Sample IELTS Writing Task 2

1. Using a computer every day can have more negative than positive
effects on your children.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.
model answer:
I tend to agree that young children can be negatively affected by too much time spent on the
computer every day. This is partly because sitting in front of a screen for too long can be damaging
to both the eyes and the physical posture of a young child, regardless of what they are using the
computer for.
However, the main concern is about the type of computer activities that attract children. These are
often electronic games that tend to be very intense and rather violent. The player is usually the
‘hero’ of the game and too much exposure can encourage children to be self-centred and
insensitive to others.
Even when children use a computer for other purposes, such as getting information or emailing
friends, it is no substitute for human interaction. Spending time with other children and sharing
non virtual experiences is an important part of a child's development that cannot be provided by a
computer.
In spite of this, the obvious benefits of computer skills for young children cannot be denied. Their
adult world will be changing constantly in terms of technology and the Internet is the key to all the
knowledge and information available in the world today. Therefore it is important that children
learn at an early age to use the equipment enthusiastically and with confidence as they will need
these skills throughout their studies and working lives.
I think the main point is to make sure that young children do not overuse computers. Parents must
ensure that their children learn to enjoy other kinds of activity and not simply sit at home, learning
to live in a virtual world.

2. Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money
than people in other important professions.
Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
experience.
model answer:
As a result of constant media attention, sports professionals in my country have become stars and
celebrities, and those at the top are paid huge salaries. Just like movie stars, they live extravagant
lifestyles with huge houses and cars.
Many people find their rewards unfair, especially when comparing these super salaries with those
of top surgeons or research scientists, or even leading politicians who have the responsibility of
governing the country. However, sports salaries are not determined by considering the contribution
to society a person makes, or the level of responsibility he or she holds. Instead, they reflect the
public popularity of sport in general and the level of public support that successful stars can
generate. So the notion of ‘fairness’ is not the issue.
Those who feel that sports stars’ salaries are justified might argue that the number of professionals
with real talent are very few, and the money is a recognition of the skills and dedication a person
needs to be successful. Competition is constant and a player is tested every time they perform in
their relatively short career. The pressure from the media is intense and there is little privacy out of
the spotlight. So all of these factors may justify the huge earnings.
Personally, I think that the amount of money such sports stars make is more justified than the huge
earnings of movie stars, but at the same time, it indicates that our society places more value on
sport than on more essential professions and achievements.
3. If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what
would you

Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own change?
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.g
model answer:
If I could change one thing about my hometown, I think it would be the fact that there’s no sense
of community here. People don’t feel connected, they don’t look out for each other, and they don’t
get to know their neighbors.
People come and go a lot here. They change jobs frequently and move on. This means that they
don’t put down roots in the community. They don’t join community organizations and they’re not
willing to get involved in trying to improve the quality of life. If someone has a petition to put in a
new street light, she has a very hard time getting a lot of people to sign. They don’t feel it has
anything to do with them. They don’t get involved in improving the schools because they don’t
think the quality of education is important to their lives. They don’t see the connection between
themselves and the rest of their community.
People don’t try to support others around them. They don’t keep a friendly eye on their children, or
check in on older folks if they don’t see them for a few days. They’re not aware when people
around them may be going through a hard time. For example, they may not know if a neighbor
loses a loved one. There’s not a lot of community support for individuals.
Neighbors don’t get to know each other. Again, this is because people come and go within a few
years. So when neighbors go on vacation, no one is keeping an eye on their house. No one is
making sure nothing suspicious is going on there, like lights in the middle of the night. When
neighbors’ children are cutting across someone’s lawn on their bikes, there’s no friendly way of
casually mentioning the problem. People immediately act as if it’s a major property disagreement.
My hometown is a nice place to live in many ways, but it would be much nice if we had that sense
of community.
4. A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near
your community.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on
your community. Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your
position.
experience.

model answer:
New factories often bring many good things to a community, such as jobs and increased
prosperity. However, in my opinion, the benefits of having a factory are outweighed by the risks.
That is why I oppose the plan to build a factory near my community.
I believe that this city would be harmed by a large factory. In particular, a factory would destroy
the quality of the air and water in town. Factories bring smog and pollution. In the long run, the
environment will be hurt and people’s health will be affected. Having a factory is not worth that
rise.
Of course, more jobs will be created by the factory. Our population will grow. To accommodate
more workers, more homes and stores will be needed. Do we really want this much growth, so
fast? If our town is going in growth, I would prefer slow growth with good planning. I don’t want
to see rows of cheaply constructed townhouses. Our quality of life must be considered.
I believe that this growth will change our city too much. I love my hometown because it is a safe,
small town. It is also easy to travel here. If we must expand to hold new citizens, the small-town
feel will be gone. I mould miss that greatly.
A factory would be helpful in some ways. However, I feel that the dangers are greater than the
benefits. I cannot support a plan to build a factory here, and hope that others feel the same way.
5. It has been said, “Not every thing that is learned is contained in
books.”
Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with
knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more
important? Why?
experience.
model answer:
“Experience is the best teacher” is an old cliché, but I agree with it. The most important, and
sometimes the hardest, lessons we learn in life come from our participation in situations. You can’
learn everything from a book.
Of course, learning from books in a formal educational setting is also valuable. It’s in schools that

we learn the information we need to function in our society. We learn how to speak and write and
understand mathematical equations. This is all information that we need to live in our communities
and earn a living.
Nevertheless, I think that the most important lessons can’t be taught; they have to be experienced.
No one can teach us how to get along with others or how to have self-respect. As we grow from
children into teenagers, no one can teach us how to deal with peer pressure. As we leave
adolescence behind and enter adult life, no one can teach us how to fall in love and get married.
This shouldn’t stop us from looking for guidelines along the way. Teachers and parents are
valuable sources of advice when we’re young. As we enter into new stages in our lives, the advice
we receive from them is very helpful because they have already bad similar experiences. But
experiencing our own triumphs and disasters is really the only way to learn how to deal with life.
6. Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change
improved the way people live?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
experience.
model answer:
The twentieth century has brought with it many advances. With those advances, human lives have
changed dramatically. In some ways life is worse, but mostly it is better. Changes in food
preparation methods, for example, have improved our lives greatly.
The convenience of preparing food today is amazing. Even stoves have gotten too slow for us.
Microwave cooking is much easier. We can press a few buttons and a meal is completely cooked
in just a short time. People used to spend hours preparing an oven-cooked meal, and now they can
use that time for other, better things. Plus, there are all kinds of portable, prepackaged foods we
can buy. Heat them in the office microwave, and lunch at work is quick and easy.
Food preparation today allows for more variety. With refrigerators and freezers, we can preserve a
lot of different foods in our homes. Since technology makes cooking so much faster, people are
willing to make several dishes for even a small meal. Parents are more likely to let children be
picky, now that they can easily heat them up some prepackaged macaroni and cheese on the side.
Needless to say, adults living in the same house may have very different eating habits as well. If
they don’t want to cook a lot of different dishes, it’s common now to eat out at restaurants several
times a week.

Healthful eating is also easier than ever now. When people cook, they use new fat substitutes and
cooking sprays to cut fat and calories. This reduces the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.
Additionally, we can buy fruits and vegetable fresh, frozen or canned. They are easy to prepare, so
many of us eat more of those nutritious items daily. A hundred years ago, you couldn’t imagine the
process of taking some frozen fruit and ice from the freezer, adding some low-fat yogurt from a
plastic cup and some juice from a can in the refrigerator, and whipping up a low-fat smoothie in
the blender!
Our lifestyle is fast, but people still like good food. What new food preparation technology has
given us is more choices. Today, we can prepare food that is more convenient, healthier, and of
greater variety than ever before in history.
7. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are
the best teachers.
experience.
model answer:
Throughout my life, I have been lucky enough to have a very good relationship with my parents.
They have supported me, given me necessary criticism, and taught me a great deal about how to
live my life. Parents can be very important teachers in our lives; however, they are not always the
best teachers.
Parents may be too close to their children emotionally. Sometimes they can only see their children
though the eyes of a protector. For example, they may limit a child’s freedom in the name of
safety. A teacher might see a trip to a big city as a valuable new experience. However, it might
seem too dangerous to a parent.
Another problem is that parents may expect their children’s interests to be similar to their own.
They can’t seem to separate from their children in their mind. If they love science, they may try to
force their child to love science too. But what if their child’s true love is art, or writing, or car
repair?
Parents are usually eager to pass on their value to their children. But should children always
believe what their parents do? Maybe different generations need different ways of thinking. When
children are young, they believe that their parents are always rights. But when they get older, they
realize there are other views. Sometimes parents, especially older ones, can’t keep up with rapid
social or technology changes. A student who has friends of all different races and backgrounds at
school may find that her parents don’t really understand or value the digital revolution. Sometimes
kids have to find their own ways to what they believe in.

The most important thing to realize is that we all have many teachers in our lives. Our parents
teach us, our teachers teach us, and our peers teach us. Books and newspapers and television also
teach us. All of them are valuable.
8. People attend college or university for many different reasons (for
example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge).
Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific
reasons and examples to support your answer.
experience.
model answer:
People attend colleges or universities for a lot of different reasons. I believe that the three most
common reasons are to prepare for a career, to have new experiences, and to increase their
knowledge of themselves and the world around them.
Career preparation is becoming more and more important to young people. For many, this is the
primary reason to go to college. They know that the job market is competitive. At college, they can
learn new skill for careers with a lot of opportunities. This means careers, such as information
technology, that are expected to need a large workforce in the coming years.
Also, students go to colleges and universities to have new experiences. This often means having
the opportunity to meet people different from those in their hometowns. For most students, going
to college is the first time they’ve been away from home by themselves. In additions, this is the
first time they’ve had to make decisions on their own. Making these decisions increases their
knowledge of themselves.
Besides looking for self-knowledge, people also attend a university or college to expand their
knowledge in subjects they find interesting. For many, this will be their last chance for a long time
to learn about something that doesn’t relate to their career.
I would recommend that people not be so focused on a career. They should go to college to have
new experiences and learn about themselves and the world they live in.

9. In many countries today, the eating habits and lifestyle of children are
different from those of previous generations. Some people say this has
had a negative effect on their health.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
experience.
model answer:
It has recently been suggested that the way children eat and live nowadays has led to a
deterioration in their health. I entirely agree with this view, and believe that this alarming situation
has come about for several reasons.
To begin with, there is the worrying increase in the amount of processed food that children are
eating at home, with little or none of the fresh fruit and vegetables that earlier generations ate
every day. Secondly, more and more young people are choosing to eat in fast-food restaurants,
which may be harmless occasionally, but not every day. What they eat there is extremely high in
fat, salt and sugar, all of which can be damaging to their health.
There is also a disturbing decline in the amount of exercise they get. Schools have become
obsessed with exams, with the shocking result that some pupils now do no sports at all. To make
matters worse, few even get any exercise on the way to and from school, as most of them go in
their parents’ cars rather than walk or cycle. Finally, children are spending far more time at home,
playing computer games, watching TV or surfing the Internet. They no longer play outside with
friends or take part in challenging outdoor activities.
To sum up, although none of these changes could, on its own, have caused widespread harm to
children’s health, there can be little doubt that all of them together have had a devastating effect.
This, in my opinion, can only be reversed by encouraging children to return to move traditional
ways of eating and living.
10. The number of overweight children in developed countries is
increasing. Some people think this is due to problems such as the
growing number of fast food outlets. Others believe that parents are to
blame for not looking after their children's health.
To what extent do you agree with these views?

experience.
model answer:
There is plenty of evidence to suggest that children are overweight and the situation is getting
worse, according to the medical experts. I feel there are a number of reasons for this.
Some people blame the fact that we are surrounded by shops selling unhealthy, fatty foods such as
chips and fried chicken, at low prices. This has created a whole generation of adults who have
never cooked a meal for themselves. If there were fewer of these restaurants, then children would
not be tempted to buy take-away food.
There is another argument that blames the parents for allowing their children to become
overweight. I tend to agree with this view, because good eating habits begin early in life, long
before children start to visit fast food outlets. If children are given chips and chocolate rather than
nourishing food, or are always allowed to choose what they eat, they will go for the sweet and
salty foods every time, and this will carry on throughout their lives.
There is a third factor, however, which contributes to the situation. Children these days take very
little exercise. They do not walk to school. When they get home, they sit in front of the television
or their computers and play video games. Not only is this an unhealthy pastime, it also gives them
time to eat more junk food. What they need is to go outside and play active games or sport.
The two views discussed play an equal role in contributing to the problem, but I think we have to
encourage young people to be more active, as well as steering them away from fast food outlets
and bad eating habits. We need to have a balanced approach.
11. Nowadays we are producing more and more rubbish.
Why do you think this is happening?
What can governments do to help reduce the amount of rubbish
produced?
experience.
model answer:
I think it is true that in almost every country today each household and family produces a large
amount of waste every week. Most of this rubbish comes from the packaging from the things we
buy, such as processed food. But even if we buy fresh food without packaging, we still produce
rubbish from the plastic bags used everywhere to carry shopping home.

The reason why we have so much packaging is that we consume so much more on a daily basis
than families did in the past. Convenience is also very important in modern life, so we buy
packaging or canned food that can be transported from long distances and stored untill we need it,
first in the supermarket, and then at home.
However, I think the amount of waste produce is also a result of our tendency to use something
once and throw it away. We forget that even the cheapest plastic bag has used up valuable
resources and energy to produce. We also forget that it is a source of pollution and difficult to
dispose of.
I think, therefore, that governments need to raise this awareness in the general public. Children can
be educated about environmental issues at school, but adults need to take action. Governments can
encourage such action by putting taxes on packaging, such as plastic bags, by providing recycling
services and by thing households and shops that do not attempt to recycle their waste.
With the political will, such measures could really reduce the amount of rubbish we produce.
Certainly nobody wants to see our resources used up and our planet poisoned by waste.
12. Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things that
we really do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new
products that may improve our lives.
Which viewpoint do you agree with?
experience.
model answer:
The purpose of advertising is to tell the consumer about any new product or service or any new
promotion on the existing product and service. We need it so we can make good decisions when
we go shopping. Advertising tells us when new and improved products become available and lets
us know which ones have the best price.
Through advertising we learn about new products. For example, many grocery stores now sell
prepackaged lunches. These are very convenient for busy parents. They can give these lunches to
their children to take to school. Busy parents don’t have time to look at every item on the store
shelf, so without advertising they might not know about such a convenient new product.
Even products we are familiar with may be improved, and advertising lets us know about this.
Most people use cell phones, but new types of cell phone service become available all the time.

There are different plans that give you more hours to talk on the phone, you can send text
messages and photos, and next week probably some even newer type of service will be available.
By watching advertisements on TV it is easy to find out about new improvements to all kinds of
products.
Advertisements keep us informed about prices. Prices change all the time, but everyone can look at
the ads in the newspaper and see what the latest prices are. Advertisements also inform us about
sales. In fact, some people buy the newspaper only in order to check the prices and plan their
weekly shopping.
Advertisements improve our lives by keeping us informed about the latest products developments
and the best prices. Advertisements serve a useful purpose.
13. According to those in the travel business, the nature of the average
'holiday' is changing. Rather than seeking a relaxing break in a far-away
place, people now want exitement on their holidays and are keen to
participate in unusual and challenging activities.
You should write at least 250 words.
Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and
with relevant evidence.
model answer:
Holidays are important because they provide a break from our normal daily routine and from the
world of work. Traditionally, holidays have been seen as a time for relaxation and as an
opportunity to visit another country in order to find out about its geography and customs.
Nowadays, however, it seems that other types of holiday are becoming popular.
Some people want their holiday to be a kind of adventure, and find this more exciting than going to
the beach or visiting museums. On an adventure holiday, you may stay in quite basic
accommodation, rather than a luxurious hotel. Activities may involve things such as bush walking
or cycling, or may form part of an aid project designed to help communities in remote areas.
Holidays such as these are popular with people of all ages and can often help to promote tourism in
rural environments.
The increasing popularity of dangerous sports has also boosted the number of adventure holidays;
for example, water sports, mountain climbing or paragliding. These holidays are more popular
with the younger generation, as they can be both physically and mentally demanding. Participants
are often seeking the sort of thrills that they cannot get in ordinary life.
There is now greater awareness of the damaging effects of mass tourism and this may be one

reason for the changing nature of holidays. This can only be a good thing. But perhaps people are
also discovering that it is just as refreshing to take an active holiday, as it is to lie on a beach -
though that is still a question of personal preference.
14. In some countries, marriages are arranged by the parents but in
other cases, people choose their own marriage partner.
Discuss both systems.
model answer:
The idea that a marriage should be arranged by the parents of the couple, or by other members-of
the family, is quite acceptable to some societies, yet completely out of the question for others. It all
depends on your cultural expectations.
In so-called western societies, it is very unusual for marriages to be arranged. Most young people
would not welcome the idea that their parents have the right to choose their partner for life. They
feel that arranged marriages deny them their fundamental right to choose, even if they make a bad
decision.
However, if we are honest about it, we might acknowledge that some parents organise their
children's lives in such a way that they are likely to meet and marry partners the parents approve
o£ It could be said that this is, to some extent, similar to an arranged marriage. It is always better
when families support the relationship and welcome the grandchildren.
People for whom arranged marriages are the cultural norm often argue that the likelihood of the
marriage lasting is greater when it is set up in this manner. Parents can be assured that their
children are joining a family of similar standing and cultural background, and this, in the long run,
makes for a more stable society if your parents' marriage was arranged, and has worked well, then
why should you question the custom?
The important thing to ensure is that people are never forced into a marriage which will make them
unhappy or lead to an unequal relationship where one partner is exploited by the other. This
applies in all societies and situations.

