face are
much more serious than those in our own communities, and it is often even easier
to help. For example, when children are dying from curable diseases in African
countries, governments and individuals in richer countries can save lives simply
by paying for vaccines that already exist. A small donation to an international
charity might have a much greater impact than helping in our local area.
Sample essay 7
Happiness is considered very important in life. Why is it difficult to define?
What factors are important in achieving happiness?
It is true that happiness is very important in people's lives, but some people have
different views about how to be happy. This essay will discuss the reasons that
make happiness difficult to understand and the things how to attain it.
There are things that can make a person happy, while others do not such as a
stable job, a beautiful house, or winning a lottery. A person will be happy with
his life if he is able to feed his family by having a permanent job. Also, if the
house is decent, he will be happy to see how comfortable life is to live in a place
with wonderful furniture and appliances. Finally, winning a huge sum of money
is a dream coming true for most people. However, others do not like to buy lottery
tickets because some people believe that once they have won the lottery, they
might put their family's life at risk, perhaps, they think somebody will try to
kidnap their kids and ask for a ransom.
On the other hand, there are simple factors in attaining happiness. For example,
when a family of five could meet the basic needs such as food, clothing and a
house, these could make a family satisfied with what they already have in life as
long as they are together. Another example is being able to pass an English
proficiency test to be qualified to become a registered nurse in Canada. Most
foreign workers would be very glad if they could pursue their career after
passing such a test.
Sample essay 8
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between
equality and personal achievement. Some people believe that individuals can
achieve more in egalitarian societies. Others believe that high levels of
personal achievement are possible only if individuals are free to succeed or
fail according to their individual merits. What is your view of the
relationship between equality and personal success?
In my opinion, an egalitarian society is one in which everyone has the same
rights and the same opportunities. I completely agree that people can achieve
more in this kind of society.
Education is an important factor with regard to personal success in life. I believe
that all children should have access to free schooling, and higher education
should be either free or affordable for all those who choose to pursue a university
degree. In a society without free schooling or affordable higher education, only
children and young adults from wealthier families would have access to the best
learning opportunities, and they would therefore be better prepared for the job
market. This kind of inequality would ensure the success of some but harm the
prospects of others.
I would argue that equal rights and opportunities are not in conflict with people’s
freedom to succeed or fail. In other words, equality does not mean that people
lose their motivation to succeed, or that they are not allowed to fail. On the
contrary, I believe that most people would feel more motivated to work hard and
Sample essay 9
Some people think that museums should be enjoyable places to entertain
people, while others believe that the purpose of museums is to educate.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
People have different views about the role and function of museums. In my
opinion, museums can and should be both entertaining and educational.
On the one hand, it can be argued that the main role of a museum is to entertain.
Museums are tourist attractions, and their aim is to exhibit a collection of
interesting objects that many people want to see. The average visitor may become
bored if he or she has to read or listen to too much educational content, so
museums often put more of an emphasis on enjoyment rather than learning. This
type of museum is designed to be visually spectacular, and it may have
interactive activities or even games as part of its exhibitions.
Sample essay 10
Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to
a successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight
after school.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
When they finish school, teenagers face the dilemma of whether to get a job or
continue their education. While there are some benefits to getting a job straight
after school, I would argue that it is better to go to college or university.
The option to start work straight after school is attractive for several reasons.
Many young people want to start earning money as soon as possible. In this way,
they can become independent, and they will be able to afford their own house or
start a family. In terms of their career, young people who decide to find work,
rather than continue their studies, may progress more quickly. They will have the
chance to gain real experience and learn practical skills related to their chosen
profession. This may lead to promotions and a successful career.
Sample essay 11
Several languages are in danger of extinction because they are spoken by
very small numbers of people. Some people say that governments should
spend public money on saving these languages, while others believe that
would be a waste of money.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
It is true that some minority languages may disappear in the near future. Although
it can be argued that governments could save money by allowing this to happen,
I believe that these languages should be protected and preserved.
There are several reasons why saving minority languages could be seen as a waste
of money. Firstly, if a language is only spoken by a small number of people,
expensive education programmes will be needed to make sure that more people
learn it, and the state will have to pay for facilities, teachers and marketing. This
money might be better spent on other public services. Secondly, it would be much
cheaper and more efficient for countries to have just one language. Governments
could cut all kinds of costs related to communicating with each minority group.
Sample essay 12
As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction
is an important element of individual well-being. What factors contribute to
job satisfaction? How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all
workers?
In today’s life, there is a wide range of people who work under a flexible
environment, while others are exposed to stressful conditions. It is inadvisable to
proceed with any job, if the employer is not taking into account the vital paths
required in convincing their employees to continue their jobs properly. In this
essay, I am going to address the contributing factors to job satisfaction which are
in terms of working hours, salaries and graduates.
It has been essential to understand individuals’ commitments to exclude this
particular fellow from 9 to 5 working hours. For example, some people cannot be
punctual at work because they have disabled daughters or sons, who could not
be able to travel to school independently. Therefore, it is important to change the
Sample essay 13
Some employers reward members of staff for their exceptional contributions
to the company by giving them extra money. This practice can act as an
incentive for some but may also have a negative impact on others. To what
extent is this style of management effective? Are there better ways of
encouraging employees to work hard?
In times of high unemployment, employers need to do very little to encourage
their staff to work hard, but when job vacancies are scarced, they have to find
effective ways of rewarding their staff to stop them from going elsewhere.
Sample essay 14
Popular hobbies and interests change over time and are more a reflection of
trends and fashions than an indication of what individuals really want to do
in their spare time.
Sample essay 15
Fanpage: Anh Ngữ Quin Edu
Hotline/Zalo: 0833 935 568
Website: quin.edu.vn
As most foreign aid often benefits the donor more than the receiver,
developing countries should refuse to repay their debts.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Over the past 30 years, many countries have spent most of their income repaying
the interest on foreign debts. Many people consider the initial loans responsible
for these debts to be more beneficial to the lender than to the borrower. I agree
with this view.
In the past, most developing countries were short of ready funds to build the
infrastructure necessary for development. Therefore, foreign countries were
asked to provide loans for projects to help the countries become self-reliant.
However, this money was often used to make quick profits for developers or to
line the pockets of corrupt officials. Once the money is used, the problem of
repayment begins.
Since the 1970s many developing countries have found that they cannot pay back
the loans or even the interest accumulated on the loans. Consequently, the
countries have borrowed more money to pay back the interest. This gave Western
countries the power to dictate government policy through the World Bank and
the International Monetary Fund. These financial institutions are only interested
in balance sheets. Therefore, nations have been forced to adopt policies which
do nothing to develop their resources or improve the lives of the local people.
Countries that get caught in this debt spiral have no chance of paying back the
initial money borrowed, while the banks making the loans make two or three
times the money lent after the interest payments are taken into account. As most
donor countries have already been repaid, both in terms of money and in terms of
economic interest, it is morally right for developing countries to refuse to pay
back foreign loans.
In conclusion, as foreign aid does not always guarantee the well-being and the
economic development of the borrowers, it is reasonable for these countries to
refuse to repay their debts.
(264 Words) Band 9
Synonym list:
repay the interest on foreign debts: trả lại lãi của các món nợ nước ngoài
self-reliant(adj): độc lập, tự phụ thuộc vào bản thân
Sample essay 16
In some countries the average weight of people is increasing and their levels
of health and fitness are decreasing.
What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could
be taken to solve them?
Nowadays, obesity has become one of the outstanding problems in some
countries especially in developed and developing ones in addition to the fact that
the majority of people do not have a healthy body.
In this modern world, the individual’s activities are so limited. It is obviously
clear that the technology brings some benefits to the society like the availability
of doing business from home via the Internet or utilizing vacuum cleaners or
dishwashers which cause people to become so lazy. In this case, the lack of
physical movements leads to having excess weight. Another reason for gaining
extra weight could be the consumption of unhealthy foods, especially inorganic
fruits and vegetables which are grown by harmful chemical fertilizers and
artificial substances such as pesticides or substances used in order to boost the
harvest process. These seemingly technological achievements can seriously
harm humans’ health.
To halt these irrecoverable influences or reduce the detrimental effects on our
body, some pragmatic measures must be taken. Doctors believe that exercise is
one of the best solutions to decreasing obesity and being healthy. By doing
exercises just one hour per day, we will be able to improve our lifestyle
remarkably. Another step towards health could be to eat nutrient-rich foods
instead of fast foods. Vegetables and fruits help our body to have better
Sample essay 17
People who travel to another country to live, work or study for a period of
time often suffer badly from homesickness. Why is it? What are the best
ways to reduce this problem?
For overseas students and expatriates, homesickness has always been common.
I believe that most people who travel away from home for any length of time will
feel homesick at the beginning because missing their own home and country is a
natural reaction.
However, I think it becomes less of a problem as people adapt to the new
environment and start to enjoy new relationships and experiences. Today many
young people study abroad and for them it is probably their first time away from
family, friends and everything that is familiar.
The country they have moved to may have a completely different culture and
language, so they need to adjust to this and learn how to communicate in these
Sample essay 18
The exploration and development of safe alternatives to fossil fuels should
be the most important global priority today. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Sample essay 19
Sample essay 20
Music is played in every society and culture in the world today. Some people
believe that music brings only benefits to individuals and societies. Others,
however, think that music can have a negative influence on both.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Generally, music is considered to be one of the most popular and ancient modes
of human expression. It features largely in all histories and all cultures and indeed
has been one of the main ways of passing on cultural traditions to new
generations.
Many people view music as a positive influence for societies. They also believe
that the influence on individuals is wholly beneficial as it is a long-established
way of communicating and helping us to understand the whole range of human
emotions and experience in a more spiritual language than words can represent.
However, there are different kinds of music and the qualities of classical music
traditions are not necessarily part of the music many people experience today. In
the modern world, there is a huge music industry that sells piped music to
supermarkets and advertisers. We are also constantly exposed to loud modern
music from people’s CD players, iPods or car radios. So the view of music today
as a kind of noise pollution produced by money-driven people, is also a common
and negative one, but it is difficult to think of a world without music.
Certainly, there is bad music that may have negative influences, particularly on
the young. But people’s taste in music tends to change as they get older, and it
would be difficult to find someone who had no positive musical associations at
all.
Sample essay 21
Young people in the modern world seem to have more power and influence
than any previous young generation.
Why is this the case? What impact does this have on the relationship between
old and young people?
I would agree that young people today play a bigger role in society than their
parents’ or grandparents’ generation did. This is mainly due to the larger social
and technological changes that have increased the gap between the
generations. Young people today are generally better educated, and because they
have been trained from a young age to use computer technology, they have
Internet access to information in a way that was unimaginable for earlier
generations. This means that they are probably better informed than their parents’
grandparents were at their age, and their hi-tech skills give them confidence in
dealing with the very rapid changes in technology that are so uncomfortable for
older people.
In addition, younger people are often the most affected by globalization. They
follow fashions in clothes, music and social habits that are common among young
people throughout the world. So they have become powerful consumers who
influence big global markets today. As a result of these developments,
relationships with older people are often difficult. Teachers and parents are
treated with less respect, and experience is undervalued because young people
Sample essay 22
Modern societies need specialists in certain fields, but not others. Some
people, therefore, think that governments should pay university fees for
students who study subjects that are needed by society. Those who choose to
study less relevant subjects should not receive government funding.
Would the advantages of such an educational policy outweigh the
disadvantages?
In every country, there are fashions among students about which subjects are the
best to study at university. Sometimes the popularity of a subject is determined
by how much money a graduate could subsequently earn in that field. Or subjects
that are perceived as relatively ‘easy’ may also become popular, in spite of later
difficulties of finding appropriate employment. It is up to governments to give
incentives to students to choose subjects that match the needs of their society.
Sample essay 23
The only way to reduce the amount of traffic in cities today is by reducing
the need for people to travel from home for work, education or shopping.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is certainly true that today traffic in cities throughout the world has become a
major problem. This is obvious from the number of vehicles on our roads and the
amount of pollution they cause. Probably the traffic problem is due to people
Sample essay 24
Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed
because of technology.
In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships that people
make? Has this been a positive or negative development?
Sample essay 26
Some people think that all teenagers should be required to do unpaid work
in their free time to help the local community. They believe this would benefit
both the individual teenager and society as a whole.
Do you agree or disagree?
Many young people work on a voluntary basis, and this can only be beneficial
for both the individual and society as a whole. However, I do not agree that we
should therefore force all teenagers to do unpaid work.
Most young people are already under enough pressure with their studies,
without being given the added responsibility of working in their spare time.
School is just as demanding as a full-time job, and teachers expect their students
to do homework and exam revision on top of attending lessons every day. When
young people do have some free time, we should encourage them to enjoy it with
their friends or to spend it doing sports and other leisure activities. They have
many years of work ahead of them when they finish their studies.
At the same time, I do not believe that society has anything to gain from obliging
young people to do unpaid work. In fact, I would argue that it goes against the
values of a free and fair society to force a group of people to do something against
their will. Doing this can only lead to resentment amongst young people, who
would feel that they were being used, and parents, who would not want to be told
how to raise their children. Currently, nobody is forced to volunteer, and this is
surely the best system.
In conclusion, teenagers may choose to work for free and help others, but in my
opinion we should not make this compulsory.
(250 words)
Synonym list:
work on a voluntary basis: làm việc không công
unpaid work: công việc không công
be under pressure: bị áp lực oblige(v): ép buộc
against one’s will: trái với ý nguyện của ai
Sample essay 27
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?
It is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music
is a vital part of all human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that
traditional music is more important than modern, international music.
Music is something that accompanies all of us throughout our lives. As children,
we are taught songs by our parents and teachers as a means of learning language,
or simply as a form of enjoyment. Children delight in singing with others, and it
would appear that the act of singing in a group creates a connection between
participants, regardless of their age.
Later in life, people’s musical preferences develop, and we come to see our
favourite songs as part of our life stories. Music both expresses and arouses
emotions in a way that words alone cannot. In short, it is difficult to imagine life
without it.
In my opinion, traditional music should be valued over the international music
that has become so popular. International pop music is often catchy and fun, but
it is essentially a commercial product that is marketed and sold by business
people. Traditional music, by contrast, expresses the culture, customs and history
of a country. Traditional styles, such as jazz, can connect us to the past and form
part of our cultural identity. It would be a real pity if pop music became so
predominant that these national styles disappeared.
In conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence, and I believe that
traditional music should be given more importance than international music.
(261 words)
Synonym list:
accompany(v): đồng hành
delight(v): vui vẻ với điều gì
arouse emotions: khơi dậy cảm xúc
Sample essay 28
Some people regard video games as harmless fun, or even as a useful
educational tool. Others, however, believe that video games are having an
adverse effect on the people who play them. In your opinion, do the
drawbacks of video games outweigh the benefits?
Many people, and children in particular, enjoy playing computer games. While I
accept that these games can sometimes have a positive effect on the user, I believe
that they are more likely to have a harmful impact.
On the one hand, video games can be both entertaining and educational. Users,
or gamers, are transported into virtual worlds which are often more exciting
and engaging than real-life pastimes. From an educational perspective, these
games encourage imagination and creativity, as well as concentration, logical
thinking and problem solving, all of which are useful skills outside the gaming
context. Furthermore, it has been shown that computer simulation games can
improve users’ motor skills and help to prepare them for real-world tasks, such
as flying a plane.
However, I would argue that these benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks.
Gaming can be highly addictive because users are constantly given scores, new
targets and frequent rewards to keep them playing. Many children now spend
hours each day trying to progress through the levels of a game or to get a higher
score than their friends. This type of addiction can have effects ranging from lack
of sleep to problems at school, when homework is sacrificed for a few more hours
on the computer or console. The rise in obesity in recent years has also been
linked in part to the sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise that often accompany
gaming addiction.
In conclusion, it seems to me that the potential dangers of video games are more
significant than the possible benefits.
(258 words)
Synonym list:
Sample essay 29
In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What
problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures
that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.
It is true that people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer than ever
before. Although there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this
trend, societies can take steps to mitigate these potential problems.
As people live longer and the populations of developed countries grow older,
several related problems can be anticipated. The main issue is that there will
obviously be more people of retirement age who will be eligible to receive a
pension. The proportion of younger, working adults will be smaller, and
governments will therefore receive less money in taxes in relation to the size of
the population. In other words, an ageing population will mean a greater tax
burden for working adults. Further pressures will include a rise in the demand
for healthcare, and the fact young adults will increasingly have to look after their
elderly relatives.
There are several actions that governments could take to solve the problems
described above. Firstly, a simple solution would be to increase the retirement
age for working adults, perhaps from 65 to 70. Nowadays, people of this age tend
to be healthy enough to continue a productive working life. A second measure
would be for governments to encourage immigration in order to increase the
number of working adults who pay taxes. Finally, money from national budgets
will need to be taken from other areas and spent on vital healthcare,
accommodation and transport facilities for the rising numbers of older citizens.
In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are
certain to arise as the populations of countries grow older.
Sample essay 30
Nowadays animal experiments are widely used to develop new medicines and
to test the safety of other products. Some people argue that these experiments
should be banned because it is morally wrong to cause animals to suffer,
while others are in favour of them because of their benefits to humanity.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
It is true that medicines and other products are routinely tested on animals before
they are cleared for human use. While I tend towards the viewpoint that animal
testing is morally wrong, I would have to support a limited amount of animal
experimentation for the development of medicines.
On the one hand, there are clear ethical arguments against animal
experimentation. To use a common example of this practice, laboratory mice may
be given an illness so that the effectiveness of a new drug can be measured.
Opponents of such research argue that humans have no right to subject animals
to this kind of trauma, and that the lives of all creatures should be respected. They
believe that the benefits to humans do not justify the suffering caused, and that
scientists should use alternative methods of research.
On the other hand, reliable alternatives to animal experimentation may not always
be available. Supporters of the use of animals in medical research believe that a
certain amount of suffering on the part of mice or rats can be justified if human
lives are saved. They argue that opponents of such research might feel differently
if a member of their own families needed a medical treatment that had been
developed through the use of animal experimentation. Personally, I agree with
the banning of animal testing for non-medical products, and I feel that it may
be a necessary evil where new drugs and medical procedures are concerned. In
Sample essay 31
Some people think that governments should give financial support to
creative artists such as painters and musicians. Others believe that creative
artists should be funded by alternative sources. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion.