15. People who have original ideas are of much greater value to society
than those who are simply able to copy the ideas of others well.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
model answer:
I certainly agree that people who come up with new ideas; in other words those who 'invent' or
'discover' things are terribly important to society as a whole. However, I also think there is a role in
society for good imitators.
No one would deny that key individuals must be thanked for providing us with certain facilities
that we use every day. Where, would we be, for example, without basic items such as the washing
machine, the television and, more recently, the computer? These items are now used so regularly
that we tend to take them for granted.
In fact, the society we live in today has become increasingly consumer-oriented, and while it may
be possible to constantly update and improve consumer goods, not everyone where I live can
afford the prices of these innovations. Furthermore not everyone lives in an area that has
accessibility to the latest models on the market. For this reason, there is a value to be placed on
being able to provide good copies of expensive items.
Having said that, certain innovations have a more serious impact on our lives than consumer goods
and cannot easily be replicated. Vital medicines like penicillin and vaccines against dangerous
diseases also exist because people made continual efforts to develop them. Scientific ideas such as
these enable us to live longer and escape illness.
16. Some people believe that computers are more a hindrance than a
help in today's world. Others feel that they are such indispensable tools
that they would not be able to live or work without them.
In what ways are computers a hindrance?
What is your opinion?

model answer:
The advanced `Mind machines' so called `the Computers' are no doubt the best products of latest
technology. One cannot imagine the advancement of life and Sciences without these machines.
But like other achievements; they have their own good and bad effects as seen with experience and
passage of time. In my opinion they are good if used for educational and beneficial uses for health
and living etc.
Basically twentieth century had been famous for its latest Computer techniques and their
application on our lives. Datas shown on Computers help us to assess how much education is
conducted through this media. The assessment ways as well as examinations are improved.
Moreover personal skills of reading and writing are far more improved through Computers.
Moreover Science and technology progressed immensely with computers. Researchers like cloning
and transplants are only possible with modern computerized skills.
Good question comes to ones mind ... where will this Computer would take us next?? Certainly no
one knows! We might explore new planners. May be we will buy houses on Moon, Mars or
Jupitor. Or we might loose our own identity. One cannot forget the end of 2000 millennium when
everybody was in chaos to think what will happen if the computers crash? The aeroplanes were
going to crash and the trains would colloid. That Show we are forced to think that one should not
be dependent on these machine after all we are humans. We are here to command computers not
them to order us.
17. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a car.
experience.
model answer:
Nowadays, as roads are becoming more and more crowded, people are considering both the
advantages and disadvantages of having a car before they buy one.
The main advantage of the car is that it gives the freedom to travel when and where you want,
without being limited to fixed routes and timetables. What is more, you can carry several
passengers and as much luggage as you like, at no extra cost. In addition to this, you can travel in
comfort in a car, with a seat to yourself and the possibility of comforts such as a music system and
air conditioning.
On the other hand, owning a car is very expensive. As well as the price of the car, the cost of tax,
insurance, petrol and repairs must also be considered before buying. Moreover, the increase in
traffic means that drivers are spending more and more time stuck in traffic jams. Perhaps the major
disadvantage of cars in general is the huge damage that they do to human life and to the

environment, and all motorists much accept that they are making a small contribution to this.
To sum up, provided you have access to an efficient public transport system, then buying and
running your own car could be considered an expensive luxury.
18. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of three of the following
as media for communicating information. State which you consider to
be the most effective.
comics
books
radio
television
film
theatre
experience.
model answer:
In our daily life, we always communicate information through the media, such as television, radio,
film, These media have different advantages and disadvantages for us. Now, I am going to
compare the advantages and disadvantages of books, television and film.
Books bring us different knowledge. It bases on what Book we read. A famous Chinese traditional
verse which described books is a treasure. We can find a golden house in there. Moreover, when
we want to read it, we can find it easily, such as bookstore, library. We can also learn a lot of
words from books. And it can improve our reading and writing skills.
However, books always are not attractive for children or youngster. It is because books are quite
boring. A lot of words and less pictures inside the books, compare to television, television has
pictures and sound, we don't have to read a lot of words in television. But some artist in television
programme or film, bring a bad image to us. Then some children or youngers will imitate their
behaviour. Some film also bring a wrong message to us, For example, they are always smoking in
films. It seems that smoking is good and smart. It caused many youngers imitate them smoking.
In conclusion, bookds, television and film have many advantages and disadvantages. I cannot write
all in here. And we have choose the media carefully.

19. Scientists and the news media are presenting ever more evidence of
climate change. Governmnets cannot be expected to solve this
problem. It is the responsibility of individuals to change their lifestyle to
prevent further damage.
What are your views?
experience.
model answer:
Recently scientists worried about climate change have urged governments to introduce measures to
reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are seen as its main cause. Simoultaneouslty, politicians
and environmentalists have urged individuals to make changes to their lifestyle. I shall argue that
governments and individuals should take join responsibility for this problem.
Firstly, industry accounts for a large proportion of the greenhouse gas emissions, and this can only
be controlled by government action. Measures could be taken to discourage pollution, such as
limiting or taxing the use of fossil fuels. Alternatively, subsidies could be offered to industries to
clean up their production processes. If these ideas were adopted, I believe that businesses would
regard pollution as a financial issue.
Secondly, only discussion between governments can ensure that solutions are successful. The
Kyoto agreement, for example, tried to reach global agreement on how to address the problem.
Without such co-operating, it seems to me that efforts to reduce fuel consumption are unlikely to
be effective.
However, national and international policies will only secceed if individuals also change their
lifestyle. For example, people could think more carefully about how they use energy in their
homes. By using less electricity, installing energy-efficient light bulbs and electrical appliances, or
investing in solar panels, individuals can make a real difference.
In addition, I think individual attitudes to transport need to change. Instead of making short tips by
car, people could choose to walk, cycle, or take a bus. Since cars are a major source of the
problem, changing our behaviour in this area would have a major impact.
In conclusion, I would maintain that only a combination of international agreement, national
policies, and changes in individual behaviour will succeed in preventing further damage to the
environment.

20. Children should never be educated at home by their parents. Do you
agree or disagree?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide
to do this.
model answer:
Nobody can say with confidence that children should be taught at home or at any children's
institutions. There are many different children and every one demand of education suitable only for
him.
But for most of children the best way of learning the life is being in the children's institutions.
Nobody would argue that contacts between children of the same age are very important for
bringing your child up. Such a contact is very important for playing, entertaining and learning
living with other people. The harmonious living with other people, to my mind, is the first task for
any man. Lack of this harmony sets problems and troubles.
The children need space to run and make noise, to jump and cry. Do you or your neighbours allow
these actions for your child? If you live in town, it is difficult to find a safe place to play.
Kindergartens give such a possibility. They give space, a lot of toys and constructions for physical
exercises. So, if you have bad living conditions, the kindergarten is the best way for you. But if
you have a large family with many children and enough space, you may keep your child at home.
You should be sure that the child feels, dressed and comfortable. His brothers and sisters give him
necessary contacts. It's noticed long ago that children in big families are much more easy-tempered
and calm. They are located in more harmonic world than others.
Sometimes differences in age put troubles in contacts between children in large families. Then it is
better for child to be sent to the kindergarten (school). But if quarrels don't last for a long time,
everything is all right. In general, quarrels develop ability to cooperate with people. They develop
a personal initiative and force setting the balance. In such a way the child gets lessons of life.
Addly, the quarrels often take place in kindergartens and schools and we shouldn't fear it.
Side by side with quarrels parents often are afraid of colds which happen in kindergartens more
frequently. Parents prefer keeping the child at home. But for a healthy child odd cold (if illness
occurs, it goes its normal course) can't make big harm to the child. And if the child is adaptable to
the conditions of public places earlier it would be better for him in future.
In general, I am a follower of the theory of keeping children in adapted places such as good
kindergartens. But keeping children in such a place can't replace family and home. Only together
they make harmonic and beautiful union.

21. Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have
much more influence on our personality and development than any
experiences we may have in our life.
Which do you consider to be the major influence?
experience.
model answer:
Today the way we consider human psychology and mental development is heavily influenced by
the genetic sciences. We now understand the importance of inherited characteristics more than
over before. Yet we are still unable to decide whether an individual’s personality and development
are more influenced by genetic factors (nature) or by the environment (nurture).
Research, relating to identical twins, has highlighted how significant inherited characteristics can
be for an individual's life. But whether these characteristics are able to develop within the
personality of an individual surely depends on whether the circumstances allow such a
development. It seems that the experiences we have in life are so unpredictable and so powerful,
that they can boost or over-ride other influences, and there seems to be plenty of research findings
to confirm this.
My own view is that there is no one major influence in a person's life. Instead, the traits we inherit
from our parents and the situation and experiences that we encounter in life are constantly
interacting. It is the interaction of the two that shapes a person's personality and dictates how that
personality develops. If this were not true, we would be able to predict the behavior and character
of a person from the moment they were born.
In conclusion, I do not think that either nature or nurture is the major influence on a person, but
that both have powerful effects. How these factors interact is still unknown today and they remain
largely unpredictable in a person’s life.
22. In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for
a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide
to do this.
model answer:

It is quite common these days for young people in many countries to have a break from studying
after graduating from high school. This trend is not restricted to rich students who have the money
to travel, but is also evident among poorer students who choose to work and become economically
independent for a period of time.
The reasons for this trend may involve the recognition that a young adult who passes directly from
school to university is rather restricted in terms of general knowledge and experience of the world.
By contrast, those who have spent some time earning a living or traveling to other places have a
broader view of life and better personal resources to draw on. They tend to be more independent,
which is a very important factor in academic study and research, as well as giving them an
advantage in terms of coping with the challenges of student life.
However, there are certainly dangers in taking time off at that important age. Young adults may
end up never returning to their studies or finding it difficult to readapt to an academic environment.
They may think that it is better to continue in a particular job, or to do something completely
different from a university course. But overall, I think this is less likely today, when academic
qualifications are essential for getting a reasonable career.
My view is that young people should be encouraged to broaden their horizons. That is the best way
for them to get a clear perspective of what they are hoping to do with their lives and why. Students
with such a perspective are usually the most effective and motivated ones and taking a year off
may be the best way to gain this.
23. By punishing murderers with the death penalty, society is also guilt
of committing murder. Therefore, life in prison is a better punishment
for murderers.
experience.
model answer: (Disagree)
I strongly support the death penalty for murderers. In today's society, life is very violent. There are
many mentally-ill people committing crimes and almost nothing will stop them. We have
interviewed captured criminals who say, "I was going to kill him, but I knew that I could get the
death penalty if I did. So I just left him there." Obviously, having the death penalty saves lives and
that makes a positive difference to society.

If a criminal does murder someone, and then gets the death penalty, that isn't society's fault.
Everyone knows about the death penalty as a punishment for murder. So, the person who murders
is really killing himself at the same time he is killing his victim. The murderer has made the choice
to die.
It is important to remember that the death penalty is used only for people who have committed
very serious crimes. For example, a woman shot a police officer when she was trying to escape
from jail. She was already a convicted criminal when she committed murder, and she deserves the
death penalty.
People need to accept responsibility for their actions. Punishing murderers with the death penalty
is one way that society can help people to realize/realise the consequences of their decisions.
model answer: (Agree)
"Do as I say, not as I do." This is what society tells us when it punishes murderers with the death
penalty. Society tells us that murder is wrong, and in our legal system, murder is against the law.
Yet we still see our society kill murderers, and thus we are committing murder ourselves. For this
reason, the death penalty should end, and instead murderers should be punished with life in prison.
Society needs to show a positive model of how our lives should be and how people should act. We
should always strive to improve our situation, to be at peace and in harmony with others. However,
when we kill murderers, we are not working to improve our society. Instead, we are stooping to the
criminals' level.
It makes me think about the revenge that came when playing games with my brothers. When we
were kids/children, my brother would take my toys, so I would hit him and take my toys back.
Then he would hit me harder and take the toys again. Thinking of the death penalty, I imagine a
murderer kills someone. Society takes revenge by killing the murderer. This leaves behind the
murderer's family and friends, who have tremendous anger inside of them, which they may release
onto society. The cycle of killing goes on and on.
Society should not condemn people who are taking the same action that society is taking. Society
tells us not to kill, and yet society kills when it exercises the death penalty. Because of this
contradiction, we should end the death penalty and instead punish murderers by sentencing them to
life in prison.
24. Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be
encouraged. Others believe that children who are taugh to co-operate
rather than compete become more useful adults.
experience.

model answer:
Nowadays, purpose of education being changed in Korea. There are some People who think that
competition in children should be made, also others believe that children who are taught to co-
operate as well as become more usefwl adults. There are advantages and disadvantages for both of
the arguments.
To begin with, what is good if a sense of competition m children is made? They could develope
themselves more and more as they learn and study a lot to win from the competitbn. To prove this,
in Korea, it is popular - even common now - to have a tutor who come to student's house to teach
extra pieces of study with paying a lot of money. They learn faster than what they learn at school.
Furthermore, during the vacations, students study abroad to learn English for a month instead of
revise school work. If they have experiments such as study abroad, it is one of the greatest plus
point to go to the famous well-known high-school. Moreover, there are four big school exam and
two national examinations to test students' level of studies. Generally, only the highest 40% can go
to the good quatrty highschools and colleges. Children learn as much as they can, to wim the
competition to obtain good quality schools.
On the other hand, as they are busy to enter the schools and study individually with their own
tutors, there are problems. They become selfish. They become careless and don't help others alot if
it is about studies. There will be no co-operations for them. Then, why are there companies for
many people to work in? Each of them are clever, however, there are weak parts and strong parts
for each person. To co-operate is to improve this part. People talk and listen to what others
thmking of and learn. That could also be a great opportunity to learn instead of learning alone with
one teacher.
In conclusion, I strongly agree with that children should be taught to co-operate rather than
compete. Nobody is perfect. People learn together, work together to develop each other. Therefore,
I want parents and teachers to educate children concentrating on co-operation, not compete and
ranking them.
25. Families who do not send their children to government-financed
schools should not be required to pay taxes that support universal
education.
model answer: (Disagree)
Families who do not send their children to public school should be required to pay taxes that
support public education.
Every child in my country is required to attend school and every child is welcome to enroll at
his/her local public school. Some families choose to send their children to other schools, and it is
their prerogative to do so. However, the public schools are used by the majority of our children and
must remain open for everyone. For example, my uncle sent his two children to a private academy
for primary school. Then he lost a huge amount of money through some poor investments and he
could no longer afford the private school's tuition. The children easily transferred to their local
public school and liked it even more than their academy. The public schools supported their family

when they had no money to educate their children.
Because the public schools educate so many citizens, everyone in my country-whether a parent or
not-should pay taxes to support our educational system. We all benefit from the education that
students receive in public school. Our future doctors, fire fighters, and teacherspeople whom we
rely on everyday-are educated in local public schools. When a person is in trouble, it's reassuring
to know that those who will help you-such as fire fighters-know what they're doing because they
received good training in school and later. Providing an excellent education in the public school
system is vital to the strength of our community and our country.
Our government must offer the best education available, but it can only do so with the financial
assistance of all its citizens. Therefore, everyone-including families who do not send their children
to public school-should support public education by paying taxes.
Families who do not send their children to government-financed school should not be required to
pay taxes that support universal education.
When families send their children to non-public (that is, parochial and private) schools, they must
pay tuition and other school expenses. Spending additional money to pay taxes creates an even
greater financial hardship for these families. They must make sacrifices, trying to have enough
money to pay for school in addition to other bills. For example, my friend Amalia is a single
mother with an eight-year-old son, Andrew. Because they survive solely on her income, money is
tight. Amalia works at least 10 hours of overtime each week to cover Andrew's school expenses.
This gives Amalia and Andrew less time to spend together, and she is always so tired that she is
impatient with him when they do have family time. Clearly, this extra expense is an unfair burden
for hard-working parents like Amalia.
While some people may consider parochial or private school to be a luxury, for many families it is
essential because their community's public schools fail to meet their children's needs.
Unfortunately, due to shrinking budgets, many schools lack well-qualified, experienced educators.
Children may be taught by someone who is not a certified teacher or who knows little about the
subject matter. Some problems are even more serious. For example, the public high school in my
old neighborhood/neighbourhood had serious safety problems, due to students bringing guns,
drugs, and alcohol to school. After a gang-related shooting occurred at the high school, my parents
felt that they had no choice but to enroll me in a parochial school that was known for being very
safe.
Unfortunately, even when families prefer public schools, sometimes they can't send their children
to one. These families are burdened not only for paying expenses at another school, but also by
being forced to pay taxes to support a public school that they do not use.
26. As the world becomes technologically advanced, computers are
replacing more and more jobs.
Describe some job positions that may be lost because of computers,
and discuss at least one problem that may result.
experience.

model answer:
When computers first made their way into the business sector, everyone believed that they would
make people's jobs easier. What was not expected was that computers would eliminate jobs.
Besides contributing to unemployment, these automated workers often exhibit inadequate job
performance.
A number of jobs have been lost as a direct result of new computer technology. Ticket agents in
various transportation facilities, from subway/underground stations to airports are virtually
nonexistent these days. Bank tellers have been greatly reduced due to automated bank machines. In
addition, many call centers/centres that have help lines are almost entirely
computerized/computerised. A few years ago I worked as a helper in our local library. Today this
position does not exist, because six new computers have been installed. The number of positions
lost to computers grows exponentially, and unemployment continues to get worse.
While a computer may easily achieve the main tasks of these jobs, most computers fall short when
customers have a unique request or problem. A pre-paid ticket booth does not have insight about
the entertainment district and cannot offer friendly directions to a tourist. Similarly, an automated
bank machine cannot provide assistance and reassurance to a customer who has just had his credit
card stolen. And, more often than not, automated telephone operators cannot answer the one
question that we have, and we end up waiting on the line to speak with someone anyway. Every
time I go into the library where I worked I notice elderly people who don't know how to use the
computers and can't find anyone to help.
In the future, I believe a new business trend will evolve. As computers eliminate jobs, new
positions will have to be invented. More and more people will go into business for themselves, and
hopefully put the personal touch back into business. I believe that the human workforce will
demonstrate that it is more valuable than computers.
27. Traffic and housing problems in major cities could be solved by
moving large companies and factories and their employees to the
countryside.
experience.
model answer:
These days with increasing urban populations, there are major problems with congestion and not
only the price, but also availability of accommodation in large cities of the world. It seems that one
possible solution could be to relocate large companies and factories as well as their respective
employees out of these urban areas and into more rural ones. In my opinion, I strongly agree that
this would have a desired effect in making cities more livable.