People have different views about the funding of creative artists. While some
people disagree with the idea of government support for artists, I believe that
money for art projects should come from both governments and other sources.
Some art projects definitely require help from the state. In the UK, there are many
works of art in public spaces, such as streets or squares in city centres. In
Liverpool, for example, there are several new statues and sculptures in the docks
area of the city, which has been redeveloped recently. These artworks represent
culture, heritage and history. They serve to educate people about the city, and act
as landmarks or talking points for visitors and tourists. Governments and local
councils should pay creative artists to produce this kind of art, because without
their funding our cities would be much less interesting and attractive.
On the other hand, I can understand the arguments against government funding
for art. The main reason for this view is that governments have more important
concerns. For example, state budgets need to be spent on education, healthcare,
infrastructure and security, among other areas. These public services are vital for
a country to function properly, whereas the work of creative artists, even in public
places, is a luxury. Another reason for this opinion is that artists do a job like any
Sample essay 32
Foreign visitors should pay more than local visitors for cultural and
historical attractions. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
opinion?
It is sometimes argued that tourists from overseas should be charged more than
local residents to visit important sites and monuments. I completely disagree with
this idea.
The argument in favour of higher prices for foreign tourists would be that cultural
or historical attractions often depend on state subsidies to keep them going,
which means that the resident population already pays money to these sites
through the tax system. However, I believe this to be a very shortsighted view.
Foreign tourists contribute to the economy of the host country with the money
they spend on a wide range of goods and services, including food, souvenirs,
accommodation and travel. The governments and inhabitants of every country
should be happy to subsidise important tourist sites and encourage people from
the rest of the world to visit them.
If travellers realised that they would have to pay more to visit historical and
cultural attractions in a particular nation, they would perhaps decide not to go to
that country on holiday. To take the UK as an example, the tourism industry and
many related jobs rely on visitors coming to the country to see places like
Windsor Castle or Saint Paul’s Cathedral. These two sites charge the same price
regardless of nationality, and this helps to promote the nation’s cultural heritage.
Sample essay 33
Some people think that in the modern world we are more dependent on each
other, while others think that people have become more independent.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
People have different views about whether we are more or less dependent on
others nowadays. In my view, modern life forces us to be more independent than
people were in the past.
There are two main reasons why it could be argued that we are more dependent
on each other now. Firstly, life is more complex and difficult, especially because
the cost of living has increased so dramatically. For example, young adults tend
to rely on their parents for help when buying a house. Property prices are higher
than ever, and without help it would be impossible for many people to pay a
deposit and a mortgage. Secondly, people seem to be more ambitious nowadays,
and they want a better quality of life for their families. This means that both
parents usually need to work full-time, and they depend on support from
grandparents and babysitters for child care.
However, I would agree with those who believe that people are more independent
these days. In most countries, families are becoming smaller and more dispersed,
which means that people cannot count on relatives as much as they used to. We
also have more freedom to travel and live far away from our home towns. For
Sample essay 34
When choosing a job, the salary is the most important consideration. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people choose their jobs based on the size of the salary offered. Personally,
I disagree with the idea that money is the key consideration when deciding on a
career, because I believe that other factors are equally important.
On the one hand, I agree that money is necessary in order for people to meet their
basic needs. For example, we all need money to pay for housing, food, bills,
health care, and education. Most people consider it a priority to at least earn a
salary that allows them to cover these needs and have a reasonable quality of life.
If people choose their jobs based on enjoyment or other non-financial factors,
they might find it difficult to support themselves. Artists and musicians, for
instance, are known for choosing a career path that they love, but that does not
always provide them with enough money to live comfortably and raise a
family.
Nevertheless, I believe that other considerations are just as important as what we
earn in our jobs. Firstly, personal relationships and the work environment are
extremely important when choosing a job. Having a good manager or friendly
colleagues, for example, can make a huge difference to workers’ levels of
happiness and general quality of life. Secondly, many people’s feelings of job
Sample essay 35
Nowadays celebrities are more famous for their glamour and wealth than
for their achievements, and this sets a bad example to young people.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
It is true that some celebrities are known for their glamorous lifestyles rather
than for the work they do. While I agree that these celebrities set a bad example
for children, I believe that other famous people act as positive role models.
On the one hand, many people do achieve fame without really working for it.
They may have inherited money from parents, married a famous or wealthy
person, or they may have appeared in gossip magazines or on a reality TV
programme. A good example would be Paris Hilton, who is rich and famous for
the wrong reasons. She spends her time attending parties and nightclubs, and her
behaviour promotes the idea that appearance, glamour and media profile are more
important than hard work and good character. The message to young people is
that success can be achieved easily, and that school work is not necessary.
Sample essay 36
Families who send their children to private schools should not be required
to pay taxes that support the state education system.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some people believe that parents of children who attend private schools should
not need to contribute to state schools through taxes. Personally, I completely
disagree with this view.
For a variety of reasons, it would be wrong to reduce taxes for families who pay
for private education. Firstly, it would be difficult to calculate the correct amount
of tax reduction for these families, and staff would be required to manage this
complex process. Secondly, we all pay a certain amount of tax for public services
that we may not use. For example, most people are fortunate enough not to have
to call the police or fire brigade at any time in their lives, but they would not
expect a tax reduction for this. Finally, if wealthy families were given a tax
Sample essay 37
Wild animals have no place in the 21st century, so protecting them is a waste
of resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people argue that it is pointless to spend money on the protection of wild
animals because we humans have no need for them. I completely disagree with
this point of view.
In my opinion, it is absurd to argue that wild animals have no place in the 21st
century. I do not believe that planet Earth exists only for the benefit of humans,
and there is nothing special about this particular century that means that we
suddenly have the right to allow or encourage the extinction of any species.
Furthermore, there is no compelling reason why we should let animals die out.
We do not need to exploit or destroy every last square metre of land in order to
feed or accommodate the world’s population. There is plenty of room for us to
exist side by side with wild animals, and this should be our aim.
Sample essay 38
These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while
mothers go out to work. What could be the reasons for this? Do you think it
is a positive or a negative development?
It is true that men are increasingly likely to take on the role of a househusband,
while more women than ever are the breadwinners in their families. There could
be several reasons for this, and I consider it to be a very positive trend.
In recent years, parents have had to adapt to various changes in our societies.
Equal rights movements have made great progress, and it has become normal
for women to gain qualifications and pursue a career. It has also become socially
acceptable for men to stay at home and look after their children. At the same time,
the rising cost of living has meant that both marriage partners usually need to
work and save money before starting a family. Therefore, when couples have
Sample essay 39
Some people think that strict punishments for driving offences are the key
to reducing traffic accidents. Others, however, believe that other measures
would be more effective in improving road safety. Discuss both these views
and give your own opinion.
People have differing views with regard to the question of how to make our roads
safer. In my view, both punishments and a range of other measures can be used
together to promote better driving habits.
On the one hand, strict punishments can certainly help to encourage people to
drive more safely. Penalties for dangerous drivers can act as a deterrent,
meaning that people avoid repeating the same offence. There are various types of
driving penalty, such as small fines, licence suspension, driver awareness
Sample essay 40
Many people prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced
films.
Why could this be? Should governments give more financial support to local
film industries?
It is true that foreign films are more popular in many countries than domestically
produced films. There could be several reasons why this is the case, and I believe
that governments should promote local film-making by subsidising the industry.
There are various reasons why many people find foreign films more enjoyable
than the films produced in their own countries. Firstly, the established film
industries in certain countries have huge budgets for action, special effects and
Sample essay 41
The older generations tend to have very traditional ideas about how people
should live, think and behave. However, some people believe that these ideas
are not helpful in preparing younger generations for modern life.
Sample essay 42
Smoking can cause serious illnesses and should be made illegal. To what
extent do you agree?
There are clear arguments for banning smoking, based largely on health, but there
is perhaps a stronger case to be made for maintaining the current situation, as will
now be explained.
The most important factor for keeping smoking legal is that the decision to smoke
is not something that should be controlled by the government, but by the
individuals. If a person decides to smoke, they do so of their own free will and
this should be respected, as it is the government's role to advise against harmful
practices, but ultimately not to make decisions for its citizens.
The other reason for allowing smoking is that by making laws against it is more
likely to result in the sale of tobacco moving to the black market, and
consequently increasing the level of associated crime. There will still be people
who cannot overcome their addiction, and will search for any means available to
access cigarettes. A clear example of this reaction can be seen in the illegal sale
of other drugs such as cocaine and marijuana. Obviously, there is the fact that
smoking is known to have adverse health effects on both the smoker and those
around them who are affected by passive smoking. Yet there are other lifestyle
choices that also have a negative impact, such as fast food and alcohol, and
banning these items would restrict the choice available to the consumers.
In conclusion, the decision to ban smoking, although having some advantages,
would be more likely to have an overall negative effect. It would therefore be
better for the government to continue campaigns that educate people about the
potential dangers of the habit.
(278 words)
Synonym list:
do something on one’s free will: tự ý mình làm điều gì
practice(n): hành vi
Sample essay 43
We no longer need to have animals kept in zoos, so zoos should be closed. Do
you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
There has long been an argument against maintaining zoos in which animals are
kept away from their natural habitat, and there is strong evidence to suggest that
technology has developed to a point where such institutions are no longer needed,
as will now be argued.
Traditionally, the principal argument voiced by those who wish to retain zoos
was that it allowed children and adults to see animals which they more than likely
would not have had a chance to do if this had required visiting the creature's
natural environment. Yet there are now online videos and websites where these
animals can be seen in high definition, therefore no longer needing to go to
enclosures to see the animals. This is clearly evident by the declining number of
visitors in recent years.
In addition, there are many cases in which animals held in captivity are not well
cared for and are used solely to exploit them for profit. In some rare cases, the
animals can suffer from neglect or malnutrition, and rather than being kept
healthy are simply replaced when they are no longer of any value. Granted, there
are situations in which endangered species are protected and their numbers
allowed to rebuild by housing them in the security of a zoo. However, in most
cases the same effect is better achieved by using more open plan wildlife parks
rather than traditional caged enclosures.
In sum, the factors which first led to the creation of zoos have been reduced by
the ability of technology, so unless there is some advantage for the species itself,
then the use of zoos should no longer be supported.
(273 words)
Synonym list:
Sample essay 44
In many countries, people do not recycle their rubbish as much as they could.
Why do you think this is? What can be done to change this?
With an increasing world population and subsequent environmental concerns, it
is important to dispose of trash in an eco-friendly manner, yet there are a
significant number of places around the world that fail to do so.
There are a number of reasons that mean that recycling is not done as effectively
as it could, the primary problem being the attitude of the general public. Lethargy
or lack of knowledge leads people to throw all of their rubbish into one place,
meaning that material that could have been sorted and reused is buried in landfills.
In the UK, for example, over 20 million tonnes of waste is buried whilst less than
1 percent of that amount is actively recycled. There is also the matter of
availability, as there are situations in which recycling facilities are either
extremely limited or nonexistent.
In order to combat these issues, the first step would be educating the general
public about the facts of waste disposal and recycling, perhaps even enforcing
participation by levying a fine against those who do not separate their rubbish
into different types. Hand in hand with this, making recycling centres more
available would also help, or perhaps adopting a system used in some Asian
countries where households are given a number of different containers into which
to sort their rubbish for collection.
Overall, it seems that a change of attitude is needed as well as more resources
to manage different recyclable materials. This can be achieved through a
combination of education and penalties, as well as ensuring better access to
facilities.
(261 words)
Synonym list:
Sample essay 45
In some countries, people are forced to retire when they reach a certain age.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
Compulsory retirement is common in many countries when members of the
workforce reach 65 or 70, and this has both advantages and downsides, as will
now be considered.
The main advantage of requiring people to leave their job at a certain age is that
it provides opportunities for younger members of staff to join the workforce,
often meaning that companies benefit from having lower wages to pay for the
new recruits and also having younger, potentially more dynamic employees. This
in turn could well give the company the required boost to continue being
profitable.
Another advantage is that some older people may choose to keep working more
out of habit than enjoyment, and therefore a mandatory retirement may
encourage them to enjoy their life more, having the free time to engage in hobbies
and interests such as gardening, which they may not have previously had time for
up to that point.
Yet there are significant disadvantages in forced retirement. Older staff members
often have more experience, and may have no desire to leave their job. Requiring
them to leave could mean a skill shortage for the company as well as a feeling of
discontent from the employee. Added to that is the rising number of older people
and the subsequent drain on resources if they are not working; if there are more
elderly people on pensions or other benefits, the increased tax burden falls on the
younger generation.
Sample essay 46
In many countries, schoolchildren are required to wear school uniforms. Do
you think this should be enforced in all schools?
In many countries, pupils are required to wear uniforms when attending school,
and I believe this is something that should be enforced for the following reasons.
Primarily, students, especially those in their teenagers years, are under pressure
both academically and socially; insisting on a standardised uniform within the
school alleviates some of this as it means that the student does not have to worry
about whether their peers think that they are dressed well or in the latest fashions.
This has the added advantage for those from lower income families who may
simply not be able to afford the clothes worn by those from more affluent
families. Not only does it remove the social pressure, but wearing a school
uniform also has a psychological advantage, as the student is dressed in the mode
of attire used for study. Much like wearing a suit and tie may signal going to
work for many people, wearing a school uniform prepares the child for the day
of learning.
Sample essay 47
Some people think that social skills are as important as academic
qualifications. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Traditionally, academic achievements are often regarded as an indispensable
factor for success. However, there are a handful of individuals who hold the belief
that the art of social interaction also shares equal importance in determining
one’s success in life. My sentiment is on par with this viewpoint, and some of
my good grounds will be presented in the essay below.
It is conspicuous that academic qualifications are of great significance when it
comes to seeking employment. Undoubtedly, academic qualifications reflect a
person’s educational background and personal experiences. This usually lays a
foundation for an overall evaluation of any candidate. Based on what is written
and listed in those certificates and degrees, recruiters would select the most
Sample essay 48
Fanpage: Anh Ngữ Quin Edu
Hotline/Zalo: 0833 935 568
Website: quin.edu.vn
In many cities, there are areas of land that are used as parks. With increasing
population levels, these areas would be better used to provide more housing.
Do you agree or disagree?
In many major metropolitan areas, land is set aside for all members of the public
to enjoy, and this is something that should remain as will now be discussed.
The main reason in support of retaining parkland is that it provides a communal
area for people who may otherwise live in apartments or small houses without
access to a garden. It has been well documented that time spent outdoors has clear
health benefits, not only for exercise and fresh air, but also for mental health.
Another reason is that increasing populations in urban areas has a number of
negative subsidiary effects, such as the pressure on sanitation and clean water
supplies. Replacing parks with more housing will only further compound this
problem. In Mexico City, for example, the population is so dense that in many
areas, delivery of fresh water supplies is under extreme pressure. On a related
note, there is also an environmental advantage in having parkland, as it is a source
of oxygen production which may otherwise be lacking in urban areas.
Admittedly, the level of the population relocating to urban areas is increasing for
employment reasons as there are often more jobs available, and for this to be
possible, additional land will need to be used for housing and this needs to be
sourced near the place of work to avoid excess travel. However, it is arguable that
it would be better to create larger suburbs than overcrowded centres of cities.
Overall, it is clear that there are no substantial advantages in removing these green
areas, and given their advantages, they should be retained, and even expanded,
wherever possible.
(273 words)
Synonym list:
set aside: dẹp sang một bên
parkland(n): khu vực nhiều cây cối
communal area: khu vực công cộng
pressure on sanitation and clean water supplies: áp lực lên vệ sinh và các nguồn
nước sạch
compound this problem: làm vấn đề nặng nề hơn
Sample essay 49
We have become a disposable society, preferring to buy new products rather
than repair existing items.
Why do you think this is? How can this trend be reversed?
It has become common not to try to extend the life of items but rather to
purchase replacements, and this can be attributed to a number of social changes,
as will now be presented along with some thoughts on how this attitude can be
altered.
Of the many reasons why society in general opts not to repair items, perhaps the
most influential is changes in technology. Modernised production methods
allow goods to be mass produced at a lower cost, but often at the expense of
quality; this means that although they may not have the durability of handmade
items, they are cheaper and thus can be replaced. In addition, evolutions in
technology are now rapid, and the impulse to own the latest gadget encourages
purchasers to continually buy new items. A clear indication of this is mobile
phones, where in the last decade new features and abilities are released constantly.
To address this, there are a number of potential approaches. One is that
governments could raise the level of tax on brand new items whilst lowering the
taxation on repair shops, therefore supporting those who are happy with their
existing technology and penalising those who constantly race to acquire the very
latest model. In turn, this would encourage the companies producing such items
to build them in a way that new developments can be incorporated into it, rather
than requiring it to be disposed of.
To conclude, it is only by a change in attitude that we can decrease the
continued consumption of new items and increase the retention of those that
may need some repair.
(273 words)
Synonym list:
extend the life of items: kéo dài tuổi thọ của sản phẩm
purchase replacements: mua sản phẩm thay thế
modernised production methods: phương pháp sản xuất hiện đại
Sample essay 50
It is very important for people to be able to speak more than one language.
Therefore, children should start learning a foreign language as young as
possible. Do you agree or disagree?
Increasing globalisation has made it almost essential for many people to learn
more than their native tongue so they can converse with people from other
countries, and there are strong arguments to be made in support of acquiring
second or even third languages as a young child, as will now be considered.
Perhaps the most persuasive reason is that children have a far better ability to
learn when young compared to later on in life. Information is more readily
absorbed and put into practice, and younger children are able to retain what
they are taught. It has also been proven that when learning a language at a young
age, a child is able to better pronounce words or sounds that may be absent in
their own language. In addition, younger children also have fewer external
concerns to contend with. To illustrate, a parent with a job, bills and the
responsibilities of looking after their children will be less able to focus on learning
a new language compared to a child who is simply attending school. The younger
the better, as this also means that they are not yet overwhelmed with homework
and other preoccupations common to students in their early and mid teens.