To begin with, the traffic problem in cities doesn’t only exist from commuting employees, but also
the general public travelling around the city. While this may be a fact, if the number of worker’s
vehicles is reduced on city streets, a large percentage of traffic will obviously decline in rush
hours. For example, peak hour traffic is undoubtedly made up largely of staff from companies
going to and from home.
Secondly, in regards to housing problems, populations will always continue to grow in cities and
therefore inadvertently decrease the number of cheap and available apartments. This is certainly
obvious, however, a large proportion of these apartments are occupied by employees from large
firms and their families. If this workforce is relocated to housing estates in the country, city
apartment blocks will fall in price and certainly increase in availability.
In conclusion, by relocating workers to rural areas to work and reside, heavy traffic conditions and
lack of adequate accommodation in city centres will obviously change for the better. As far as I’m
concerned, I agree that the government should enforce such a law in order to increase our standard
of living in our hectic city life.
28. Companies should encourage employees who work in a high position
to leave at the age of 55 in order to give opportunities to the new
generation.
experience.
model answer:
I totally disagree with the idea of high-level employees leaving at the age of 55 to make room for
the upcoming generation. While it is true that the energy level and fresh ideas of youth can
rejuvenate a company, the steady hand of experience can still best guide a company in most cases.
In English there is a saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” In the fast-paced world of
business, bolstered by even faster hi-tech innovations, a younger more pliant mind would seem to
be able to adapt with greater flexibility, while such an environment might boggle an older more
set-in-its-ways mind. Take, for example, Microsoft’s Bill Gates, whose energy and brilliant
insights as a youth helped him to pioneer new territory in the computer software world and
establish a digital empire. Now as a more mature CEO, this king of the “computer” mountain is
constantly on the verge of being knocked down by upcoming digeratti entrepreneurs. However, it
is now the experience he has accumulated as an older man which keeps him on top. So, combining
the vigour and innovation of younger workers with the experience of older workers would seem to
be the winning hand in the world of business.

The assertion is to give opportunities to the younger generation. If everyone retires at 55, there will
be smaller pool of experience at the company. So, who will show them the ropes of the trade? It
would be as if we lopped off the last few chapters of a textbook. On this point the argument would
seem to be built on false presumptions.
And think of all the other problems retirement at 55 would create. With life expectancy in many
advanced nations at 70-plus years, how would the state along with private enterprises be able to
support their retirement pensions? The economic repercussions of such an idea could be great.
Besides, the Western form of capitalism is built on competition and merit and not seniority
according to age, and democracy is built on equality for all regardless of one’s age, so the
argument clearly goes against these two pillars of Western society.
Granted, my counter-arguments are perhaps as simplistic as the original assertion itself, but
without qualifying the assertion with greater supporting evidence or background information, both
sides can be argued. Nevertheless, even after thoroughly considering the argument, I believe I
would still adhere to my viewpoint that the assertion lacks merit for the aforementioned reasons.
Besides, when I am 55 I do not fancy the idea of being put out to pasture. I think I will still be full
of vitality and have a desire to work, so I hope my workplace will view me as a treasure house of
valuable experience to pass along to the next generation and keep me on until I am at least 65 if
not older.
29. Some people say the government should not put money into building
theatres and sports stadiums; they should spend more money on
medical care and education.
experience.
model answer:
What would the world be like without Shakespeare or the Olympics? While medical care and
education are perhaps the highest causes to which money can be contributed, the arts and athletics
are in some ways just as valuable. So, to ask the government to not extend support to these two
areas could be just as detrimental to the welfare of society as the lack of sufficient health care and
education.
The Romans believed in “mens sana in corpore sano”. In short, that there is indeed a correlation
between a healthy body and healthy mind. When we are healthy, we feel better and so are more
likely to be productive academically. Plus, the practice of sports can also teach us the very same
discipline we need for our studies. Why even a brisk walk or watching an exciting athletic match
can refresh the mind for greater work. Moreover, sports can serve to create healthier bodies, which
in turn would serve as a form of “preventive medicine” thereby cutting down on medical costs. In
the same vein, the arts are known to induce a sense of well-being in performers and audience alike,
reducing mental problems and their associated physical manifestations and again, medical costs.
As such, building theatres and stadiums, which spur interest in the arts and sports respectively,

actually would be practically identical to spending money on medical care and education!
Now I realize the question specifically addresses the building of theatres and sports stadiums by
government. Some people would contend athletics and the arts can still be enjoyed and practiced
without such constructions. I would hazard that these buildings stand as the altars to the sports and
arts worlds, inspiring would-be athletes and performers. Without such venues where would sports
spectators and music aficionados be able to enjoy these events? Now some other people would also
say business could support their construction, but we know the avarice of business could very
likely jeopardize the lofty spirit of athletics and the arts just as well. Therefore, allowing
government to retain some say in the matter on behalf of the people would, I believe, be in the best
interest of the people.
In short, as long as the government does no go overboard in its expenditures for these buildings
and uses such venues for the benefit of all, then, as mentioned above, people will benefit in terms
of both medical care and education as well. This is not to say the government should neglect
medical care and education, but rather to think of this not as an either-or choice but as a win-win
situation for all.
30. Some people think that it is important to have a single language as
an international official language. Others think that it will make it
difficult to identify countries and cause a loss of culture.
What are your opinions on this?
experience.
model answer:
With the advent of globalization, a common language to facilitate trade and communication seems
inevitable. Some oppose the development of a single language on the grounds that it may lead to
cultural erosion and a loss of local linguistic knowledge. Yet, I am of the opinion that it is possible
to use an official international language and still retain one’s own language and culture.
Firstly, many countries already use an official language or languages. For example, in India there
are two official languages: Hindi and English. In a country such as India where there are
innumerable languages spoken, there is a need for official languages to ensure communication
between different sections of the population and the different states. In China, where different
dialects are spoken, Mandarin, the official language, enables people from different provinces to
comprehend each other.
Secondly, in an age of rampant globalization there is no doubt that an international language is
inevitability. How is an African businessman going to conduct business in China when there are
such differences between languages? In this sense, not only is an international language inevitable,
but also a necessity for trade, commerce and economic expansion in the 21st century.
The critics opposing the adoption of an international official language argue that it would lead to a

loss of cultural identity. However, the use of an international official language doesn’t mean that
local languages will die out. For example, English already functions as a kind of unofficial
international language but this doesn’t mean that people solely converse in English or they neglect
their own language. English is used in specific contexts (trade, business, etc) and native languages
are used for everyday instruction.
In brief, as the world becomes smaller the need for an official international language seems
unavoidable. English has already assumed this role although its status is unofficial. In my view, the
use of either an official or unofficial international language is necessary to facilitate
communication in a time of rapid globalization.
31. Fashion trends are difficult to follow these days and it’s widely
believed that they primarily exist just to sell clothes. Some people
believe that we shouldn’t follow them and that we should dress in what
we like and feel comfortable in.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?.
experience.
model answer:
It’s widely believed in today’s materialistic world that the latest innovative fashion trends hold
great significance. On the other hand, such trends are believed to be set only in the pursuit of
profits for large designer companies. It seems that in recent times, people are now changing their
minds in regards to wearing clothes for comfort and as a personal choice. Personally I agree that
we should pay more attention to individuality and comfort in the way we dress.
Firstly, fashion designs exist as a form of creative artistic expression of the designer. Although this
may be true, undoubtedly such designs take away individuality once a trend is set in place. By this
I mean that there is nothing unique about wearing what everybody else does. More specifically, if
everyone sports the latest colour and design in summer skirts, do we not look the same?
Secondly, It is possible that fashion trends can look extremely stylish to the general public.
However, it can be argued that the main purpose of wearing clothes is for more functional reasons.
This is primarily due to the fact that clothes were traditionally worn to protect people from climatic
conditions. For instance, clothes are still worn basically to keep people warm and dry in winter and
cool in summer.
Finally, fashion certainly gives us a sense of confidence and pride in our appearance. While this is
certainly a good point, it also means that following such changeable trends proves to be expensive.
For example, purchasing every latest season’s fashion item will of course blow the budget of many
young people.

In conclusion, there are various arguments to support the dismissal of fashion trends, consisting of
not conforming, comfort and price, which I strongly agree with.
32. Nowadays, education overseas has become more accessible and
growing numbers of people send their offspring to study in other
countries. However, this trend has its detractors.
I strongly believe that the pros far outweigh the cons, and will examine
both below.
experience.
model answer:
One of the greatest advantages is that the children learn to be independent. Having to cook, clean,
and pay bills instills this in them. Often they have to work part-time to make ends meet, and this
impresses upon them the importance of work and money management.
Another important factor is that these children will be exposed to different cultures and ways of
thinking. They will become more open-minded and tolerant and are likely to become more
adaptable individuals.
One of the main motives for sending young people abroad to study is that it enhances their
employment prospects. In my experience of living in foreign countries and speaking to various
youths, it seems that a foreign education is regarded as something desirable and helpful in getting a
decent job. A degree from Britain, for example, is seen as being of a higher standard than one from
a developing country. Furthermore, living in a foreign country may lead to fluency in a second
language, which is another selling point for prospective employers. In addition, many companies
are keen to recruit people with a global outlook.
There are a few drawbacks however. For instance, without parental supervision, the new found
freedom children experience may lead to harmful practices such as drug-taking and drinking.
Reluctance or inability to reintegrate into their mother country is another. To sum up, it can be
seen that the advantages of studying abroad for children are more numerous than the
disadvantages. Of course a lot depends on the age of the child, but I believe that for most teenagers
it would be a positive experience.

33. Nowadays, international tourism is the biggest industry in the world.
Unfortunately, international tourism creates tension rather than
understanding between people from different cultures.
experience.
model answer:
The growth of tourism and the numbers of people travelling to other countries for their vacations
has led to debate as to whether this is beneficial. I believe that there are many problems which
arise out of the tourist industry, and will examine these in detail.
Many people argue that travel broadens the mind. However, this statement does not fully hold
water. I would argue that spending a few weeks in another country is not long enough to gain a
proper understanding of an alien culture. A foreigner visiting Britain might be met with the
traditional British reserve, and mistakenly conclude that the British are unfriendly. Furthermore,
some people are unwilling to open their minds. A Western traveller to an Arab country is unlikely
to consider that the veiling of women is acceptable.
Being a tourist in a foreign country brings with it problems that can lead to dislike of the native
people. Firstly, a foreigner is vulnerable, and is often ripped off by locals. Secondly, the language
barrier can lead to misunderstandings. Thirdly, tourists are often hassled to buy goods, which can
ruin a holiday. When I went to Bali, people tried to sell me something every five minutes, and this
totally spoilt my sunbathing.
Local people also often end up disliking foreigners. Visitors may mistakenly act contrary to local
norms, or they may just be plain offensive, as many drunken British holidaymakers must seem to
the Spanish. Global tourism can lead to hostility from the native people, who may feel their
traditional way of life is under threat. Additionally, the relative wealth of the foreign visitors can
cause envy and resentment.
In conclusion, I would say that I largely agree with the argument that global tourism creates
misunderstanding between people from different cultures, and that the differences are often a cause
for conflict rather than celebration.
34. People have different job expectations for jobs. Some people prefer
to do the same job for the same company, whereas others prefer to
change jobs frequently.
Write about the advantages and disadvantages of each viewpoint?

experience.
model answer:
In the modern workplace there is no longer the attitude that ‘a job is for life’. Nowadays, many
people take the option to change jobs, while others prefer not to. In my essay, I will explore the
good and bad points of the above attitudes.
One of the main benefits of staying in one job is security. Changing employer often means a period
of instability, where one may have to think about moving house, or temporarily losing a steady
source of income. Staying in one job means these problems are avoided.
Another benefit of not changing occupation is that one is able to gain a lot of experience and
expertise in his specific profession, thus enhancing job security. One’s company may recognize
their loyalty and reward their service. On the other hand, those who often change jobs may be seen
as unreliable, lacking in experience and employers might be reluctant to hire and invest training in
them.
However, there are arguments in favour of changing job frequently. One is that a worker improves
his employability. Working in several different jobs often means that the individual has more
skills. Such people are seen as more dynamic and versatile.
Another benefit of changing jobs frequently is that one never gets stuck in a rut. From my own
experience, I got bored when I spent too long in a job. Following this, the quality of my work
would suffer. I also believe that employers generally don’t tend to greatly reward loyalty or
commitment. Increased wages and promotion are often easier to attain by changing jobs.
Overall, it can be said that the disadvantages of changing jobs are the advantages of staying put,
and vice versa... In my opinion, I feel that changing jobs every once in a while is of more benefit.
35. It is widely believed that children of different levels of intelligence
should be taught together, while others think that more intelligent
children should be taught separately.
Discuss and present your own opinion.
experience.
model answer:
In past educational institutions, children have been taught together based on age regardless of
intellectual ability displayed at school. Alternatively, a large proportion of the population believes
there should be a strong move towards the separation of children of different intellectual
capabilities in current educational institutions. From my own educational perspective, I honestly
believe that younger students possessing higher intelligence levels than their peers ought to be

separated into alternative levels based on their gift, for a number of reasons.
Admittedly, although young learners have the chance to learn a lot from associating with
classmates their own age, it is widely believed that such a process isn’t considered to be vital for a
healthy educational upbringing. The argument for intellectual separation holds some strong
advantages. Firstly, by allocating students to classes based on levels of intelligence, high achievers
have the opportunity to excel in a way that they couldn’t in a normal class. Owing to the fact that
they can be placed into an unrestricted educational environment, students can excel with
intellectual freedom.
Secondly, there is a strong argument in regards to inhibiting a child’s intellectual growth by
restricting them from moving above their peers if their mental capability permits. Why should we
limit the intelligence of our future generation? For instance, many of today’s highly successful
artists and entrepreneurs in the world have come from an unrestricted educational background and
have been allowed to explore their mind and careers to the fullest extent.
In conclusion, although I believe an educational environment for young learners should promote
equal opportunity, I honestly think that creating a more liberal environment which enhances the
learning capabilities of intellectually-gifted children will not only benefit individual’s careers but
future society as a whole.
36. Some people think that universities should not provide so much
theoretical knowledge but give more practical training throughout their
courses.
experience.
model answer:
In the past, a majority of academics have held the opinion that universities should only offer a
theoretically-based approach to teaching throughout their courses, as opposed to the more recent
trend towards empirical acquisition of knowledge involving more “hands on” experience. Is this
the most effective way for students to learn vital academic information while undertaking their
degrees? Undoubtedly, advantages and disadvantages of both academic learning styles have to be
evaluated.
Firstly, on the one hand, despite being the more traditional educational approach, learning from
theory in relevant academic discourses to identify established knowledge allows us to gain a
professional insight. For example, students can easily identify facts and opinions from past
discourses. In addition, students acquire knowledge more easily when given relative theoretical
examples to build upon. For instance, in subjects such as history or sociology, studying textbook
examples allows students to unravel complex academic theories which they could expand on.

Alternatively, there are some disadvantages for students.
On the other hand, there is no doubt that students could find themselves reading tedious and
monotonous academic papers. For instance, university degrees involving the evaluation of
numerous ‘long-winded’ academic discourses provide little inspiration for students, discouraging
enthusiasm. Obviously, interest can be stimulated through empirical research in class. By this I
mean that ‘the human brain learns best by doing’. Although time-consuming, there is no substitute
for learning from making mistakes.
In conclusion, while both approaches have benefits and drawbacks in our ever-changing academic
world, I honestly believe that a more practical approach promotes a stronger acquisition of
academic knowledge. In spite of the comprehensive nature which theoretical teaching can possibly
provide, practical learning equals more positive learning for future generations.
37. The costs of medical health care are increasing all the time.
Governments are finding it difficult to balance the health care budget.
Should citizens be totally responsible for their own health costs and
take out private health insurance, or is it better to have a
comprehensive health care system which provides free health services
for all? Discuss.
experience.
model answer:
A much debated issue these days is whether citizens should take out private health insurance or
not. The cost of providing free medical care for both the wealthy and the poor is far too great for
any government, and most people agree that if you can pay for insurance, you should. In this essay,
I will argue that all who can afford it should be insured, but free medical care must be made
available for those too poor to do so.
The most important reason for encouraging people to take out private health insurance is the cost
to the government of health care. Free health cover for people who are able to pay for it is a waste
of public money. Of course, people will only pay health insurance premiums if they know that they
are getting good value for their money. If they get sick, they should pay very little or nothing at all.
In addition, the privately insured are entitled to special benefits such as having the choice of their
own doctors, and being able to avoid long waiting lists for hospital beds.
On the other hand, those who really cannot afford to pay private insurance premiums, which are
often very high, are still entitled as citizens to the best medical care available – they cannot be
expected to pay their own medical bills. However, if they are working, they should still pay a
percentage of their wage (say 1 to 2%) as a tax which pays towards the cost of providing "free"

medical services.
In conclusion, most people should privately insure their health, but it is unreasonable to suppose
that all citizens can afford it. Therefore, a safety net in the form of a basic free health care system
must exist for the very poor and the unemployed.
38. Some people believe that a college or university education should be
available to all students.
Others believe that higher education should be available only to good
students.
Discuss these views. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.
experience.
model answer:
People learn through their entire lives. They constantly improve their knowledge and develop. I
think that a college or university education should be available to all students because every person
has the right to choose the way to self-perfection. Bellow I will give some of my reasons to support
my position.
First of all, every person should have the chance to get a higher degree, gain new knowledge and
experience. However, some people believe that higher education should be available only to good
students. I think it is silly. It is like to make unavailable traveling for one who does not have IQ
high enough.
Second of all, some young people do not do well at school but they have great personality and
ability to learn. They are self-confident, persistent and patient. With these qualities they can get
higher grades then their classmates who are talented but lazy. Imagine for example situation when
a teenager gets high grades because his or her parents constantly make him or her study and help to
do most of the homework. In this case a child does very well at school but I think a college can
show the opposite results.
Finally, it is a discrimination against students to make available higher education only for good
ones.
So, if a student does poor and gets low grades he/she should be sent down. But if a person was
never given a chance to try himself/herself at college, what to do in this case?
To sum up, I think that all young people should have the chance to get a higher education. To take
or not this chance must be up to them.

39. Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants.
Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home.
Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support
your answer.
experience.
model answer:
Man, through the ages, has undergone any changes from the time when he had to haunt for food to
these days when he has to buy it. Some people prefer to buy fresh vegetables, meat and fruits and
prepare food at home. However, other people prefer to skip that step with cooking and have dinner
at a restaurant. I think that both of these choices have some advantages and disadvantages. Bellow
I will give some reasons to support my answer.
Personally, I do not like fast food. So, my choice is always between a restaurant and my home.
First of all, I would like to say that cooking is a great tradition. It helps people to relax, reflect on
some pleasant moments while peeling or cutting the vegetables. It is a means of eliminating one's
stress and tension. Second of all, sometimes I do not want to have something too complicated for
my dinner. I just want to have light food like a salad and a glass of milk. So, one of the reasons
why I like to eat at home is because I can have what I want at this moment. One greater thing
about eating at home is that I can sit in front of the TV and watch an interesting program or a
movie. Finally, having dinner at home allows a family communicates with each other, be closer
and share some good and bad moments that happened earlier that day. Besides, eating at home is a
great way to save some money.
As for restaurants, I see some positive aspects about eating there too. First of all, I sometimes get
tired from peeling, cutting, washing, frying, etc. It does not mean I do it a lot. Sometimes I just use
the microwave and a preprocessed food that I bought earlier. I want to have something more
delicious than I have in my refrigerator, something that is time-consuming to prepare at home. So,
for me it is a good reason to go to a restaurant. There one may meet old friends or just has a great
time listening to music and tasting some delicious meats.
Also, restaurants are a good place to celebrate something. One does not have to prepare food for all
friends who are coming, wash dish, put in order all that mess after the party, etc.
In conclusion, I think that it does not important where one has one's dinner. What important is that
it must be full and nutritious.

40. What discovery in the last 100 years has been most beneficial for
people in your country?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
experience.
model answer:
I am from Russia. From my opinion the most beneficial discovery for people in our country has
been the discovery of the outer space. Russia is the first country that launched a spacecraft with a
man on the board into the space. This event was a big step towards the new discoveries and
brought many benefits not only for people in my country. Bellow I will give my reasons to support
my answer.
First of all, all humankind made a huge step towards the mystery of our creation. Scientists had the
opportunity to do the new research and experiments. Many new discoveries were made on the
boards of the spacecrafts in the outer space. People from all over the world watched these events.
Many books with real colorful photos were written about the beginning of the space exploration.
Nowadays we have a big station called "Mir" in the outer space created on the base of
collaboration USA and Russia. Many people work there doing amazing experiments.
Second of all, the world became "smaller". People learnt how to exchange information very
quickly by use of satellites. Television is broad-casted all over the world by use of satellites. Here
in Houston I can watch Russian programs. People got the opportunity to exchange news very
quickly.
To sum up, I believe that space exploration will bring much more benefits in the future and
someday we will learn what is beyond our current galaxy.
41. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
A person should never make an important decision alone.
experience.
model answer:
From my everyday experience and observation I can claim that discussion of an important decision
with other people bring many benefits. In the following paragraphs I will give my reasons to
defend this statement.

First of all, different people have different opinions. In order to make the right choice people
should discuss every possible decision and its consequences. Making an important decision alone
can bring many negative aspects. For instance, a person can reveal his selfishness or impatience
and the consequences of that decision can affect many people in the future. I think that a good and
wise decision can be born only in discussion because people can share their knowledge and
experiences a look at the problem from different sides and aspects.
Second of all, I think that making decision alone is unacceptable especially for a company.
Imagine that a chief makes the decision about increasing a production line without discussing it
with his employees. In this case a part of company's profit will be spending on extended purchase
of raw materials. So, share holders will be left without dividends. This decision may lead to getting
rid of company's shares and as a result of this declining the value of a company as a whole.
To sum up, I think that a person should always consult his relatives or colleges when making an
important decision to avoid possible mistakes.
42. Describe a custom from your country that you would like people from
other countries to adopt.
Explain your choice, using specific reasons and examples.
experience.
model answer:
In our modern stressful world we often forget about our customs and traditions. However, I think
that people should keep their traditions because they help to remember our forefathers and value
the beautiful moments we have in our lives.
In my country we have a great custom called "Maslenica". It is a holiday, which is celebrated at the
end of the winter. Many people gather on the biggest square of the city and see of the winter. They
say to the winter good-bye and ask the spring to change the winter. They celebrate the beginning
of the life when everything starts to grow.
People at this holiday bake pancakes and treat each other with them. Also, many people gathered
on the square play different games. For example, the most well-known game "pulling a rope"
subsists in that two teams pull a rope. The winner is the team, witch has a longer rope. Other
people draw on the icy pole. People have fun at this holiday even if they just observe those games
and do not participate.
In conclusion, I am sure that "Maslenica" would benefit many countries all over the world. People

have the opportunity to relax, leave their troubles and worries behind and have fun. Also, this
holiday helps people to find out more about each other, communicate and meet new people. In
addition to those practical benefits, "Maslenica" helps people to slow down their life pace and
enjoy the present moments that are irreplaceable and beautiful.
43. When people move to another country, some of them decide to follow
the customs of the new country.
Others prefer to keep their own customs. Compare these two choices.
Which one do you prefer? Support your answer with specific details.
experience.
model answer:
People may choose to keep their old traditions from their native country or to accept new ones.
Keeping the old customs will help one to overcome the cultural shock and the change of the
environment. From the other side, accepting the new traditions will help one to adapt and make
new friends with residents. In this essay I will give different reasons why people decide to follow
the customs of the new country or to keep their own customs.
If one is from the country with strong and old traditions, I think it will be rather difficult for him to
adapt to the new customs and moreover to reject his own. That is why some people from the same
country try to live together and to create their own community where the old traditions are kept.
They can not break the customs that were created by their ancestors. For example, some nations
are restricted in certain kinds of food by their traditions. So, they do not go to the restaurants
unless their traditional food is served there. Some nations according to their customs have to wear
certain types of cloth because their religion tells them to do so.
From the other side, if one is from the country with traditions similar to ones of the new country it
will be easy for him to adopt and to follow the customs of the new place. He will not feel much
difference. Probably, the most difficult part of his relocation will be to accustom to the new
climate.
I think that people of the new country are friendlier when they see that foreigner follows their
customs. I belief that traditions of every country deserve respect, especially, when one lives there.
In summary, I think that every country has its own beauty and if one wants to find out more about
it he will love it.

Modern technology is creating a single world culture.
Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
experience.
model answer:
Man, through the ages, has undergone many changes from the time when he depicted a herd of
mammoths on the walls of the cave to these days when he can chart with someone on the other
side of the globe. Modern technology is rapidly changing the world's living standards that results
in creating a single world culture. New technologies including Internet, television, electronic
media, means of transportation, etc has a great impact on creating a similar culture all around the
globe. Bellow I will list my reasons to support my opinion.
First of all, Internet and e-mail have changed the way people communicate to each other. Internet
brought many benefits. It is a new means of communication, a fast access to information and news.
People communicate with each other, share their ideas, happiness and difficulties. We have a great
opportunity to find out more about countries and their history.
Second of all, the modern means of transportation allows people to move from one place to
another very quickly. A few centuries ago it was impossible to imagine waking up in one country
and falling asleep in another.
Finally, as a result of all mentioned above the boundaries between countries, their traditions and
customs are erased. Many people migrate during their lives. Some of them are looking for a better
place to live, others want to get new experience and knowledge or just pleasure. So, many families
are created between people from different countries. Traditions fuse and evolve into other ones or
just vanish.
To sup up, modern technology has a great impact on the way people live now. It is creating a new
single world culture where traditions and distances are no longer of that importance.
45. A foreign visitor has only one day to spend in your country.
Where should this visitor go on that day? Why?
Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

experience.
model answer:
Traveling is a good way to find out more about different countries with different traditions and
customs. Some travelers prefer to spend in one country just a few days or one day and then leave
for another country. This way of traveling allows people to visit more countries in fewer days.
Unfortunately, in this case such travelers have to hurry in order to visit more places.
I am from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. So, if a foreign visitor has only one day to spend in my
country I think I would advice him to visit the "Hermitage" - the most well known and amazing
museum in Russia. The "Hermitage" has 3 floors and more then 100 halls. It is really amazing to
visit that place. Many people from all over the world every day enter its walls. Some of the rooms
devoted to the history of other countries. Others devoted to the art of a famous painter and the
history of his life. However, most of the halls conclude many things such as paintings, royal
belongings, sculptures from Russian history.
Some people say that it is impossible to feel deeply and see all these amazing historical values for
one visit. I have to completely agree with this statement. When I first visited the "Hermitage" I was
14 years old. It impressed me so much that I was back next day to see what I had not been able to
see the day before.
The "Hermitage" is an impressive and beautiful museum. I think it is worth to spend there a whole
day and I believe that after that a foreign visitor can claim with a proud that he or she saw Russia.
46. You have the opportunity to visit a foreign country for two weeks.
Which country would you like to visit?
Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
experience.
model answer:
I am a person who likes to travel. I think traveling is a great opportunity to meet new people, gain
more knowledge and experience, and learn new customs and traditions. I did not travel a lot yet,
but I am sure I will have a chance to do it. So, if I had the opportunity to visit a foreign country I
would visit Egypt. I think it is a great and very interesting country with marvellous history. In the
following paragraphs I will give some reasons to support my choice.
First of all, I always dreamed to visit Egypt pyramids. My aunt visited Egypt a few years ago. She
was very excited after that trip and said that she would return there one more time at any cost. She
said that Egypt had impressed her very much with its glorious pyramids and ancient buildings.

Second of all, I think that in that country one can touch history, feel the hard breath of workers
building a pyramid under the parching sun, and see the chain of camels walking in the desert with
the huge trunks full of presents for Cleopatra on their humps. Finally, I want to see a real dessert
and ride the camel. All my friends who rode the camel say that it is an unforgettable experience.
I believe that I will have a chance to visit this beautiful country someday. Unfortunately, now I
have plenty of plans and things to do, so, I am afraid that I will not be able to travel for the next
two years. I want to finish my education and then find a job, and these things have higher priority
then traveling. My husband wants to visit this country too and we made an agreement to make our
trip to Egypt on our five years anniversary which is in two years.
In conclusion, I want to add that after my trip to Egypt I will definitely visit Australia. This
country is the second one on my list the most wanted to see.
47. It is generally agreed that society benefits from the work of its
members.
Compare the contributions of artists to society with the contributions of
scientists to society.
Which type of contribution do you think is valued more by your society?
Give specific reasons to support your answer.
experience.
model answer:
From my everyday experience and observation I think that artists as well as scientists bring many
benefits to society. It is a controversial question weather the contributions of artists are more or
less then the contributions of scientists to the society. For several reasons, which I will mention
bellow, I think that both types are valuable, priceless and irreplaceable for every society.
The contributions of artists to the society are very essential. Art can form person’s spiritual sense,
their views and personalities. People learn history, the traditions of their country trough the art. We
also watch movies that entertain and at the same time extend our range of interests. Another
important aspect of this is that art is an ancient means of communication. In old times people
depicted the herds of mammoths on the walls of their caves. They performed different rituals
around the fireplace asking their gods for health, good harvest and weather. Our language is a
result of people's need to communicate.
From the other side, the contribution of scientists is could not be exaggerated. All humankind is
indebted to the scientists because of their work and achievements. Scientists make our life easier.
We have cars and airplanes to move fast from one place to another. We have microwaves and a

bunch of preprocessed food to make the cooking much easier. We have different devices that
simplify all we do. Finally, scientists are making great achievements in medicine that make our life
longer and happier. Nowadays people have a great opportunity to do many things faster by use of
computers.
To sup up, I believe that artists nourish our souls when scientists and technology feed our minds.
So, we can not eliminate or underestimate one of them.
48. Some people say that computers have made life easier and more
convenient.
Other people say that computers have made life more complex and
stressful.
What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support
your answer.
experience.
model answer:
Some people say that the invention of computers is one of the greatest humankind's inventions.
However, other people think that computers make their life more stressful. I agree with those
people who think that computers brought many benefits and play a very important role in our
modern life.
First of all, every company nowadays uses a computer to store its data and make different kinds of
operations. It is very difficult to imagine life without computers. A company would have to store
millions of papers and documents. Moreover, a customer would have to wait hours to check his
balance or get a piece of information about his transactions at his bank, while an employee was
looking trough those papers. Another important aspect of this is that people are able to type all
their information, make corrections, print or send documents using computers. It makes life much
easier. One can spend the rest of the time watching TV with his family or working on something
new.
We use computers every day sometimes even not knowing it. When we go to a store and use our
credit cards many computers process our information and perform transactions. When we need to
get some cash we use money access machines that are computerized too.
Second of all, computers provided a great means of communication - the Internet. I think it is the
easiest and cheapest way to get in touch with relatives, friends, business colleagues, etc. Nowadays
the world becomes smaller and smaller. When I was a little girl, I could not imagine that it would
be possible to communicate with people from all around the world in so easy way. A person can
get latest news, become friends with someone from another country, find his old friends, ask for a

piece of advice, etc.
Finally, in addition to these practical benefits people can shop without leaving their house. They
just use an Internet access, a computer and their cards to make a payment. It is kind of difficult to
imagine that a few years ago people had to spend their time in lines buying tickets. Now, a person
can choose a destination, company, date and time and get tickets delivered to his door. I think it is
amazing.
To sum up, I believe that computers made our lives easier. They change our attitude towards life. I
think with the invention of computers people became closer and friendlier.
49. When people need to complain about a product or poor service, some
prefer to complain in writing and others prefer to complain in person.
Which way do you prefer?
experience.
model answer:
It is rather difficult for me to answer the question how I prefer to complain: in writing or in person
because sometimes I just do not have a choice. For example, if I order a product using the Internet
from another state or even country, I will more likely have the opportunity to speak to a
representative of a company in person. So, in some cases I choose to speak in person and in others
I prefer to complain in writing. However, I believe that every option has its advantages.
From the one side, complaining in writing brings many benefits. First of all, one does not have to
spend his precious time driving, waiting for his turn and talking with a representative. He can just
send mail or e-mail and get all explanation he needs. Second of all, I think it is the best way to
avoid an unpleasant conversation. Personally, I do not like to complain about anything especially,
in person. Finally, sometimes it is impossible to have a face-to-face conversation because a
company which provided a poor product or service is too far away.
From the other side, complaining in person has some benefits too. First, this type of complaining
provides an immediate feedback. So, if I have some complains about company's products I will
receive all information and explanation right away. However, sending a company a letter and
getting a feedback can take more then a month. Second, face-to-face conversation is often more
effective. People talk to each other, see each other facial gestures and body movements, which can
tell a lot about a person. In addition to these practical benefits, in the case if one can not receive
creditable explanation from one representative he always can require to talk to another person. For
instance, my husband recently had some extra withdraws from his account by his bank and he was
not aware of it. So, he went to the bank and explained to the bank's representative the situation and
they together found the solution and that money was given back to my husband's account. I think,
in this case face-to-face conversation is the best
way to complain and get feedback fast.

In conclusion, I think that if I have to complain about a product or poor service I will do it in
person. However, if face-to-face conversation is impossible I think I have nothing left but to send a
letter or write an e-mail there.
50. Some people prefer to work for a large company.
Others prefer to work for a small company. Which would you prefer?
experience.
model answer:
The issue whether working for a large company is better than working for a small company is a
controversial one. From my everyday experience and observation I think that every option has its
advantages and disadvantages. I base my opinion on the following points.
From the one side working for a large company brings many benefits. First of all, one has better
medical insurance, higher salary. Often employees of a large company have less responsibility.
Moreover, they feel more secure because their company has more clients and this means better
chance to survive on the modern market. However, one working for a large company has less
chance to be promoted because one's manager does not want to lose his or her job unless she or he
is promoted too. Also, from my observation, managers of a large company do not pay much
attention to one's solutions and suggestions.
From the other side working for a small company has many advantages too. Firstly, one has better
chance to be promoted. Secondly, one can talk to the owner of the company about any
improvements that can be done in order to get more profit. Another important aspect of working
for a small company is the opportunities to find out more about how company works. As a result of
this one can gain more experience and get better recommendations. However, this also has some
disadvantages. For instance, one can get less salary, worse medical benefits, etc.
To sum up, I think that every person chooses for himself what he or she wants. If one wants better
career and more responsibilities then a small company is better choice. Otherwise, working for a
large company may be a good option too.
51. You have decided to give several hours of your time each month to
improve the community where you live.