Granted, there is an argument that attempting to learn an additional language at
an early age may result in the child confusing the primary and secondary
language, meaning they may not have as good a grasp of their home language
Sample essay 51
Driving a car is a valuable skill and should therefore be taught in schools. Do
you agree or disagree?
There are many important life skills such as the ability to operate a vehicle that
are developed both through childhood and early adulthood, but teaching these
should not necessarily be left to education departments, as will now be argued.
The principal provider of knowledge to a child should be the parent, and
although more academic subjects such as science and languages should be left to
professionals, abilities like driving and swimming are best taught by parents, at
least initially. If the parent feels they are not suited to the task, or the law in that
country does not allow parents to teach their children to drive, then a driving
instructor should be sought, not a school. In addition, it could be argued that
although operating a car is a useful skill, it is not essential and should be
something that each individual decides rather than being a compulsory part of
their education. Other subjects which provide a more rounded education should
Sample essay 52
Compared to previous generations, an increasing number of people are
travelling overseas for holidays.
Why is this? Is this a positive or negative trend?
There are a number of factors which explain the rising tendency for people to
take trips overseas for pleasure, and this has both advantages and disadvantages
as will now be discussed.
Innovations in technology have made overseas travel not only faster, but also
more accessible for those on a limited budget, meaning that in some cases a
family can holiday in a different country with less inconvenience and a better
price than staying in their home country. A flight from the UK to Spain, for
example, can be accomplished in less time than it takes to get from one side of
England to the other.
One of the clearest advantages here is that it gives people the opportunity to
experience different cultures and customs, giving a broader perspective of the
Sample essay 53
In some countries, people who are unemployed receive a sum of money each
week in the form of a benefit. While some support this, other people believe
that this money should not be given.
Discuss both points of view and give your own point of view.
The payment of a benefit for those who are out of work is a sensitive issue with
strong opinions for and against. This essay will now examine both sides of the
argument and present a final conclusion.
Those in favour of this financial support argue that in some cases, it is not the
fault of the unemployed person, and that the assistance is needed for them to
survive while they continue to look for work. Without this, there is the potential
concern that crime would increase due to a lack of alternatives. To illustrate, if a
parent with dependent children could not find work and had no other help, they
would have little option but to resort to theft to prevent their children from going
Sample essay 54
Teenagers are spending an increasing amount of time on the Internet, and
this is having a negative effect on their social skills.
Do you agree or disagree?
It is not uncommon these days for younger people to spend an hour or more a day
online, and although this does detract from time spent talking to family
members, it is not necessarily affecting their social development as will now be
discussed.
Sample essay 55
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having older people living in
the family home?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
Sample essay 56
Medical procedures for cosmetic purposes should not be allowed. Do you
agree or disagree?
Sample essay 57
Traditional methods of food preparation are becoming less popular. Why do
you think this is?
Meals made in an old fashion are not as common these days for a number of
different reasons, as will now be explained.
The primary factor is that more modern variants of traditional dishes are often
less time consuming to prepare. It is not uncommon for both parents to work
outside of the home, meaning that there is less opportunity for people to spend
the hours required in shopping, preparing and cooking, so opting for a quick and
easy meal is often preferred.
Another significant cause for this decline is that the skills that in previous
generations were handed down from parents to children are no longer considered
as valuable, and as such, many younger people simply lack the required
knowledge. Already many traditional skills such as bread making are no longer
passed on, and this is illustrated in the rising consumption of convenience food
among younger people.
A third contributor to the fall in traditional food preparation is also related to the
modern global nature of most societies. Historically, traditional meals were
common because the required ingredients were all that was available locally.
These days, however, most large cities have shops and restaurants with food from
all over the globe. A clear example of this influence is in the United Kingdom,
where the most popular takeaway food is Indian cuisine.
Ultimately, there are many factors both societal and economic that are leading to
the decline in traditional meals, and this is a trend that is likely to continue into
the future.
(254 words)
Synonym list:
variants of traditional dishes: các loại món ăn truyền thống
opt for: chọn lựa
hand down: truyền lại
Sample essay 58
Traffic problems are increasing in most cities. What can be done about this?
Increasing urban populations have led to a corresponding increase in the number
of vehicles on the road, resulting in rising congestion in city centres. There are a
number of potential solutions to the problem, as will now be discussed.
Perhaps the first step to take would be to improve the availability of public
transport and install bus lanes throughout the city. Whilst this would, in the short
term, increase the pressure on the roads, it is likely to result in more people using
public transport and leaving their vehicles at home. One way of encouraging
people to adopt buses and trains is to lower the price and expand the timetable.
Following that, local councils or the government could make it more difficult for
car drivers to use their car by either charging a levy or only allowing certain
vehicles in city areas on certain days. A similar system has been running in
London for some time, and has resulted in fewer vehicles on the roads. An
alternative idea, one which is more extreme than levies and selective use, is to
simply prevent private passenger vehicles from entering the city at all. By having
only public transport options, there would be no problem with congestion and
would allow for more pedestrian areas in the metropolitan areas.
To sum up, there are a range of options available to reduce the number of cars in
the centre of cities, but ultimately they all rely on an increased public transport
system and encouraging drivers and their passengers to use it.
(256 words)
Synonym list:
corresponding(adj): tương ứng
congestion(n): sự tắc nghẽn
improve the availability of public transport: cải thiện sự có sẵn của hệ thống giao
thông công cộng
expand the timetable: mở rộng lịch trình chuyến đi
pedestrian areas: các khu vực dành riêng cho người đi bộ
Sample essay 60
People who start a university course but do not complete it should be fined.
Do you agree or disagree?
Of the number of undergraduates that begin a course of tertiary study, there is a
percentage of those that do not finish the course, but the argument that they should
therefore be financially penalised is riddled with potential problems.
It needs to be considered first of all what motivated the student to leave their
studies before they have graduated. If the decision was made due to financial
constraints, then clearly adding an additional fine is simply adding to the
pressure. For example, there are many older people who decide to go back to
university but may already have a mortgage and dependent children, and may
consequently find that their income is insufficient to cover their needs.
Moreover, rather than attempting to make the student pay, it might be better to
consider whether the student was actually given sufficient support during their
studies. There are situations where the student may feel that they are not following
the course and are unable to complete the required assignments, and therefore
leave the course. Retention rates may be improved if there were personal tutors
on hand to offer advice to those students who are losing confidence in their ability
to remain on the course.
On the other hand, there is an argument that the risk of a penalty would dissuade
people from starting courses that they were not particularly motivated to
complete in the first place.
In conclusion, therefore, although the idea of being charged for non completion
of a course would perhaps reduce the number of uncommitted enrolments, it is
not an advisable solution for genuine students.
(263 words)
Synonym list:
be riddled with: tràn đầy lỗ hổng hoặc rắc rối
financial constraints: những ràng buộc tài chính
insufficient(adj): không đủ
Sample essay 61
Computers have changed the way people study.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using computers as study
aids?
Advancements in technology have made a significant difference to the way in
which people are able to learn, and though this is mostly beneficial, there are also
some negative aspects that will also be considered.
Beginning with the positive points, the ability to work on assessments and
coursework on a computer means that work can be saved safely and transported
from place to place. Before the arrival of computers, students traditionally had
files and folders with their course notes, and this took up a considerable amount
of room and was difficult to keep track of; now, complete lecture notes and
much more can be stored on a flash drive that can be easily put in a pocket or
bag.
In addition, lectures and learning material can be made available online, allowing
for a multimedia educational environment. This is likely to engage a wider
range of students as it has the ability to cater for a wider range of learning styles.
For example, some students study best by repeatedly listening to a teacher, and
this can now be achieved more conveniently by having videos available.
On the downside, there are occasions where information stored digitally can be
deleted, overwritten or corrupted, all situations that do not occur on traditional
paper based work. There is also the concern that material can be garnered from
the Internet and passed off as the students own work, making plagiarism a
potential issue. However, the concept of plagiarism has long been a problem, and
there are computer programs available today that will pinpoint the source of non
original work.
In conclusion, although there are potential disadvantages, they are outweighed by
the positives.
(276 words)
Sample essay 62
Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in
today’s society.
To what extent do you agree with this view?
The world that we live in today is dominated by advertising. Adverts are on
television, on the World Wide Web, in the street and even on our mobile phones.
However, many of the strategies used to sell a product or service can be
considered immoral or unacceptable.
To begin with, the fact that we cannot escape from advertising is a significant
cause for complaint. Constant images and signs wherever we look can be very
intrusive and irritating at times. Take for example advertising on the mobile
phone. With the latest technology mobile companies are now able to send
advertising messages via SMS to consumer’s phones whenever they choose.
Although we expect adverts in numerous situations, it now seems that there are
very few places we can actually avoid them.
Sample essay 63
Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative forms of medicine.
However, at best these methods are ineffective, and at worst they may be
dangerous.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Alternative medicine is not new. It is accepted that it pre-dates conventional
medicine and it is still used by many people all over the world. I am not convinced
Sample essay 64
Sample essay 65
Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison
sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of
reducing crime.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Crime is a serious and growing problem in most societies. Although many people
believe that the best way to tackle this is to place people in prison for longer
periods, others are of the opinion that other measures will be more effective.