What is one thing you will do to improve your community? Why?
Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
experience.
model answer:
I think the question what would I do if I had a chance to improve my community is difficult. I have
in my mind many things, the improvement of which will make our community better place to live
but they all require the participation of many people and, moreover, they require investments,
which I can not provide. For example, my community is quite noisy. We have the huge mall just in
front of our community, so traffic jams are very common for this place. I think that the
construction of a few pass-by roads will benefit all people who live here as well as people who
drive by every day.
Unfortunately, the question is what I can do for my community giving a few hours of my time
every month. I think I can not do much, but I still can help someone in my community. For
example, I can baby-sit. I know a couple of families with little children, who can not afford to
spend much money on the baby-sitter. One of these families is a single mom with a little girl. Julia,
this is her name, is a waitress in a restaurant. She is a great person and we became close friends.
So, sometimes I offer her help with her child when she has to work in the evenings. Another
family has two funny little twins. One time their parents asked me to babysit their children because
they had to attend an unexpected presentation.
I think this kind of help brings many benefits to my community. First of all, people become
friendlier. For example, those families, which I mentioned above, became friends after I introduced
them to each other. Second of all, people get to know each other and feel more secure in their
houses and apartments. Finally, I am ready to help those people because I am sure that they will
help me too. One time I lost the keys from my car and Julia offered me her car for a while.
To sum up, I believe that baby-sitting is a great way to help my community in many aspects.
Television has destroyed communication among friends and family.
experience.
model answer:
The invention of television is undoubtedly one of humankind's greatest inventions. It is a way of
communication among people of one country and different countries and nations. People watch
TV to find out about the latest news, weather, sports, etc. It is a great way to learn new and extend
one's range of interests. Scientists say that children spend the same amount of hours in front of TV
as they do in school. I think that this can be said about many grown people too. Also, television is

a great means of eliminating stress and tension. One can relax and leave one's troubles behind
lying on one's favorite sofa and watching a comedy. However, some people believe that television
has destroyed communication among friends and family.
Personally, I do not agree with this statement. A couple centuries ago people spent their time
gambling, reading, gossiping or playing chess. I do not think that television is a cause of destroyed
communication among family members and friends. First of all, if members of a family have
common interests and they want to make each other happy they will always find many ways to
spend their time together and be close. Otherwise, if people avoid each other and they do not have
anything to share with each other they will find television a great way to escape from this
miserable existence. I believe that many people chose family and their friends over some soap
operas or a movie.
Second of all, I think that television can be a great resource of subjects to discuss. Many people
watch different educational programs to find out more about their environment, nature, wild life
animals, economic situations, etc. So, when they gather with their friends they discuss important
issues and arque with each other in looking for the truth.
My husband and I often watch the news channel to keep abreast of the latest news. After that we
always discuss some issues we concerned about. Also, we like to watch a TV show "the funniest
animals". We like this program because it makes us laugh. I can not imagine how these programs
can prevent our communication and be harmful to our relations.
To summarize, I would like to add that if people want to communicate with each other they will
find a way to do it. Otherwise, if television were not existent, people would find other escapes and
reasons not to be with each other such as drugs, gambling, etc.
53. We all work or will work in our jobs with many different kinds of
people.
In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker
(someone you work closely with)?
Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these
characteristics are important.
model answer:
A large number of people spend most of their time at work. Our life is divided into three equal
parts: 8 hours - sleep, 8 hours - work, 8 hours - family time. So, in the most cases, one's co-worker
plays an important role in one's life. From my opinion, the essential characteristics of a co-worker
are the following.
First of all, a person who works closely with me must like his job. I think it is very important for a
person to feel satisfaction with his job. My husband is a software developer. He is fond of his job
and people enjoy working with him because they see how many energy he puts into his job.
Second of all, my co-worker must be persistent and never give up. I like when people who came

across a problem try to solve it, find a good decision instead of looking for another person to hand
it over. Another important aspect of this is that a good worker should always ask himself "What
can be improved?" and suggests new solutions.
In addition, he must be a good team player. In the modern world good communication skills and
the ability to work in a team are among the common position requirements. Personally, I think it is
great to help each other, share new ideas, develop new solutions, etc. It helps to create a team spirit
and improve labor productivity.
Finally, my co-worker must be punctual. He or she should finish the job on time I think that It is
unacceptable to make the rest of a team wait while a person finishes his or her job. Also, my "ideal
co-worker" should always be ready to offer his or her help and be supportive.
To summarize, I think if a co-worker possesses all of these qualities mentioned above he can make
work with him really enjoyable and productive
Classmates are a more important influence than parents on a child’s
success in school.
model answer:
I can not completely agree with the statement that classmates are a more important influence than
parents on a child's success in school. In this essay I will first focus on the reasons why I agree
with this statement and then list a few points why from my opinion in some cases is not true.
From the one side, classmates have a significant influence on child's behavior and his or her
success in school. First of all, children spend much time at school. Classmates have many things in
common such as age, interests, homework and classes after all. So, they discuss their impressions
about a new teacher, solve problems together, learn their homework, gain new knowledge and
experience and even make their own discoveries. Sharing all these makes them closer. Some of
them become friends and they spend after-school time together. In addition friends tend to copy
each other's habits and manners. For instance, my little sister became friends with the girl who did
not have good grades at school at that time. It does not mean she could not have better grades; she
just had many friends who did not care about their grades. So, when they started to spend their
time together and share their interests, girl's grades improved. They did their homework together,
shared their dreams and exciting moments. From this point I must agree that classmates can
change child’s attitude towards school.
From the other side, parents have a great influence on children' success in school too. For example
if parents show an interest in their child's progress and talk to him or her about the importance of
learning I think their child will listen to them and do his or her best.

Personally, I believe that relationships between parents and a child play an essential role in child's
success in school. If these relationships are close and wholehearted I am sure that parents should
not be afraid of bad influence from the outside.
55. It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big
city.
Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.
model answer:
Some people believe that it is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city.
However, other people think that a big city gives more opportunities and it is good for the long
run. Personally, for several reasons I think that it is better for children's health to grow up in the
country.
First of all, it is very important for a child to grow up in a healthy environment. Children need
fresh air, not polluted by the huge amount of cars and factories of the modern city. In the country
they can spend more time exercising and walking with their friends. Scientists say that now
children spend the same amount of time watching TV as they do at school. Probably, the
possibility to join their friends for a play will change this proportion. Another important aspect of
this is that parents will have more time to spend with their children as a result of eliminating traffic
jams and decreasing driving time as a whole.
From the other side, children have some advantages living in a big city. For example, they have
more opportunities to choose from what they want to do. They can choose to attend ballet school,
school of art, gymnastics, etc. For the long run, it is good for them. They will be better prepared
for a live in a "real world" and they will have more chances to make a good career and succeed.
Moreover, a big city usually has many entertaining centers with movie theatres and play stations.
When I was a child I liked to go to the movie theatre with my parents to watch a premiere.
One more reason to choose a big city for a child is that a city provides better live conditions and
services such as medical, dental, etc. My friend lived in the country for a while and one time he
and his family had to drive a couple of hours to the nearest medical center when his child got a
heavy cough.
To summarize, I agree with those people who want to raise their children in a city. The plenty of
opportunities offered by a city helps children to find what they really like and be the best at it.
Moreover, despite the air pollution, children get a better medical service that is good for their
health.

56. A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do
you think this person would like and dislike about living in your town or
city?
Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
model answer:
I am from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. It is a very beautiful city that attracts many people every year.
My close friend is going to move here after her graduation. She already found a job and she asked
me to help her with an apartment. Knowing her very well I think I can enumerate the majority of
things she will like and dislike about my city.
First of all, I believe she will like a huge amount of museums, theatres, movie theatres, etc. My
friend is from a small town, so, she can not enjoy all these benefits at her native town. Second of
all, it seems to me that she will like the way people live here. The pace of life is much faster here
then in a small town. People are always in a hurry, they try to catch a bus, and then they run to the
nearest subway station, go to an office, meet new people, etc. Also, I think my friend will like
people here. They are very friendly and ready to offer a help to those in need.
Unfortunately, my friend will not surely like some things. As a result of a huge amount of cars and
factories the air is polluted here. One more thing she will definitely not like is the weather. It is
quite humid here.
However, I think she will also like the public transport here. The bus services are run by the
Government and it is quite regular. If one in a hurry he can take a taxi, which also is quite cheap
and provide a good transport.
In conclusion, I believe that in spite of all mentioned above disadvantages she will like this city.
57. Some people think that children should begin their formal education
at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school
studies.
Others believe that young children should spend most of their time

playing.
Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why?
model answer:
People learn through their entire lives. Curiosity was always the basic characteristic of a human
being. We always want to break limits and learn more. At this point some people think that
children should begin their formal education at a very early age and spend most of their time on
school studies. This will help them to succeed in the future. However, for several reasons, which I
will explain bellow, I think that children should not study at a very early age.
Of cause, children who begin to study at a very early age have more chances to succeed in the
future. They gain more knowledge and experience which are priceless and valuable. In addition,
studying more now they will give them the opportunity to perfect their knowledge in the future and
become better professionals.
However, I think that every child must have his or her childhood. Children should learn through
playing and communication with their friends and parents. I think that such basic qualities as
kindness, self-confidence and just a good sense of humor can not be gained from studying.
Children should more time spend with their family, playing and learning with their parents.
Imagine that a child instead of playing with his friends does his homework and feel exhausted and
tired. Another important aspect of this is that children at their early ages need more exercise
because at this age the development of their body is a very essential aspect. Children first of all
must be healthy.
To sum up, I think that children should have their careless childhood with no responsibilities.
Moreover, I am sure that playing helps them develop not only their bones and muscles but their
ability to make decisions, analyze things, make conclusions, which is very good for their future.
Watching television is bad for children.
model answer:
Some parents believe that watching television is bad for their children. So, they try to restrict their
children from watching TV. However, other parents think that there is nothing bad in watching
TV. Personally, I think that watching TV brings children only benefits unless they spend in front
of TV set less then a couple of hours daily. For the following reasons, which I will mention bellow,
I believe that television plays an essential role in child's development.
First of all, television helps a child to extent his or her range of interests. Children can find out
many new things and make many exiting discoveries for themselves. In addition to these practical

benefits television improves children's vocabulary, their memory and gives them the opportunity to
gain more knowledge. I think it is very essential for a child. Of cause, someone can say that there
are plenty of different recourses of information such as books and teachers. But, I think, in our
modern world children must learn faster and use all contemporary technology in order to succeed.
Second of all, watching cognitive programs helps children to learn more about wild life, our
environment and about the importance of preserving our forest and wild animals that live there.
Scientists say that a child should not watch TV more then 40 minutes successively. For example,
my mother always made us have a break after watching TV more then half an hour and let our eyes
rest for several minutes before turning on the TV again. I think it is the best solution.
To sum up, I believe that television gives children and all people the opportunity to learn what can
not be learn from books. Television and movies in particular allow people to feel the reality and
see what they will most likely not be able to see in their lives. Personally, when I was a child I
liked to watch cognitive programs about wild animals. Unfortunately, my family had only one TV,
but these programs were the only ones we all wanted to watch. So, we gathered in our living room
and watched them in complete silence and I always remember those moments with a smile on my
face.
Children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start
school.
model answer:
Language is the best means of communication. In the modern globalization era it is not enough to
be able to speak one language to communicate with the outside world. I strongly support the idea
that children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start school. They faster
become familiar with a strange language, improve their hearing ability to understand new words as
time goes by and learn new words. In the following paragraphs I will list some reasons to support
my position.
First of all, if one wants to see outcome soon, one must start sooner. So, the early children begin to
learn new language the better will be the result. Scientists say that a child does not confuse two
different languages but learns them more effectively.
Second of all, adults are often afraid to make mistakes when they are speaking in a new language.
This fear is one of the biggest barriers for a person in his efforts to speak freely. Otherwise,
children do not afraid of making grammatical mistakes because basically they just repeat words
and sentences in the way they hear them. Also, children have a better chance to get rid of an
accent. They faster get used to the right pronunciation and better feel the melody of a language.

To sum up, I think that it is very essential for children to begin learning a foreign language in their
early ages. It is brings many benefits such as great pronunciation. Also, it helps a child develop
and gain more knowledge which is good for a long run.
Parents or other adult relatives should make important decisions for
their (15 to 18 year-old) teenage children.
model answer:
Parents are in most cases our first teachers and friends. From my everyday experience I have to
agree with the statement that important decisions should be made by our parents or adult relatives.
In the following paragraphs I will give my reasons to support this statement.
First of all, teenage children have the tendency to live in their own fantasies. They do not clearly
understand the rules of a real life. When I was 18 years old I thought that the world was perfect
and everything seemed to be simple. Teenagers are basically inexperienced; they aspire for
independence and try to make their first steps towards freedom. I think that it is like starting to
walk when a baby needs its parents for support. An independent life is a big and significant part in
a person's life. So, my point is that it is very important to make this step right.
Second of all, I think that parents have right to interfere in their children's lives. They need to
know what kind of friends their children have and how children spend their spare time. For
example I had an eighteen years old friend who got really angry with his parents when they
prohibited him to be friends with a young man. Somehow his parents found out that that young
man was occasionally taking drugs. That man was dead in a year because of drug abuse. After that
accident my friend thanked his parents for that interference.
Finally, I think teenage children should be more open-minded with their parents. It will help them
to make the right choice and avoid many mistakes.
To sum up, I believe that young people should trust their parents because they wish their children
only the best.

61. It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big
city.
Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.
model answer:
Some people believe that it is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city.
However, other people think that a big city gives more opportunities and it is good for the long
run. Personally, for several reasons I think that it is better for children's health to grow up in the
country.
First of all, it is very important for a child to grow up in a healthy environment. Children need
fresh air, not polluted by the huge amount of cars and factories of the modern city. In the country
they can spend more time exercising and walking with their friends. Scientists say that now
children spend the same amount of time watching TV as they do at school. Probably, the
possibility to join their friends for a play will change this proportion. Another important aspect of
this is that parents will have more time to spend with their children as a result of eliminating traffic
jams and decreasing driving time as a whole.
From the other side, children have some advantages living in a big city. For example, they have
more opportunities to choose from what they want to do. They can choose to attend ballet school,
school of art, gymnastics, etc. For the long run, it is good for them. They will be better prepared
for a live in a "real world" and they will have more chances to make a good career and succeed.
Moreover, a big city usually has many entertaining centers with movie theatres and play stations.
When I was a child I liked to go to the movie theatre with my parents to watch a premiere.
One more reason to choose a big city for a child is that a city provides better live conditions and
services such as medical, dental, etc. My friend lived in the country for a while and one time he
and his family had to drive a couple of hours to the nearest medical center when his child got a
heavy cough.
To summarize, I agree with those people who want to raise their children in a city. The plenty of
opportunities offered by a city helps children to find what they really like and be the best at it.
Moreover, despite the air pollution, children get a better medical service that is good for their
health.
Children should be required to help with household tasks as soon as

they are able to do so.
model answer:
The issue about whether children should help with household tasks as soon as they are able to do
so is open for debate. Some people say that children should devote more time for playing with
their friends, watching TV and studying. However, other people believe that children should help
their parents with household tasks. Personally, for several reasons, which I will explain bellow, I
adhere to the latter point of view.
First of all, I think that every child should have his or her own responsibilities. When I was a child
my parents taught me how to make breakfast in the morning. So, I woke up, went to the kitchen
and prepared a couple of toasts for breakfast. It was easy and I enjoyed doing it because I liked the
way my parents thanked me and I felt that they were proud of me. Also, my mom always wanted
me to know how to cook, clean and iron my cloth. Thanks to the learning, nowadays, when my
maid can not come to my house I handle all household tasks myself.
Second of all, performing household tasks teaches children to value the job of people who did it.
When I was a child I did not imagine that cleaning house could be so time and energy consuming.
So, when I began to do some of the household tasks by myself I began to respect the job of others
and tryed to collect all my toys after my playing with them.
Finally, doing household tasks teaches children to arrange their time. In addition to those practical
benefits, help from children allows parents to have more spare time for their personal lives and for
the children. A family can have more time to spend with each other talking, watching movies or
just enjoying the beautiful moments.
To sum up, I think that children should help their parents with household tasks. Doing household
tasks helps them to grow into independent, self-confident, and attentive persons who respect their
parents.
63. What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)?
Use specific details and examples to explain why these qualities are
important.
model answer:
Many people have to work under somebody's supervision. In most cases an employee does not
choose his or her boss, unless a supervisor is elected. In the following paragraphs I will list the
most important qualities of my "ideal boss".
First of all, he must be impartial. I believe that it is very important to make a technical decision,
think about somebody's promotion, etc. impartially. For instance, my friend is a supervisor on a

dairy mill. It is his family's business so a lot of his relatives work there. But he never promotes
someone because he or she is his family. I think it is a good quality for a boss.
Second of all, my "ideal boss" must be honest, patient and attentive. He should pay attention to
people's feelings, encourage them by increasing their salary, listen to their suggestions about
improving labor conditions and productivity. For instance, if he does not satisfied with the result
he should understand the origin of the problem and explain people how to fix it. In addition, he
must know how to solve conflicts that can arise between employees.
Another important quality of a boss is the ability to choose the right decisions and to learn on
somebody's mistakes.
Finally, I think a good boss must value his or her employees because the profit directly depends on
the people who work there.
In conclusion, I think a good boss should be able to make his people enjoy the work they are doing
and encourage their diligence.
64. Some people enjoy change, and they look forward to new
experiences.
Others like their lives to stay the same, and they do not change their
usual habits.
Compare these two approaches to life. Which approach do you prefer?
Explain why.
model answer:
Some people like to live in the same house, have the same job and habits all their lives. However,
others aspire to changes and new experience. Personally, for the several reasons, which I will
explain bellow, I prefer the first approach to life.
First of all, changes in one's life bring many benefits. One tries new things, gains new knowledge
and experience. I think it is great because without changes life becomes boring. I always try to
make changes in my life. Moreover, when I feel that my life is boring I do not feel well about it. I
feel like I spent those days for nothing. I did not do anything exiting, I learnt nothing interesting
and I just waisted my time.
Second of all, people need changes. Furthermore, we need obstacles to overcome and reach our
goals. I believe that changes make us stronger, more persistent, more self-confident, and more
patient. Also, I feel that all people who succeeded in life like changes and new experience because
it is impossible to be the best at some field without perfecting the present knowledge and gain new

experience. People catch every opportunity to learn more and change their life for the best.
From the other side, people who like their lives to stay the same are very permanent. They have the
same job all their life, the same habits, the same week-ends and even the same years in years out. I
think it is boring. What will they tell their children about their lives? What kind of contribution
will they make for the society? I think such people are just afraid of changes.
I think curiosity and aspiration to the new experience are two of the main reasons of human
evolution. People always wanted to break limits and gain more knowledge and experience. So,
people who enjoy change are the engine of human development.
Businesses should do anything they can to make a profit.
Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
model answer:
I do not agree with the statement that businesses should do anything they can to make a profit. I
state my opinion on the following points.
First of all, every company must have its moral code. It means that a company should treat its
clients properly and respect their rights. Of cause a company may lose a part of its profit but
security of its clients must be on the first place. Otherwise, clients will switch to another company
and never be back. For instance, a few years ago "Jonson&Jonson" produced a new type of
painkillers. Unfortunately, this product was not tested properly. As a result of this many people
died and received injures. The president of the company made a crucial decision to call back all
painkillers from all distributors and pay to all injured customers for their treatment. It cost a lot of
money for the company but it saved its image and clients. It was a very difficult decision, but the
president of the company understood that it would cost him even more in the future because he
would not be able to return clients' respect. Loosing customers means for a company loosing its
profit.
Second of all, in order to succeed in the modern world companies have to compete with each other.
Many companies lose their profit decreasing prices on their products. They do not aspire for extra
profit but for clients' satisfaction. Companies do it because they want their products sold and their
customers satisfied. They offer discounts, free delivery, free service, free Internet access, good
return service, etc. All these are done to make their old customers happy and attract new clients.
To sum up, I think a company, which the only goal is profit will not succeed nowadays. Otherwise,
companies that respect their clients and want to see them satisfied will make a fortune.

66. Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives.
model answer:
I would have to completely disagree with the statement above. In the following paragraphs I will
outline the basic concepts of my position.
First of all, I will least the major disadvantages for employers. On the today's market a company
must be very flexible in order to compete with other firms. So, imagine the situation when a
company can not fire its employees to stay on the market. It will lead to loosing not only a profit,
but the clients, market share and competitive ability. Now, imagine the situation when a company
is growing fast, everything is good and the next few years are going to be excellent. So, employers
need more people to extend the production. However, nobody can tell what will happen in a few
years. In this case, employers will be afraid to hire new people and extend their business because
they will not be able to fire them if something goes wrong. Another important aspect of this is that
a company can not have the best employees. It can not hire the better one without dismissing
another employee.
What kind of disadvantages will have an employee in exchange for this kind of job security? First
of all, it will be very difficult to find a job if one is not the best, because an employer does not
want to spend money on one's education. Besides, employer will not have a chance to fire one if he
does not do his job well. Second of all, employees with this kind of security tend not to perfect
themselves because after they are hired they can not lose their job.
In conclusion, I would like to add that this statement has some positive aspects too such as
constancy, a strong spirit of the company, etc. This system takes place in Japan and some
companies succeeded in it. But I think that the reason of it subsists in the Japanese traditions, the
particular cultural features, habits and customs. However, on today's market here in the United
States a company can not afford to hire employees for their entire life.
67. Should a city try to preserve its old, historic buildings or destroy
them and replace them with modern buildings?

model answer:
Some people think that old, historic buildings are no need for the city and they should be destroyed
and replaced with modern ones. However, other people believe that historic buildings must be
preserved in order to know and remember our past. For several reasons that I will mention bellow I
agree with those people who want to preserve old, historical buildings.
First of all, by preserving historical buildings we pass our history to our future generations. I think
that out children should know their history, learn from it and respect it. People need to know their
traditions and customs, which are priceless and irreplaceable. Our history is our knowledge and
power. From my opinion we need to preserve and restore historical buildings. By destroying them
we show our disrespect to our forefathers and their traditions.
Second of all, by preserving historical buildings a city can attract many travelers. Welcoming
tourists a city can get many benefits including money, which can be spent on preserving historical
buildings as well as on improving roads and facilities.
Also, many tourists mean a lot of new business opportunities. Another important aspect of this is
that businessmen will be willing to build new recreational centers, hotels, movie theaters, shopping
centers to make a city more attractive for travelers. In addition to those practical benefits, many
people will have the opportunity to get a job. All this is good for the economy of the city.
To sum up, I believe that preserving old, historical buildings can bring only benefits to a city and
all humankind.
68. The government has announced that it plans to build a new
university.
Some people think that your community would be a good place to locate
the university.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a new
university in your community.
Use specific details in your discussion.
model answer:
I think it is a great idea to build a new university in my community. However, I think it is a
controversial question whether the building of a new university will bring only benefits to our
community. In this essay I will analyze advantages and disadvantages of this issue and present my
view in favor of establishing a new university in my community.
From the one side, establishing a new university in my community brings many benefits. First of

all, a new construction means more job opportunities. I think it would be good for my community
because many people have to spend much time driving to their work day in and day out because
they could not find a job in our neighborhood. Second of all, a new university is a good chance to
meet new people and I like this opportunity. Many students will live in our community. Finally, if
a new university is built in my community there is a big chance that I will be willing to enroll in it.
I think it is great because it is not far from my place and I do not have to move to another part of
the city. Another important aspect of this is that people from my community will have a chance to
use new libraries and facilities of a new university. For example some people can take courses and
classes there.
From the other side, building a new university can bring some disadvantages. A new construction
means noise, traffic jams and different kinds of pollution. In addition to these disadvantages, many
young people in our community can cause more noise especially in the evenings.
To sum up, I think that I would support the decision of the government of establishing a new
university in my community despite a few disadvantages that could follow this construction. I
believe that a new university will increase a chance of many young people to get a higher
education, gain more knowledge and experience, which will help them to succeed in today’s
world.
69. A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near
your community.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on
your community.
Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position.
model answer:
I am from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. I believe that building a large factory near my community has
advantages as well as disadvantages. In the following paragraphs I will list basic benefits and
losses that will be brought by a new factory.
For several reasons, I think that a new factory will not be a good addition to my neighborhood.
First of all, factories often bring pollution. They are prone to contaminating the local air and water.
Second of all, factories make noise. Another important aspect of building a new factory near by is
that it will make the local traffic heavy. As a result of this, the amount of traffic congestions will
increase, as well as contamination of the air. So, all these obviously will not make one's life
happier and healthier in my community.
From the other side, I believe that a new factory will bring some advantages to my community.
First of all, it will bring new job opportunities. Many specialists will be required to work there.
Second of all, I think many local community facilities will have to be renovated to obtain reliable
supply of water and electricity. So, some old pipes may be changed. Another important benefit of

this is that the local roads in order to manage the increasing traffic will be rebuilt and widened.
However, I do not think that listed above benefits are worth all these troubles including water
contamination and the constant pollution of air. From my point of view all factories must be built
far from the people communities because they can be really harmful for people's health.
70. It has recently been announced that a new movie theater may be
built in your neighborhood.
Do you support or oppose this plan? Why?
Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
model answer:
I live in a small community. From my everyday experience and observation I can say that the idea
about building a new theatre in my neighborhood has some advantages as well as disadvantages. In
this essay I will first focus on the reasons why I support this idea and then move on to analyzing
why I oppose it.
First of all, I like movies and my husband and I sometimes go to the movie theatre to watch
premieres. Unfortunately, it is time-consuming for us. We have to drive about 50 minutes to the
nearest movies theatre. So, the idea of having a movie theatre in our neighborhood seems very
attractive. It would save us an hour just to get there and another hour to get back home. Another
important aspect of it is that in this case we will be able to get to the movie theatre by foot. I must
to confess that we always have parking troubles in the parking space near the movie theatre.
Second of all, new movie theatre is a very good place for students who want to earn some money.
My husband and I live near a student community, so I think it would be a great news for them. In
addition to this practical benefit students will be able to watch all movies free of charge. I suppose
it is a great way to save some money.
Finally, there are usually many restaurants and entertaining centers around a movie theatre. There
people can have dinner or play game machines.
In contrast, I think that the building of a new movie theatre will destroy the silence and beauty of
out community. Such entertaining centers are often noisy. Moreover, traffic jams will probably be
the result of it.
In conclusion, I think that if the question was about building a new movie theatre in the next
neighborhood I would completely agree.

71. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People
should read only those books that are about real events, real people,
and established facts.
Use specific reasons and details to support your opinion.
model answer:
Some people think that fiction books have no use at all. They claim that people should read about
real events that took place, real people, and established facts. I have to totally disagree with this
statement. From my everyday experience and observation I can stand that fiction, miracles and
fairy tails are required in our life. For several reasons, which I will mention below, I believe that
fiction books play an essential role in our life.
First of all, it is kind of difficult to imagine a six year old child reading about politics or history
with the real facts that are not always pleasant. I think that children need miracles and Santa Claus
because the real world is too complicated for them. They are too innocent and inexperienced to
know the real facts and understand what a real life is about. In addition, I am sure that making a
child read only non-fiction books can result in shock.
Second of all, following this statement about refusing from reading books about fiction events we
also should refuse from festivals, parades, and celebration such holidays as Halloween because
most of the characters there are fictional. Moreover, comic books will disappear as well as
animated films and fiction movies. The disadvantage of non-fiction lies in the facts that nothing
happens to excite the mind and spirit. From the other side, fiction provides a great slope for a mind
to think creatively.
In conclusion, I think that people need miracles. We can not be satisfied with only naked truth.
Human kind must believe in something and this belief helps people break limits and make new
inventions.
72. It has been said, “Not everything that is learned is contained in
books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with
knowledge gained from books.
In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?

model answer:
People are learning and practicing through their entire life. I believe that life experience and
practice are the basic reasons of the humankind's evolution. However, in my opinion, knowledge
gained from books plays a very important role in the modern life.
The most obviously important advantage of books is that they hold all knowledge gained by
previous generations. People write books about their discoveries and inventions, which are gained
through practice and experience. This knowledge is accumulated in books that are passed from
generation to generation. So, basically, people get all knowledge about the previous achievements
from books, analyze it and than, according to their experience and new data, write new books. In
this case, books are the holders of humankind's experience.
For example, at old times people thought that the Earth was flat. It was concluded from
observations and studdying. However, the next generations, using the experience of their
ancestors, proved that the Earth was round.
Personally, I think that books are very important because they are able to give people the basic and
fundamental knowledge. Books store history, the important events and discoveries. Without them
it is difficult and sometimes impossible to move forward, make new discoveries and inventions.
To summarize, I think a person should take basic knowledge from books because it will help him
to make his own inventions, conclusions and discoveries. Only using both books and one’s
experience one can move forward.
73. Many parts of the world are losing important natural resources, such
as forests, animals, or clean water.
Choose one resource that is disappearing and explain why it needs to
be saved.
model answer:
As human's population is dramatically rising every year, people's requirements are increasing too.
We need more food, more fresh water, more places to live. As a result of this many parts of the
world are losing essential and sometimes irreplaceable resources, such as forest, animals, or fresh
water. In this essay I will focus on the threat of disappearing many wild animals.
The reason why I think that animals should be preserved is that all living creatures on this planet
are connected with each other. So, the disappearance of only one species can cause dramatic
changes in the planet and even death of many other living creatures. For example, the

disappearance of bats will cause the huge increasing of insect population and this will reflect on all
animals and plants. Another example is that if the population of bats increases, the population of
insects will decrease significantly, and this will cause the disappearance of many plants because
insects are the main pollinators. So, I think it is very important to preserve all species on our planet
and live in harmony with our environment.
Another important reason why I think that animals should be saved is that I, personally, do not
want my child to learn about different animals from books and not be able to see them alive. I
think it is shameful for humankind to explain our children that we are the reason why those
animals disappeared.
In conclusion, I would like to say that the issue about losing important natural resources is topical
and open for debate nowadays. I believe that together people can make a difference. From my
point of view, the first problem we should find a solution for is human's overpopulation. As I
mentioned above people's demands are growing and this means we consume more and more
natural resources. The second question, which is on the list of most important issues, is pollution
including the air pollution, water pollution, etc.
74. Some people think that human needs for farmland, housing, and
industry are more important than saving land for endangered animals.
Do you agree or disagree with this point of view? Why or why not?
model answer:
As human population is significantly rising every year, people's requirements are increasing too.
We need more food, more machines, more place to live. As a result of this people need more land
to satisfy their requirements. We cultivate and irrigate more and more land to plant vegetables,
build new buildings, airports, roads, etc. I think sometimes we forget that we are not alone on this
planet. I have to disagree with those people who think that human needs are more important than
saving land for endangered animals. I base my opinion on the following points.
First of all, as I already mentioned, we are not alone on this planet. A few centuries ago we were
the part of wild nature. I think we need to remember this fact and respect all creatures around us.
Second of all, I believe that we all need to think of the problem of overpopulation. The human
population is dramatically increasing and we have to do something about it. From my opinion,
every family should have no more than two children. It will help to stop the growth of population,
decrease human needs for farmland, housing and industry.
In conclusion, I think it is a very topical question nowadays. My point is that all people should
answer this question and find the solution.

75. Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by
listening to the advice of family and friends. Other people believe that
the best way of learning about life is through personal experience.
Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning about
life. Which do you think is preferable?
Use specific examples to support your preference.
model answer:
From my everyday experience and observation I can stand that the best way of learning about life
is through personal experience. However, some people think that it is wiser to learn about life
through listening to the advice of family and friends. It does not mean I totally disagree with this
way of learning. Moreover, I think that it is wise for a person to take an intermediate position
because each of these ways has its own advantages. Bellow I will give my reasons to support my
point of view.
From the one side, learning through one's personal experience brings many benefits. First of all,
scientists say that personal experience has greater impact on a person. I have to agree with this.
Take for example children. They will not believe their parents that something can hurt them until
they try it and make sure in it. Furthermore, most likely they will remember this experience longer.
Second of all, people learn how to analyze their mistakes, make conclusions and next time try to
avoid them. So, I think it is a great experience that makes people stronger, more self-confident and
persistent. They gain more knowledge and experience that will be very helpful and valuable in the
future.
From the other side, listening to the advice of family and friends brings many benefits too. Parents
with great patience pass down their knowledge and experience to their children. They teach them
all they know and they want their children do not make the same mistakes. In addition to those
practical benefits, learning from someone's advice is painless. For example, parents nowadays very
often talk to their children about drugs. I think it is a great example when one should not try drugs
in order to gain new experience. I think it is a case when children must trust their parents.
To sum up, I think it is wise to combine both of these ways to learn and try to analyze personal
mistakes as well as not personal. I think together they can greatly simplify one's life and make the
way to success shorter.

76. Some people like to do only what they already do well.
Other people prefer to try new things and take risks. Which do you
prefer?
model answer:
Form my everyday experience and observation I think that all people who succeeded in life had to
work hard and gain more knowledge and experience in order to reach their goals. From the other
hand, people who all their life do things they already do well and do not improve their knowledge
do not move forward. I base my statement on the following points.
First of all, people who want to succeed must constantly improve their knowledge and gain more
experience. Moreover, they must be the best at their profession. So, they need to try new things,
take risks sometimes and work hard.
Second of all, it is impossible to live without trying new things. Imagine one wants to learn how to
drive. He will never be able to do it without learning new things such as driving rules.
Personally, I think that it is very interesting to learn new, to gain more experience, to make new
goals and reach them. Life is too short to stay on one place. People need changes because they
make our lives more beautiful and exiting. We find out new things, learn new things and dream to
know other things. People need challenges because while overcoming obstacles we make new
discoveries, become stronger, perfect ourselves and move forward.
To sum up, I believe that people's aspiration for learning new things is the main reason the way we
live now. People make many discoveries and inventions that make our lives easier, happier and
longer.
77. Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we
really do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new
products that may improve our lives. Which viewpoint do you agree
with?

model answer:
I think that everyone can divide all advertising products and services into useless ones and useful
ones. It is like looking through an information desk when you pay attention to those messages that
interest you. Take me for example.
I do not like jewelry. It does not mean I do not have it at all, I have a couple of inexpensive rings
as gifts from my parents. I just think, people pay too much attention to this stuff. I believe it is the
result of mass advertising. Every day when I am watching TV, listening to the radio or reading the
paper I notice many ads about getting an expensive ring, chain, necklace or ear-rings. From my
point of view these kinds of advertising contaminate people's minds. In this case you are
encouraged to buy things you do not really need. They make you believe you need such products
in order to succeed or be happy.
From the other side, I think that advertisements of the new detergents with up-to-date formulas to
help you maintain your cloth in perfect conditions, the new cars with some extra futures that make
your traveling more comfortable and sports goods that make your life healthier may help you to
improve your life.
Recently my husband and I saw an ad on the Internet about a very interesting and inexpensive
vocation to Japan for a week. Is not it awesome? We like traveling. So now we are planning to find
out more about it and, may be, make reservations. I believe that without advertisements we would
be unaware about plenty of oppotunities that may make your life happier, easier and less stressful.
My point is that every person has his own scale of values. So if he is vegetarian he will consider an
ad about meat products useless for him.
Advertising can tell you a lot about a country.
model answer:
Every country has its own culture and traditions. There is no doubt that an advertising campaign
conducted in Russia will not have the same affect here in the United States. Let us take for
example advertisement of food and restaurants.
A huge amount of fast food stands suggest their services for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper
here in Houston. The competition is very strong. Every week you get in your mail-box an envelope
with different types of discounts in exchange for visiting them or ordering pizza. Watching TV you
are also from time to time invited to visit a restaurant in order to taste some delicious food. It is not
because it is easy to make money cooking but because the demand for such service is high. First of
all, people like to go out sometimes to have dinner with friends. Second of all, it is often

impossible to drive home for lunch. It can be time consuming.
As for Russia, it is a great tradition to have dinner at home with the family and go to the restaurant
for big holidays. Additionally fast food is not popular in Russia. So you will see advertisements of
yogurts, coffee, dairy products and juice instead of restaurants and fast food stands.
In conclusion I would like to add that in order to succeed in advertising campaign especially on the
international market company must know traditions, language and history of the country.
79. Some people prefer to plan activities for their free time very
carefully. Others choose not to make any plans at all for their free time.
Compare the benefits of planning free-time activities with the benefits
of not making plans.
Which do you prefer - planning or not planning for your leisure time?
Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice.
model answer:
Nowadays people have so many things to do that they almost always do not have enough time for
it. When we go to bed we carefully think and plan our next day and it continues day in and day out.
We wake up, recollect our checklist with things to do and in a few minutes we are already in a car
on our way to the office. Often people do not have time for themselves. So, when people have
some spare time they want to use it wisely. Some people prefer to plan activities for their free time
very carefully. However, others prefer not to make any plans. In this essay I will analyze both
cases and present my view in favor of planning free-time activities.
From the one side, not making any plans and just letting the time pass by for some time have some
benefits. First of all, a person can just relax, enjoy the beautiful moments, spend his or her time
with loved ones, watch a movie, listen to relaxing music, observe the flowers in bloom from the
window, contemplate about his or her life and just slow down the pace of life. I think it is a very
good way to eliminate one's stress and tension and just leave all troubles and worries behind.
From the other side, careful planning can bring many benefits too. First of all, one can travel.
However, traveling requires some planning to be made. For example, one most likely will need a
hotel room. So, the reservation should be made beforehand. Also, it is wise to check one's car to
avoid breakdowns and have an uninterrupted worry-free trip. Second of all, planning one's
activities allows to spend one's free time the way he/she likes. For instance, if I want to play tennis
on incoming week-end I will certainly make a reservation for a court because in this case I will not
be disappointed with the waste of my time. Personally, I prefer to make plans for my free time
because it allows me to spend my vacation or week-ends the way I want it.

To sum up, I think careful planning allows people to derive maximum benefits from their free
time. However, I must confess sometimes I allow my self just to stay at home with my friends and
family and not make any plans.
80. The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new
century will bring?
Use examples and details in your answer.
model answer:
Man, through the ages, has undergone many changes from the time when he depicted a herd of
mammoths on the walls of his cave to these days when he can create beautiful pictures and even
make coffee by use of computer technologies without leaving his favorite chair. The 20th century
made huge steps in developing computer technologies and reached many goals that made our life
much easier. What should we expect in the 21st century?
First of all, I think that the pace of our life will speed up: we will move faster from one place to
another, from one continent to another using high speed jet airplanes. Second of all, I believe that
we will be able to do many things that take much time now without leaving our house. Computers
will be everywhere including out clothes. Many people will have chips and mini computers
inserted in their heads to hold huge amount of information and have a quick access to it.
But what will be the most amazing thing in the 21st century is the flights to the outer space and
Mars that will be available to all people. Scientists say that Mars has many things similar to the
Earth's. Moreover, they say that with the help of modern technology people can artificially create
conditions that will allow people to live there on the constant basis.
To sum up, I am sure that many amazing changes will be brought by the 21st century.
Furthermore, I think that with the help of the contemporary technologies people can do many
things that were even difficult to imagine a century ago. So, nowadays it is rather difficult and
even impossible to imagine all changes that will happen in the next decades

81. All education, primary, secondary and further education, should be
free to all people and paid for by the government.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
model answer:
Different countries have different education systems. I don‛t know all the education systems in the
world but all the ones I do know about have free school education at primary and secondary level.
I certainly agree with the statement that this should be the case. I believe university education is
different.
No matter what standard of income someone has or what society someone comes from, everyone
should have the opportunity to have a good standard of education. This is not always what happens
but it is what should happen. Private schools can be available for those who want and can afford it
but the free schools should always be there. This is certainly one of the best attributes of western
democracy and all countries it seems strive to attain situation although some have problems due to
the economic and political situations in their countries. Governments should make sure that all
their citizens have access to a good standard of free education at primary and secondary level.
Further education is different. In an ideal world this should be free but governments have a lot of
demands on their money. I think that students should have to pay, maybe not all, but at least a
contribution towards their tuition fees. They will be able to earn it back once they have graduated.
The UK has this system whereas in the US students have to pay all their high tuition fees which
can run into the tens of thousands of dollars over a full course. I am not sure if I agree with this but
it certainly would make sure that students make the best of efforts to pass or all their money would
be wasted.
Therefore I conclude that primary and secondary education should be freely available for all if
possible but that further education should not necessarily be wholly free.
82. Trade and travel would be a lot easier with a single, global currency
that we all use.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Would a single currency
cause any problems?
model answer:
It is clear to me that the idea of a single global currency is an excellent ideal to work towards.
There can be no doubt that trade and travel would be vastly easier. On the other hand I believe that
it would cause problems today.

The benefits of a single currency can be seen with the use in Europe of the Euro. Whenever you
are travelling between countries using the Euro, the problems of currency changing and exchange
rates are history. Similarly business between countries using the Euros is so much easier; no more
worrying about exchange rate risk and pricing. Everyone‛s money is the same. The same thing is
true with the US dollar. Most countries do not use the US dollar but it is accepted in many places.
There are many countries that you can travel to and just take US dollars to use.
At present though a global currency would be impossible. Firstly most countries would not accept
the idea. Secondly all countries are in different economic states. Some are economically very
strong and some are in a state of collapse with inflation ruining the economy. Such countries could
not be brought into a world currency as it would cause massive financial instability worldwide. So
it is clear that a global currency would indeed cause some serious problems.
So, in conclusion I see a global currency as a future ideal but it will not happen in my lifetime. It
would make trade and travel much easier but the problems it would cause nowadays would be
insurmountable.
83. The wealth gap between 1st world countries and 3rd world countries
seems to be increasing. How can we reduce this gap? Do you think that
developed countries
have a duty to assist developing countries in every way?
model answer:
Every day the rich countries in the world get richer and the poor countries get poorer. Can we
reduce this gap? Of course we can. The question is whether the people in power want to do it?
Reducing the wealth gap can be achieved by cancelling third world debt, cancelling trade and
farming subsidies so that third world countries can compete, getting rid of third world corruption
and investing and building in third world countries using local people and skills and allowing them
ownership of businesses. There are other things as well. Unfortunately there is no profit in business
for first world countries to do these things. Some will do them but most will not. The ordinary man
on the street wants things to be better for poorer countries and the politicians say that they will
help but the politicians will in the end do what business tells them to do. Politicians also rightly
feel they have a duty to protect their own countries and keeping economically dominant is part of
this duty. Creating effective competition for their own country‛s businesses is not part of what they
are expected to do.
This then leads on to whether I believe that developed countries have a duty to help the developing
countries. Yes, I do. As an individual I believe that we have a duty to assist the poorer countries

with their development in all aspects. We can provide teachers and education and doctors on the
small scale and on the larger scale the things that I have talked about in the previous paragraph.
Can we do this? Yes. Will we do this? See the previous paragraph again.
In conclusion you can see that I believe that there is a split between what would happen in a
perfect world and what actually happens. We have a duty to reduce the wealth gap between
developed and developing countries and we can do it, but it is unlikely that this will happen
quickly.
84. Every day traffic seems to get worse on our roads. How can we
reduce the
number of cars on our roads today? What alternatives can we offer car
drivers?
model answer:
The more people that there are in the world, the more cars there are on the road. People are richer
too and often families have more than one car. It has been proved that building more roads does
not work; it just encourafes more traffic.
So, what can we do? People like their cars and the freedom and independence that cars give them.
One possibility would be to raise car taxes and fuel taxes so that people do not want to spend the
extra money. Taxes on new car sales as well could be increased in order to discourage people from
buying. Perhaps a used car sales tax could be introduced too. In the same way motorways could
have tolls charged for using them although this may just increase congestion on smaller roads as
people try and avoid the motorways. The government that introduces such ideas will not be
popular though and would probably lose power. Governments would therefore be unlikely to set
up such new measures.
I think it would be better to try and change people‛s attitudes and offer them alternatives. Educate
them more about the pollution and waste that they are causing. Persuade them to car share, use
public transport or even cycle if the distances are not too long. Countries such as Holland and
Denmark are well known for how their citizens are passionate about green issues and how they use
bicycles when they can.
Reducing traffic is a difficult task. I don‛t think it is possible realistically to reduce car numbers
but I do think that we can change people‛s attitudes and get them to use different ways of
travelling.

85. A lot of people believe that the amount of violence shown on TV and
in the cinema affects the actions of our young people and therefore
increases the amount of violence in our society today.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? What can be done to
reduce violence in our society today?
model answer:
The question of whether the amount of violence on TV and cinema has affected young people in
our society is something which cannot be quantified or proved. My opinion is though that the
answer is “yes, it has”.
TV and cinema today do show a large amount of violence and, although we try and shield our
young people from seeing too much, they still get to watch it. At the age of eighteen in my country
they can see everything anyway. Violence on the streets has increased. That has been proved. The
connection between TV‛s and the cinema‛s obsession with violence and today‛s street violence
cannot be proved but it is logical that the two are connected. Young people imitate what they see
and it is logical that they see glamour in what they do when they commit violence.
How can we lessen violence? Reducing the amount of violence on TV and in the cinema would
certainly be a good start. Being more vigilant about what age children are when they see violence
in these media, and raising the age limits would also help. Another good idea would be to channel
the violence of young people. I don‛t think that national service should be re-established in this
country but, if people are convicted of violence and sent to prison, then why not give them the
option of serving in the army. Their violence will be controlled and they will be subjected to
discipline so that they will be better able to control themselves when they leave.
Thus I agree with the statement that cinema and TV violence affects the young people in our
society. There are some things that can be done to better the situation but I doubt whether anything
will be done.
86. With the pressures on today’s young people to succeed academically,
some people believe that non-academic subjects at school (eg: physical
education and cookery) should be removed from the syllabus so that

children can concentrate wholly on academic subjects.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
model answer:
What young people should study at school has long been the subject of intense debate and this is a
question that certainly does not have one correct answer.
We need to provide young people the best possible chance of doing well at school. In traditional
curriculum there is a wide variety of subjects with a mix of academic and non-academic subjects.
In this way a young person is formed with a rounded education. Non-academic subjects would
include sports, cooking, woodwork and metalwork. I believe this is the best form of education. A
young person should learn things other than academic subjects. Sport is particularly important.
Young people have to learn to love sport so that they can be fit and healthy later in life. If not we
will be raising an obese and unfit generation.
I totally understand the point of view that education is so important that students must be pushed as
hard as possible to achieve their best. It sounds a good idea to only expose the students to
academic subjects as then they can spend all of their school hours on studying areas that will get
them into university and good jobs later in life. I just feel a more rounded education would produce
a better individual. We must remember too that a lot of people, maybe even most people, aren‛t
academically minded and would benefit more from a more vocationally based education. Forcing
academic studies onto them would lead to failure and the student leaving school too early.
Therefore I agree that although a wholly academic curriculum would suit and benefit some young
people, I believe that for most students non-academic subjects are important inclusions still in
today‛s syllabuses.
87. Children's lives these days are quite different from our generation's.
Describe what are the biggest changes in younger generation and
explain some factors of this phenomenon.
model answer:
Over the past few decades, the world has significantly changed. Nowadays, many have begun to
wonder what the reasons behind [=for] these changes are. Two major factors contributing to this
phenomenon are advances in media and change family dynamics [=organization].
First, advances in media, such as the Internet and TV, have meant that children spend a large
portion of their leisure time in front of a screen. Consequently, they are not getting proper amounts
of exercise, which results in an increase in the number of children who are overweight and obese.
In addition, fast food restaurants have become increasingly popular, which has also contributed to

children's health problems
Moreover, another leading force of this trend is changes in the family unit. Compared with a half
century ago, nuclear families have become way more common in modern society. People tend to
have only one child, which has caused personality disorders such as depression, loneliness, and
selfishness. This is mainly because parents with one child have tendency to put all their focus and
money into their only son or daughter. Studies have indicated that over 65% of children who are
brought up without siblings show self-centered behavior find it difficult cooperating with their
peers.
In summary, there are many factors that have caused children to live very differently from the
generation before them. There are high hopes that parents exercise(s) wisdom in treating their
children.
88. In many countries, sports and exercise classes are replaced with the
academic subjects. Discuss the effects of this trend.
model answer:
Over the past few decades, academic subjects have become increasingly important in this fast-
changing information-based society. Nowadays, there has been a growing debate as to whether it
would be more effective to replace physical education classes with academic subjects. Despite the
importance of sports, I highly believe that it is inevitable and more efficient to focus more on
academic subjects for several reasons.
Those who argue that sports and exercise classes are needed in school base their case on the
following arguments. First of all, sports are a good way to build character and develop personality.
That is, there are necessary for learning about competition, cooperation, and good sportsmanship.
In addition, as a majority of children these days are addicted to the Internet, they find it hard to
leave their computer. Consequently, a growing number of children are becoming overweight or
obese due to a lack of exercise. So, if schools foster an environment that deprives students of
getting a proper physical education, it will have a long-term negative effect on children both
mentally and physically.
Nevertheless, people should not ignore the fact that devoting more time and energy to academic
subjects will benefit students more in the long run. The time devoted to physical education now
would be better spent teaching students English. This is because speaking fluent English will give
young people an advantage over other college applicants and job seekers in the near future.
Besides, science will undoubtedly benefit youth more than physical education as well. The
principles learned in science will provide the necessary foundation for solving and difficult
problems that are sure to arise in students' futures.

In summary, there are high hopes that educators and parents exercise wisdom in teaching young
generations.
89. Some people insist that senior workers 65 or over should retire but
others believe that they should continue working. What is you opinion?
model answer:
Over the past few decades [In the past], there have been many advances in medical technology.
Because of this, senior citizens are healthier and more active than before and may choose to work
beyond the age of 65. Nowadays, however, there has been a growing debate as to whether or not
these people should retire in order to create jobs for the younger generation. Despite the
advantages of early retirement, I strongly believe that it is better for senior workers to continue
working as long as they are physically and mentally capable.
Those who believe that senior workers need to retire for younger generation base their case on the
following arguments. First, the unemployment rate, especially for college graduates, has never
been so high so it is today. This is largely due to the slow economy. Therefore, firing some elderly
workers who are well-paid would allow those unemployed young people to have good
opportunities to get a job. In addition, replacing older workers with young people would bring
greater benefits to companies [=employers]. This is because youngsters are better at adapting
themselves to fast changing information based society. They are generally better at computers and
speaking foreign languages than their older counterparts.
Nevertheless, people should not ignore the fact that senior citizens have been playing vital roles
both at home and at work for their entire lives. To begin with, a young person's need for a job is no
more important than an older person's. Both have a responsibility to support their families. Sadly,
few seniors can afford early retirement. Besides, senior workers provide the wisdom and
experience that young employees cannot offer. There is strong [=acute] possibility of situations
arising that require the knowledge of skilled senior employees.
In summary, the advantages of keeping seasoned workers far outweigh its disadvantages. There are
high hopes that employers exercise wisdom [=caution] in dealing with this issue.

90. Some people think high school graduates should travel or work for a
period of time instead of going directly to study at university. Discuss
the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from
your own knowledge or experience.
model answer:
High school students face many decisions as they prepare to graduate, including what they are
going to do after graduation. Some high school students go directly to college or university after
graduation. Others prefer to travel or work for some time before going to university.
For those who choose to go college or university after graduation, there are advantages and
disadvantages. One of the big advantages of going directly from high school to college is that you
are still in the habit of studying. By going to college after graduation, you do not lose the study
skills that you developed during high school. The big disadvantages, however, is that you may not
be ready for college. You may not know exactly what you want to study, or you may be more
interested in freedom and parties than in your courses. At that age, it is often difficult for students
to take on the responsibilities of college.
There are also advantages and disadvantages to working or traveling befor starting college.
Working or traveling allows you a better idea of what you want to do with your life. You gain
practical experience that helps you define what you want to study. You also are well prepared for
the responsibilities of college or university studies. On the other hand, by the time you start
college, you will probably have obligations, like a job or spouse, which keep you from focusing on
studies. In addition, travelling or working before college may cause you to spend enough time out
of school that you forget how to study.
The desicion of what to do after hich school graduation can be a difficult one. Deciding whether to
go straight into college or university or take time to work or travel is something that faces every
high school student. After thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of both options, the
decision should be based on what is best for you.
91. Children who are brought up in the family that do not have a lot of
money are better prepared to deal with problems when they become
adults than children who are brought up by wealthy parent.
Gives reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.

model answer:
Over the past few decades, along with growing interest in child education, people's attention to the
family environment where a child is brought up has also significantly increased. Some people have
begun to feel that a child who has grown up in a poor family tend to be better prepared to deal with
problems. In my opinion, however, family environment alone does not much influence a child's
ability to solve problems.
A child who was born into a poor family would have had more situations where they had to solve a
problem or make a decision on their own. This is because in most unfortunate families, both
parents are usually working and children are put into situations where they have to take care of
themselves. By contrast, due to their wealth, rich children can experience and learn things that
unfortunate children cannot. For example, they usually go to the best schools and receive a higher
education there, which prepares them better for solving problems in their life.
However, few would disagree with the fact that each individual is different. That is, problem
solving skills come more from life experience. That is, the more a person experiences in life, the
more they can use these experiences to adjust, to adapt and to solve problems they encounter.
Personality also can be a factor in dealing with problems. A person who is optimistic, outgoing,
confident and open-minded can look at and solve problems more effectively.
As discussed above, nature and nurture have an equal influence on a child's ability to face
challenges. Parents should spare no effort to figure out how they can help their children to be
independent. I hope that in the future the next generation will grow up as mature citizens.
92. The earth is being filled with waste material such as plastic bags and
other rubbish. Is this really happening? What are some solutions to this
problem?
experience.
model answer:
Over the past few decades, the increasing amount of industrial wastes and household garbage has
become a major problem in many countries. People have questioned what caused this problem and
what can be done to improve the situation. In my opinion, two of the most critical causes of this
waste material problem are the increased consumption and a shortage of space for landfill.
To begin with, modern lifestyle has contributed greatly to the increasing amount of waste and
garbage we produce everyday. In other words, we have turned into a materialistic and mass-
consumption society where we use more and throw away more than ever before. Moreover,
countries are running out of space to store garbage and waste material. In fact, securing land for
waste disposal raises controversies in many countries.