There are benefits of giving offenders longer prison sentences. Firstly, spending
a long time in prison provides an opportunity for the prison services to
rehabilitate a prisoner. For example, someone who has committed a serious
offence such as assault will need a long time in prison in order to be sure they can
be re-educated not to re-offend. In addition to this, longer prison sentences will
act as a deterrent for someone who is thinking of committing a crime.
However, some people argue that leaving people in prison for a long time means
that they will mix with other criminals and so their character will not improve.
One alternative is community service. This gives an offender the opportunity to
give something positive back to society, and so it may improve their character.
Also, the government could focus its resources on the causes of crime, which
would lead to less crime in the future.
In my opinion, it is important to look at alternative methods. Many countries have
lengthy prison sentences, but crime has continued to increase throughout the
world, so it is clear that this is not completely effective. That said, long prison
sentences should remain for those who commit serious crimes such as assault or
murder, as justice for the victim and their family should take priority.
To conclude, there are good arguments for and against long sentences, so
governments must continue to research the various methods of crime reduction
to ensure effective policies are in place.
Sample essay 66
Government investment in the arts, such as music and theatre, is a waste of
money. Governments must invest this money in public services instead.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
These days, the government spends a large part of its budget not only on public
services, but also arts. Although I agree that it is important to spend money on
public services, I do not think spending on the arts is a waste of money.
There are several reasons for spending a significant amount of the government
budget on public services. First and foremost, public services are things such as
hospitals, roads and schools, and these things determine the quality of life that
most of us will have. For example, if the government doesn't spend enough money
on hospitals, the health of our society may decline. Similarly, if not enough
money is spent on schools, our children may not be properly educated. Also, it
will be the poor in our society that will be affected more if we do not spend
enough on these things because they are the ones more dependent on such
services.
However, this does not mean that the arts should be completely neglected. To
begin, it is difficult for many arts institutions to generate much profit, so without
some help from the government, many theaters and other such places may have
to close. Moreover, the arts also have an important impact on our quality of life.
Many people get great pleasure in going to see music and theatre performances
so it is important that the government assists such institutions so that they can
continue to provide entertainment to the public.
Sample essay 67
Levels of youth crime are increasing rapidly in most cities around the world.
What are the reasons for this, and suggest some solutions.
Over the last few decades, many cities around the world have seen alarming
increases in the levels of youth crime. This essay will discuss the reasons for this
and provide some possible solutions.
The first reason is connected with the family. In order for a child to grow up in a
balanced way, it is very important that he or she is nurtured well by his or her
parents. However, these days, it is often the case that children are neglected. This
may be because of the fact that many parents in cities now both have to work so
are often not around to give their children support when needed. Another factor
is the increasing levels of poverty around the world. We have seen with
globalization the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, and this inevitably means
that those who are poorer will have to resort to illegal means to get what others
have. Of course, this will include the children in the poorer families.
However, there are ways to tackle such problems. Firstly, one of the ways to
combat the problem is to have stricter punishments. Although, as discussed
above, there can be outside factors that lead to crime, it is still important to have
severe punishments to deter teenagers from crime. All too often, because they are
young, the courts are too lenient. Parents also have to take more responsibility
for their children’s actions. They too should be punished if their children commit
crime.
Sample essay 68
In order to solve traffic problems, governments should tax private car
owners heavily and use the money to improve public transportation.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution?
Traffic congestion in many cities around the world is severe. One possible
solution to this problem is to impose heavy taxes on car drivers and use this
money to make public transport better. This essay will discuss the benefits and
drawbacks of such a measure.
One of the first benefits of such a measure is that the heavy taxes would
discourage car owners from using their cars because it would become very
expensive to drive. This would mean that they would begin to make use of public
transport instead, thus reducing traffic problems and pollution as well. Another
benefit would be that much more use would be made of public transport if it was
improved. It is often the case that public transport in cities is very poor. For
example, we often see old buses and trains that people would rather not use. High
taxes would generate enough money to make the necessary changes.
Nevertheless, there are drawbacks to such a solution. First and foremost, this
would be a heavy burden on the car drivers. At present, taxes are already high for
a lot of people, and so further taxes would only mean less money at the end of the
month for most people who may have no choice but to drive every day. In
addition, this type of tax would likely be set at a fixed amount. This would mean
that it would hit those with less money harder, whilst the rich could likely afford
it. It is therefore not a fair tax.
Sample essay 69
Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems.
Identify one or two serious ones and suggest ways that governments and
individuals can tackle these problems.
Many countries of the world are currently experiencing problems caused by
rapidly growing populations in urban areas, and both governments and
individuals have a duty to find ways to overcome these problems.
Overpopulation can lead to overcrowding and poor quality housing in many
large cities. Poorly heated or damp housing could cause significant health
problems, resulting in illness, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Another serious
consequence of overcrowding is a rising crime rate as poor living conditions
may lead young people in particular to take desperate measures and turn to crime
or drugs.
In terms of solutions, I believe the government should be largely responsible.
Firstly, it is vital that the state provides essential housing and healthcare for all its
citizens. Secondly, setting up community projects to help foster more community
spirit and help keep young people off the street is a good idea. For example, youth
clubs or evening classes for teenagers would keep them occupied. Finally, more
effective policing of inner city areas would also be beneficial. Naturally,
individuals should also act responsibly to address these problems, and the
motivation to do this would hopefully arise if the measures described above are
put into place by the government. This is because it will encourage people to
have more pride in their own community and improve the situation.
Sample essay 70
The percentage of overweight children in western society has increased by
almost 20% in the last ten years.
Discuss the causes and effects of this disturbing trend.
Over the last ten years, western societies have seen close to a 20% rise in the
number of children who are overweight. This essay will discuss some reasons
why this has occurred and examine the consequences of this worrying trend.
The main cause of this problem is poor diet. Over the last decade there has been
a prolific increase in the number of fast food restaurants. For example, on nearly
every high street there is a MacDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut.
The food in these places has been proven to be very unhealthy, and much of the
advertising is targeted at children, thus ensuring that they constitute the bulk of
the customers of these establishments. However, it is not only due to eating out,
but also the type of diet many children have at home. A lot of food consumed is
processed food, especially with regards to ready-made meals which are a quick
and easy option for parents who are working hard.
The effects of this have been and will continue to be very serious. Firstly, there
has been a large increase in health related diseases amongst children, especially
diabetes. This debilitating illness means a child has to be injected with insulin
Sample essay 71
As people live longer and longer, the idea of cloning human beings in order
to provide spare parts is becoming a reality. The idea horrifies most people,
yet it is no longer mere science fiction.
To what extent do you agree with such a procedure? Have you any
reservations?
The cloning of animals has been occurring for a number of years now, and this
has now opened up the possibility of cloning humans too. Although there are clear
benefits to humankind of cloning to provide spare body parts, I believe it raises a
number of worrying ethical issues.
Due to breakthroughs in medical science and improved diets, people are living
much longer than in the past. This, though, has brought with it problems. As
people age, their organs can fail so they need replacing. If humans were cloned,
their organs could then be used to replace those of sick people. It is currently the
case that there are often not enough organ donors around to fulfil this need, so
cloning humans would overcome the issue as there would then be a ready supply.
However, for good reasons, many people view this as a worrying development.
Sample essay 72
Maintaining public libraries is a waste of money since computer technology
can replace their functions. Do you agree or disagree?
Today, computer technology is becoming more and more advanced. Many people
think that it is wasteful to spend money on maintaining public libraries because
most of their functions can be replaced with computer technology. However, I
firmly believe that libraries should never be disregarded by our society. On one
hand, the development of computer science has brought about lots of benefits to
our lives. Anyone could obtain and store a great amount of information online
easily instead of going to public libraries to search for them. People can also read
books on the move with their mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads, and so on.
Furthermore, people do not have to remember the deadline to return the books.
On the other hand, public libraries still have several advantages over the Internet.
First, a library always plays an important role as a reliable learning resource.
Individuals could get access to sufficient data for their studies when they use
Sample essay 73
In today’s world of advanced science and technology, we still greatly value
our artists such as musicians, painters, and writers. What can the arts tell us
about life that science and technology cannot?
Today, science and technology have a great impact on the whole world in all
aspects. However, the role of artists is also undeniable thanks to their contribution
to society.
There are many things that artists can tell us about life that science and
technology are not able to. To begin with, language, which is surprisingly a
branch of art, gives people the sense of humanity, and differentiates human
beings from animals. Furthermore, artists can boost our emotions and change
our feelings with their artworks. For example, lots of Beethoven’s fans feel
relieved and motivated when they listen to his masterpieces.
Another field in which we learn from art is related to culture and history. Many
countries show their history through a piece of painting or the way that people
perform their traditional dances in unique costumes. For instance, “Dong Ho”
paintings depict not only the daily life of Vietnamese people a hundred years ago
Sample essay 74
Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to
a successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight
after school.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Today, a lot of teenagers find it difficult to choose between getting a job or
continuing their education after graduating from high school. Even though there
are some benefits of working straight after school, I believe that going to college
or university is the better option.
There are several reasons why people believe that getting a job is the better
choice. First, if people start to work at the age of 18, they could earn money on
their own and be able to live independently without their parents’ financial
support. In fact, many students in Western countries tend to find a job after high
school to afford their living. Second, people who choose to start their career early
instead of going to university or college can have more opportunities to gain real
experience and learn exclusive skills for their jobs. Therefore, this may bring out
Sample essay 75
Parents often give children everything they ask for and do what they like. Is
it good for children? What are the consequences when they grow up?
Modern parents are giving into children’s demands and buying them all the latest
toys and gadgets. I would argue that on no account can this parenting style bring
any benefits for kids in the long run. Worse still, this negative education would
cause detrimental consequences when they reach adulthood.
First, over-indulgence can be harmful to young children, both socially and
developmentally. When kids are provided with the latest must-have items, they
Sample essay 76
Everyone should stay at school until 18. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
It is said that all children should continue schooling until the age of eighteen.
While this policy may prove to be beneficial to a certain extent, I hold the view
that it is not fit for all.
To begin with, there are a number of apparent reasons for keeping school leaving
the age of eighteen. First, it is of paramount importance to equip youngsters
with fundamental life skills and knowledge so that they can enter the workforce
as highly-qualified candidates. Working at an early age, albeit providing
valuable hands-on experience, is likely to deter kids from pursuing higher
education. In fact, without the proper education and training, rarely could children
under eighteen make the right career decisions as well as possess appropriate skill
sets to negotiate a higher base salary. Moreover, teenage years are theoretical
milestones of adolescents’ development in shaping their personality traits. Thus,
only by staying in education under the guidance and orientation of adults could
young people grasp moral behaviours and become law-abiding citizens.
On the other hand, I strongly believe that not all children are obliged to attend a
school until eighteen. A notable exception is for those with poor academic
performance. There are multiple cases of successful entrepreneurs who dropout
of school, yet managed to establish a thriving business without any formal
education background. In other words, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to
learning. Some individuals would learn best through direct contacts with real life
circumstances. In addition, gifted kids with special talents should be noticed and
nurtured in a different training course to boost their innate ability to the fullest.
For example, a girl bestowed with a great voice should spend time on practicing
singing skills so that her talent can prosper instead of learning subjects which are
not her forte.
In short, compulsory education until the age of eighteen is acceptable since
children in teenage years still lack intellectual and emotional maturity. However,
Sample essay 77
Writing, reading and maths are the three major subjects. Some people think
that computer skill should be added as a fourth subject. What extent do you
agree or disagree?
It is argued that computer skills should be added to the school curriculum
alongside traditional core subjects, namely writing, reading and maths. I strongly
agree with this view for the following reasons.
First, reading skill is of paramount importance to a child’s success. The
comprehension of written words equip an individual with the ability to
Sample essay 78
Students leave high school without learning how to manage their money.
What are the reasons and solutions of this issue?
High school students are studying literature, chemistry and world history;
however, most are not learning fundamental money lessons to help them
financially navigate the real world. Parents’ lack of financial knowledge and
negligence towards the matter are the biggest culprits; thus, several measures
need to be taken to tackle those heightened concerns.
On the one hand, regardless of the fact that an overwhelming majority of teens
desire more financial education, neither parents nor educational institutions are
paying proper attention to financial literacy. It is said that a number of high
schools are doing the bare minimum to equip students with the required skills for
money management. In other words, state governments are focused on teaching
the core subjects of Maths and English that personal finance often gets
overlooked. In addition, parents today are not confident in their abilities to teach
their kids about money management. Sadly enough, many parents have not
learned critical financial values themselves; hence, they may be passing bad
financial habits to their kids.
In essence, most teenagers lack personal money management skills as no one
around them talks about it. Therefore, it is vital for parents to use financial
hardships and strained budgets as an opportunity to talk about finances and teach
kids about managing money around the dinner table. Teenage kids should also be
included in budget planning through a weekly or monthly allowance. Another
Sample essay 79
Students learn far more with their teachers than other sources (internet or
television), To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The dominance of Internet technology has brought about drastic changes in
almost every aspect of our life, including education. While some people argue
that teachers remain the most important factor contributing to student
achievement, I am more convinced that students can gain more knowledge
through novel learning sources such as the Internet or television.
To start with, regarded as the global data warehouse, the Internet offers an
enormous amount of knowledge for just about every subject known to man,
ranging from arts, history to archeology and astronomy, the list is simply endless.
Thanks to the usefulness of the information available, motivated self-learners
can access a wealth of material straight from respectable university sources.
Sample essay 80
In many countries, children are becoming overweight and unhealthy. Some
people think that this is the responsibility of governments to solve the
problem. What extent do you agree or disagree?
In recent years, obesity has become one of the most serious health problems
among people of all ages, especially children. Although there are people who
Sample essay 81
People should look after their health for personal benefits, rather than a duty
for a society. What extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample essay 82
Some people think that good health is very important to every person, so
medical service should not be run by profit-making companies. Do the
advantages of private health care outweigh the disadvantages?
In the hectic modern-day life, staying physically and mentally healthy is of
paramount importance. While some people argue that medical care should be
provided by private entities, I believe that the dominance of private hospitals and
clinics pose more threats than benefits.
To begin with, the private sector is supposedly more efficient and responsive to
patients’ needs because of market competition. In order to gain widespread
popularity, private practices would employ well-qualified personnel and top-
notch treatment facilities, attracting and retaining patients with competitive
services. Consequently, by virtue of high-quality medical care and favourable
staff’s attitude, patients often choose to bypass free public clinics and opt for
private doctors. Another argument in support of private services is the relatively
substantial funding compared to public ones. Bountiful financial resources
would eventually result in research findings on medicine and treatment for acute
health problems, from which patients are intended beneficiaries.
On the other hand, advocates of public sectors have highlighted inequities in
access to health care resulting from the inability of the poor to pay for private
services. There have been cases of private healthcare institutions charging
exorbitant fees for medical treatments. Sadly though, the government has little
control over the quality and the amount private hospitals and clinics charge the
patients. In this situation, citizens are left at the whim of healthcare providers who
are mostly driven by profit motives, rather than serving the ailing mankind.
Furthermore, there are also moral and ethical issues regarding doctors and nursing
staff in the private sector. Some physicians would prescribe brand-name
medications based on the commissions from pharmaceutical companies.
Sample essay 83
In some countries, children are becoming overweight and unhealthy. Some
people think that it is the responsibility of governments to solve the problem.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health threats in modern day
society. While some people say that the government should hold the
responsibility for tackling the problem, I strongly believe that collective actions
of individuals and the authorities are needed to combat the childhood obesity
crisis.
First, advocates of the former argument would point out that it is the duty of the
government to ensure healthy communities and address public health concerns
including the childhood obesity epidemic. For instance, they should initiate
several strategies aimed at increasing habitual physical activity and sports
Sample essay 84
It is difficult for people in the cities to get enough physical exercise. What are
the causes and solutions?
Sample essay 85
Explain some of the ways in which humans are damaging the environment.
What can governments do to address these problems? What can individual
people do?
Since several environmental problems have been caused by humans’ forces,
we need to act responsibly to reduce the damage that we are doing to the Earth.
This essay will explain environmental problems and what governments and
individuals can do to address these problems.
Two of the threats to the environment are air pollution and waste. Global
warming, which is well-known as a global issue because of its devastating
effect on the environment, is a result of gas emissions from factories and exhaust
fumes from vehicles. In addition, the increase in human population comes along
with a huge quantity of waste, which contaminates the Earth and pollutes rivers
and oceans.
On one hand, governments could reduce air pollution in many ways. First, they
could introduce laws to put a limit on factories’ gas emissions or force companies
to use renewable energy in production. Second, they could also innovate the
public transport system to become more convenient and greener. By this way,
governments can encourage people to take public transport instead of driving,
therefore reducing emissions.
On the other hand, individuals should also be responsible for lowering pollution
levels in their surroundings. They can take buses and subways or other means of
public transportation rather than driving, which could reduce the amount of
exhaust fumes from vehicles. Also, people should purchase reusable products and
recycle as much as possible to avoid releasing too much waste. For example,
Sample essay 86
Some people say that it is possible for a country to be both economically
successful and have a clean environment. Others disagree. Discuss both
views and give your opinion.
Sustainable development has gradually become a growing concern on a global
scale. While some people believe that balancing economic growth and
environment protection is nearly impractical, I am more convinced of the
opposite views for the following reasons.
First, it is common for the society to be induced to think that economic progress
is associated with pollutant emission growth and depletable resource
consumption. For instance, accelerating urbanization, despite being an
important instrument for economic development, is one of the driving forces
behind the loss of agricultural land. As a result, not only natural habitats that are
home to wildlife are endangered but also arable land is shrinking due to urban
expansion. In addition, exhaust emissions from manufacturing factories,
consisting of harmful particles suspended in the air as well as heavier materials
Sample essay 87
The animal species are becoming extinct due to human activities on land and
in sea. What are the reasons and solutions?
Sample essay 88
Solving environmental problems should be the responsibility of an
international organization rather than each national government. Do you
agree or disagree?
People hold different views about how to cope with environmental problems.
While some people argue that it is the duty of an international organization, rather
than a single country, to solve environment-related issues, I believe that both
parties/ sides should join hands in solving this problem.
On the one hand, many countries may share the same environmental concerns;
however, they stem from various causes. Therefore, each nation should
implement different policies and measures to address the problem. For example,
over-exploitation of natural resources and deforestation are identified as the
biggest culprit for desertification in the USA; whereas, the growing rate of
desertified land in China has been mainly caused by rapid urbanization. In
addition, the priority regarding environmental issues is also varied in each
country, calling for different approaches and strategies to tackle the problem. To
illustrate, in emerging economies such as Vietnam, reducing the worrying level
of air pollution from industrial activities is of highest priority.
On the other hand, the problems that each government is experiencing are indeed
interconnected, hence, concerted efforts by all nations are necessary. Thus,
international organizations such as the United Nations play a vital role in
promoting and coordinating global action to reduce carbon footprint and curb
the global warming threat. Furthermore, wealthy countries should provide
financial and technological support for poor nations in the fight against green
issues, since the detrimental effects of environmental problems could spread
beyond national borders. In other words, an international effort is needed to yield
an efficient environment protection scheme.
Sample essay 89
Nowadays in many countries more and more people are spending their time
away from their families. Why is this? What are the effects on themselves
and on their families?
In modern life, there are more and more people spending less time with their
family. This essay will examine the major causes and possible influences of this
phenomenon.
To begin with, there are several explanations that are worth mentioning about this
issue. The first reason is that due to the fast pace of modern life, people are now
living a busier one and devoting an increasing amount of time to work. It is
increasingly common that people tend to lose the balance between family and
clerical work since they usually spend more time at work and do not come home
until late at night. For example, due to the heavy workload many workers have to
work more than 10 hours a day, and sometimes they are required to work during
weekends or overnight to meet the deadline. The rapid development of social
media is the second reason for this trend. That parents and children stay together
Sample essay 90
Nowadays young people spend too much of their free time in shopping malls.
Some people fear that this may have negative effects on young people and
the society they live in. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample essay 91
The increase in people's life expectancy means that they have to work older
to pay for their retirement. One alternative is that people start to work at a
younger age. Is this alternative a positive or negative development?
Humans in general are experiencing a longer life expectancy, which leads to an
overwhelming number of people continuing to work after the legal retirement
age. Whereas, others opt for entering the workforce at an earlier age, and from
my perspective, this is a negative development.
First, choosing a career path - and the appropriate university courses for that
profession - is a decision of paramount importance. Contrary to popular belief,
landing on a job while studying - be it a part-time job or an apprenticeship, could
easily distract youngsters from fulfilling their duties at school. In essence, in the
current climate of obsession with early success, one is put under intense pressure
to become successful artists, entrepreneurs and startup CEOs before the age 25,
enjoying retirement with a generous income. That being said, that chilling reality
could be a pipe dream for most. In fact, many well-paid jobs, such as doctors or
lawyers, require a multi-year commitment to a long training course which can
take up to 6 years or more, and thus, are not suitable for those who start working
too early, yet lack formal education.
On the other hand, there is mounting evidence that many elderly people are
physically and mentally fit to stay in work until their 70s. I believe that people
who remain in paid employment past retirement age or involved in community or
voluntary work improve their chances of staying healthier for longer. Continuing
to have a routine and going into a place of work each day can prevent the sense
of loneliness that could come with retirement. Furthermore, by engaging in active
employment, two problems are solved: the pension and the retirement savings
crisis. Financial independence is the ultimate goal that everyone would pursue
in order to live comfortably in older age.
In short, the youth-obsessed culture has caused young people to take career
decisions earlier than previous generations. However, working past retirement
Sample essay 92
People think that children nowadays have more freedom. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?
Freedom is an abstract concept that cannot be adequately measured on any
physical scales. However, many people incline to the view that children these
days enjoy a more liberal life than previous generations. My opinion is utterly
opposed on this issue for the following reasons.
One of the arguments put forth in support of the former statement is that the
digital age presents an unparalleled opportunity for kids to gain access to a
tremendous amount of information without geographical barriers. Ironically, the
advent of the Internet is more of a mixed blessing. Indeed, the obvious merits of
the world wide web cannot overshadow a worrying tendency of that growing
addiction to electrical gadgets such as laptops, tablets or smartphones. Therefore,
early exposure to the virtual world ended up erecting invisible boundaries,
inducing kids’ estrangement from actual human interactions.
On the other hand, amidst a modern-day hectic world, there is an inordinate
amount of pressure on young people to become successful artists, entrepreneurs
or startup CEOs before the age of 30. Consequently, parents would compel their
Sample essay 93
The users of social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, are replacing face-to-
face contact in this century. Do you think the advantages of this way
outweigh the disadvantages?
In the era of information technology, the advent of social media websites such as
Facebook and Twitter has gradually become a substitute for face-to-face
communication. From my perspective, this growing trend offers more
drawbacks than benefits in the long term.
Sample essay 94
Improvements in health, education and trade are essential for the
development of poorer nations. However, the governments of richer nations
should take more responsibility for helping the poorer nations in such areas.
Discuss these views and give your own opinion.
Sample essay 95
Even though globalization affects the world's economies in a positive way, its
negative side should not be forgotten.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
In the present age, globalization is playing an increasingly important role in our
lives. But in the meantime whether it is a blessing or a curse has sparked much
debate. Some people argue that globalization has a fundamentally beneficial
influence on our lives while many others contend that it has detrimental effects
as well.
Convincing argument can be made that globalization not only plays a pivotal
role in the development of technology and economy, but also promotes the
exchange of cultures between different countries. To start with, it is
globalization that impelled many corporations to become an international group,
thereby making contributions to local technology and employment. Specifically,
when a multinational group establishes a factory in a developing country, the new
equipment, the new management skill and the job vacancies are all in the best
interest of local society. Moreover, people worldwide can know each other better
through globalization.
Admittedly, profit-driven globalization severely affected the young people.
Today, in the metropolises in different countries, it is a very common sight that
teenagers are wearing NIKE T-shirts and Adidas footwear, playing Hip-hop
music with Apple Ipods and having KFC. The culture that took a thousand years
to form just seems similar in these cities; it looks like you can only distinguish
them by their language. Meanwhile, in some developing countries, the existence
Sample essay 96
Some people think that people who choose a job early and keep doing it are
more likely to get a satisfying career life than those who frequently change
jobs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is argued that those who make early career choices and stick to it would
probably experience greater job satisfaction than job-hoppers. I strongly
disagree with these statements for the following reasons.
First, the pursuit of a career path for an extended period of time would ensure
financial stability, resulting in greater satisfaction. The interval between the last
interview and a job offer or rejection can be intensely frustrating for every
candidate. Job search fatigue can wear anyone down with the endless rounds of
leads and interviews that never seem to go anywhere. In addition to a steady
paycheck, holding down a job for years is a manifestation of loyalty and
commitment. From an employer’s perspective, these are significant indicators of
promotion among current staff. To a certain extent, the length of employment is
Sample essay 97
Sample essay 98
People should look after their health for personal benefits, rather than a duty
for a society. What extent do you agree or disagree?
In the hectic modern-day life, people are increasingly leaning towards a healthier
lifestyle. However, whether being health-conscious is for the sake of one
individual or for the benefit of society at large is open to debate. In my opinion, I
reckon that not only staying healthy would do good to oneself but it also indicates
the duty of every citizen.
To begin with, one’s mental and physical condition is inextricably linked to their
life quality. In essence, those who maintain a good overall health are capable of
performing their tasks more effectively than physically weaker counterparts. In
other words, a person’s well-being at the grass-roots level provides the foundation
for building wealth and reaching desirable financial status. Additionally, a
disease-free body allows people to live life to the fullest, experiencing what life
has to offer around you. To illustrate this, one can not participate in extreme sports
such as bungee jumping or skydiving if their fitness level is not qualified.
On the other hand, each citizen should consider taking care of their health a
responsibility to sustain communal health. Take the outbreak of EBOLA and
SARS as a vivid illustration of a single patient infecting a disproportionate
number of contacts. This is an important wake-up call for ignorant members in
every community. In order to prevent and control the super spreading of emerging
viruses, concerted effort of the authority and each inhabitant of great importance.
Furthermore, a strong and healthy labour force plays a pivotal role in the
economic growth of a nation. Consequently, a thriving country with a steadily
rising budget would allocate necessary resources to improve the welfare system,
ensuring equal access to quality health care to all.
Sample essay 99
Parents often give children everything they ask for and do what they like. Is
it good for children? What are the consequences when they grow up?
Modern parents are giving into children’s demands and buying them all the
latest toys and gadgets. I would argue that on no account can this parenting style
bring any benefits for kids in the long run. Worse still, this negative education
would cause detrimental consequences when they reach adulthood.
First, over-indulgence can be harmful to young children, both socially and
developmentally. When kids are provided with the latest must-have items, they
are less likely to grasp the notion of sharing or appreciation for their parents’
affection. Eventually, they interpret negative behaviours such as whining or
begging as a way to manipulate others. In addition, little do the young ones
comprehend the value of hard- earned money if adults keep showering them
in spending splurges. Consequently, spoilt kids can become insensitive to the