To solve this intractable problem, every citizen needs to participate in producing less garbage. For
example, we can bring our own personal shopping bags instead of using plastic bags provided by
stores and shops. Besides, the government can enforce stricter laws on companies to use
biodegradable packaging or use recycled material. Indeed, this alone can eliminate much of the
waste which is sent to at land fills. Companies can also contribute by developing new raw material
which is recyclable and will ultimately lead to less garbage. One good example of this is that tire
companies develop new tires for cars which are not made of rubber but of new biodegradable
material.
As discussed above, individuals, business and the government can share the responsibility to
reduce the amount of waste material and to save the earth. I hope that in the future our offspring
will be better off with the well-preserved environment.
93. In Britain, when someone gets old they often go to live in a home
with other old peopleswheresthere are nurses to look after them.
Sometimes the government has to pay for this care.
Who should be responsible for our old people?
experience.
model answer:
Many old people in Britain, after a lifetime of hard work and the toil of bringing up children, are
put into homes for the elderly by their families. There, they are looked after by professional nurses,
and this is sometimes at the expense of the government. However, this situation has raised
controversy about whether we extend to our elders the care and respect they deserve.
The critics of this system say that it is the duty of the family to look after its senior members in the
years when they are no longer able to work. They point out that in retirement homes old people
tend to feel useless and unwanted by their family members, who seldom come to see them. In
addition, there is evidence that younger people benefit from the experience and wisdom of older
people who live with them on a daily basis.
On the other hand, those who support the system say that retired parents can be a burden to young
families. Not only is it expensive to support old people who have little or no income, but the fact
that old people are often ill and need a great deal of looking after can be too much for their busy
children.
In my opinion, neither side is completely right. Old people in good health and with enough
finances to support themselves can be a great help to their children. For instance, they can look

after their grandchildren while children are out at work. On the other had, sick and penniless old
people are better off being looked after in retirement homes at government expense.
94. Action movies with spectacular car chases are very popular with
young people. it is often said that these sorts of movies lead to an
increase in car accidents among young drivers as they try to copy what
they have seen in the films.
Do you agree that such movies increase the amount of bad driving?
What can be done to encourage young people to drive more safely?
experience.
model answer:
Movies tend to have a very large influence on young people who are influenced both by what they
see and hear. Because this is the case, it is true that car chases in action movies tend to lead to an
increase in the number of car accidents among young drivers because they try to copy what they
have seen in the films. They drive too fast and take unnecessary risks and the difficulty is that most
young people lack the skills and experience to do this.
There are a variety of ways in which young people can be encouraged to practise safer driving
habits. Firstly, the Government should launch a safe driving campaign to convey the fact that
driving safely is not uncool. In effect, it should be cool to stay alive and healthy! Secondly, every
movie should make it clear that dangerous car chases are undertaken only in strict safety
conditions with experienced drivers, and often special movie-making tricks are used to enhance the
action. Thirdly, young people should be forced to take safe driving courses every year for the first
five years that they have their driver's licence. In this way, they are forced to perfect their driving
skills or their licence will be taken away.
Finally, as part of this course, young drivers should go to hospitals and witness the effects of poor
or dangerous driving on other people. When they see hospitalised people whose lives have been
destroyed due to stupid risk-taking, they will surely change their minds about whether it is cool to
copy action heroes and drive fast.

95. Should animals be used in testing new drugs and procedures?
experience.
model answer:
Every year, millions of animals undergo painful suffering or death as a result of scientific research
into the effects of drugs, food additives, cosmetics and other chemical products. While most people
think animal testing is necessary, others are upset by what they see as needless suffering. This
essay looks at some of the positive and negative aspects of animal testing.
Many medical treatments and procedures have been developed from experiments on animals.
Since animals share many features with humans, scientists use animals to test the safety and
effectiveness of newly developed drugs before pilot testing on small groups of patients. Medical
teams practice new operating techniques such as transplants on animals. Without animal testing,
many procedures or new drugs would be extremely unsafe.
However, many people are concerned that animals are suffering unnecessarily and cruelly. They
do not believe that every new drug needs to be tested on animals, especially with the huge database
of knowledge and modern computer models. They also are worried that many animal tests are
ineffective, pointing out that any drugs have had to be withdrawn from the market despite
extensive testing. They particularly feel that animal testing should not be used for non-essential
products such as cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, and cleaning products. Furthermore, some
campaigners would like to see certain tests replaced and more humane methods used.
We need to make sure that the millions of animals who are used for testing new products are
treated with the minimum of suffering. Although some animal testing may be unavoidable at
present, treating our fellow creatures as mercifully as possible will demonstrate our humanity.
96. In the past, buildings often reflected the culture of a society but
today all modern buildings look alike and cities throughout the world
are becoming more and more similar.
What do you think is the reason for this, and is it a good think or a bad
think?
Allow yourself 40 minutes for this task.

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support
your arguments with examples.
model answer:
city has its architectural character, but the similarities between cities are more obvious these days
than in the past. In my opinion, one reason for this is the high price of land.
In most large cities, land is scarce and consequently it is very valuable. This has led to the
construction of tall buildings which occupy only a small area of land while providing lots of floor
space where people can live or work. Buildings of this type are made of concrete and steel and can
be built comparatively quickly using prefabricated materials. They do not use local materials, such
as stone, timber or brick, which used to give cities their individual character. In consequence many
cities. now look very much the same and you might not know whether you were in Brisbane,
Bangkok or Berlin when you are on the street.
While I realise that we cannot stand in the way of progress, I believe that cities should try to keep
some individuality. For example, in Paris it is prohibited to build very tall buildings in the centre of
the city, as this would spoil the overall appearance of the skyline.
Other cities have chosen to design unique buildings to ensure they look different. The twin towers
in Kuala Lumpur or the Opera House in Sydney are examples of this approach, and I agree with
this kind of initiative.
All in all, although it is regrettable that modern cities look similar, I tend to feel that this is
unavoidable. However, it can be argued that, even if the buildings are similar, cities will maintain
their own character as a result of cultural diversity, the terrain and the climate, which ultimately
determine how people live.
97. In many major cities of the world, you will find large public buildings,
both new and old.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such buildings.
How important is it for a country to construct impressive public
buildings when houses are want is really required?
model answer:
(Introduction: mention that public buildings exist in all cities and towns,
large and small, e.g. post office, court pause, places of worship,
theatre)

A public building is a building that belongs in some way o the state. The number of public
buildings in any town or village will depend on the size of that community and its needs. For
example, you will usually find a town hall of some sort, a school and a place of worship at he least.
In anger communities there will be a police station, law courts, a library and maybe a theatre
funded by he state.
(Pros: city pride, beautiful to look at, useful/necessary buildings, create
a city centre.)
The desire to build impressive buildings is not new. The ancient cities of the Middle East and
South America were designed with large public buildings to impress visitors and enemies and give
a sense of pride. In modern times, outstanding public buildings still. create a great sense of local
and national pride. They are what gives a city its character and they form asocial centre, a place
where people like to meet.
(Cons: waste of public money, intimidating, nationalistic. Give opinion
on whether they stop us from building houses or whether they can be
compatible.)
However, some people argue that governments have constructed unnecessary, and sometimes ugly,
buildings simply to make themselves feel important. I tend to feel that such buildings may be a
waste of public money but I am not sure we can claim that they prevent houses from being built,
because these governments have often ensured that adequate housing was also available. Houses
and public buildings can exist side by side.
(Conclusion - sum up the two parts to the answer. Leave the reader
thinking.)
The answer lies in finding ape right balance. We want o feel pride in our town, but we also want
our citizens to have comfortable homes. It is hard to please everyone.
98. Learning a foreign language offers an insight into how people from
other cultures think and see the world.
The teaching of a foreign language should be compulsory at all primary
schools.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
model answer:

(Clear statement followed by a question based on the premise.)
Language is linked to the identity of a nation, and speakers of a common language share many
things, but does this give governments the right to restrict the way a language is used or taught?
(Concession mode to the "For" case, but followed by the Against' point
of view. An example is given which comments on the likely
effectiveness of such a policy.)
It can be argued that a nation maintains its culture through its language, and so there is a need to
restrict the use of foreign words and changes in pronunciation. However, in reality this approach is
fruitless, because language is a living thing and it is impossible to stop it from changing. This
policy has been tried in some countries, but it never works. People, especially young people, will
use the language that they hear around them, and which separates them from others; stopping the
use of certain words will only make them appear more attractive.
(Puts the case Against' governments preventing spelling reform, but
concedes it may be useful.)
As for spelling, we all know that the English system is irregular and, I believe, it would benefit
from simplification so that children and other learners do not waste time learning to read and write.
On the other hand, some people may feel, perhaps rightly, that it is important to keep the original
spelling of words as a link with the past and this view is also held by speakers of languages which
do not use the Roman alphabet.
(Puts both sides of the argument about which language to use in
schools.)
While it is important for people who speak a minority language to be able to learn and use that
language, it is practical for education to be in a common language. This creates national pride and
links people within the society. Realistically, schools are the best place for this to start.
(Ends with a clear statement.)
Ultimately, there is a role for governments to play in the area of language planning, particularly in
education, but at no time should governments impose regulations which restrict people's linguistic
freedom.
99. With the increasing popularity of computers and calculators, student
literacy is decreasing dramatically. What are the positive and negative
effects the progress of science and technology has brought about?
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
model answer:
It has been widely noted that, with the growing use of computers and calculators both in the
classroom and in the home, the level of literacy and mathematical ability of students is dropping.
This raises serious doubts about the value of the progress of science and technology. Here I will
discuss the pros and cons of this question.

First of all, advances in science and technology have certainly brought about many benefits for
mankind. They have made our lives more comfortable and healthier. In addition, they have eased
the burden of work for most people and provided them with more leisure opportunities, while at
the same time increasing productivity dramatically.
Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that technology has some negative side-effects. As mentioned
above, with computers which check spelling, grammar and calculation for them, students have
little incentive to learn how to do these things for themselves. Also, the availability of TV
programs and videos encourages an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle.
Another aspect of this issue is that technology may be good or bad, depending on how we use it.
For instance, dynamite may be used to make road construction easier, or it may be used to kill
people. Again, nuclear reactors can supply huge amounts of cheap electricity, but if they are
carelessly handled they can cause devastating pollution.
We can conclude that the progress of science and technology has both positive and negative
effects. What we must do is to make sure that the positive ones are encouraged and the negative
ones are eliminated as far as possible. Among other things, this means that students are warned not
to let computers and calculators do all their work for them.
100. It is often said that the subjects taught in schools are too academic
in orientation and that it would be more useful for children to learn
about practical matters such as home management, work and
interpersonal skills.
model answer:
A criticism often heard these days is that the subjects taught in schools tend to be too academic,
and contribute little to preparing a young person for the real-life tasks he or she will have to
perform after graduation. They say that academic subjects are rooted in the past, and are not useful
for solving modern problems. I disagree with this point of view for three reasons.
My first reason is that it is the duty of parents, not teachers, to prepare their children to deal with
the practical affairs of life. The home, not the classroom, is the ideal place to learn about home
management and interpersonal skills. As for work abilities and attitudes, they are best learned “on
the job” and under the supervision of an experienced older worker.
My second reason is that academic subjects have withstood the test of time. They represent the
accumulated wisdom of our ancestors down through the ages, and, far from being impractical, they

equip us with the knowledge and confidence to make sound judgements about any problems which
may crop up. In addition, academic subjects are good for training us in mental discipline, while
practical subjects are weak in this regard.
My third reason is based on the saying “Man does not live by bread alone.” Schooldays devoted
solely to instruction in down-to-earth practical matters would be dull indeed! Lessons in the best
literature of the world, and the epoch-making scientific and geographical discoveries of the past
enrich our lives and make us feel that we are part of the great family of mankind.
All in all, the teaching of academic subjects in schools is entirely appropriate. It is my firmly held
view that practical subjects have no place in the classroom. On the contrary, the curriculum should
be more academic!
101. Many people think that nowadays people are being subjected to
more and more pressure in their work, and thus are having less and less
time to relax.
What is your opinion?
model answer:
In modern society, especially in big cities, undoubtedly hard work has become a very important
feature of ordinary people’s everyday life. It seems that many people are under the impression that
their work is becoming more pressing and urgent, and thus they sacrifice more and more leisure
time.
In the first place, with the rapid development of science and technology, work today is more
demanding than it used to be. For example, college graduates nowadays have to master English,
computer science and driving skills before they can find decent jobs. People have to spend more
time acquiring new techniques and skills. And their spare time tends to be fully occupied, not with
leisure pursuit, but with work-related pursuits.
In the second place, competition is becoming more intense. Many people feel anxious that they
may be “laid-off” if they can’t work as hard as others. And they also feel at a disadvantage before
new graduates. Therefore, it is understandable that people keep themselves involved in intensely
hard work in order to preserve their positions.
In my opinion, the worst aspect of this phenomenon is that the huge pressure of work will
gradually affect people’s mental health. Excessively hard work means that people can never get rid
of the fatigue of their work, even in their leisure time. This means that they can not enjoy a normal
life.

In a word, in modern society overwork is stealing our leisure time. however, I believe this problem
will be settled eventually with the development of science and technology.
102. It is generally acknowledged that families are now not as close as
they used to be.
Give possible reasons and your recommendations.
model answer:
There is much discussion nowadays as to whether or not the relation-ship between family members
is as close as before. Diverse contributing factors can be identified. In the following, I would like
to present my point of view.
Great changes have taken place in family life along with the development of society. One of them
is that the once-extended family tends to become smaller and smaller. Many children have to leave
their parents at an early age to study or work elsewhere. As time passes, children become
emotionally estranged from their parents.
Compared with the past, social competition is becoming increasingly fierce. People are urged to
concentrate their efforts upon work, so that they can achieve success, or at least a good standard of
living. As a result, they can’t afford to spend their leisure hours with their families. The importance
of bonds of kinship is gradually fading from their minds.
In addition, the availability of various kinds of recreational facilities also diverts people from
enjoying chats with the members of their families. Their free time is mostly occupied by watching
TV, surfing the Internet or playing video games. They come to lose interest in communicating with
the other members of their families.
In view of such alienation within families, urgent steps must be taken, in my opinion. For members
of families who live away from one another, regular contact on the phone can bring them the care
that they need. Family reunions on holidays or other important occasions can make a difference as
well. For those living together, it is a good idea to take some time off work or recreation periods to
spend more time with each other. In the final analysis, a close family relationship can surely be
maintained as long as we realize the significant role it plays in our lives and attach importance to
it.
103. It has been more than 30 years since man first landed on the moon.
Some people think that space research is a waste of money.
Discuss.

model answer:
For over fifty years, a number of nations have been involved in the exploration of outer space. This
research has been very costly, of course. Has this money been well-spent or wasted?
Some people believe that all or most space research should be eliminated because of its incredible
expense, not only in terms of money, but also in terms of scientific and human resources. These
people point out the fact that it cost billions of dollars to send astronauts to the moon, but all they
brought back were some worthless rocks. These people say that the money and effort now being
wasted in outer space could be spent for homeless people, improving the education system, saving
the environment, and finding cures for diseases.
However, other people believe that space research has provided many benefits to mankind. They
point out that hundreds of useful products, from personal computers to heart pacemakers to freeze-
dried foods, are the direct or indirect results of space research. They say that weather and
communication satellites, which are also products of space programs, have benefited people all
over the globe. In addition to these practical benefits, supporters of the space program point to the
scientific knowledge that has been acquired about the sun, the moon, the planets and even our own
earth as a result of space research.
I agree with those people who support space research and want it to continue. Space research, as
shown, has already brought many benefits to humanity. Perhaps it will bring even more benefits in
the future, ones that we can not even imagine now. Moreover, just as individual people need
challenges to make their lives more interesting, I believe the human race itself needs a challenge,
and I think that the peaceful exploration of outer space provides just such a challenge.
104. Some people believe that childrens leisure activities must be
educational, otherwise they are a complete waste of time.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from
your experience.
model answer:
Today, education has become a priority for many parents seeking to secure a good future for their
children in this rapidly changing world. They believe that if their children apply themselves and
work hard at school, then they will increase their opportunities for going to higher education and
eventually getting a good job. Of course they are right, and as access to the best education and best
jobs is becoming more competitive, then it is true that children have to make the best of their study
time when they are young.
However, the parents who do not allow their children sufficient free time for leisure activities
outside school hours, are misguided. Such activities are far from being a waste of time for the

children simply because they are not academic. It is important to remember that children need to
develop skills other than intellectual ones, and the best way to do this is through activities such as
sports, games and playing with other kids. If they cannot play make-believe games, how can they
develop their imagination? How can they learn physical co-ordination or learn important social
lessons about winning and losing if they do not practise any sports? Many children form strong,
personal relationships with the friends they play with, and without the opportunity to do this, they
could grow up emotionally immature or unformed.
Finally, I think it is also important to remember that children need to relax as well as work. If
everything they do must have some educational or academic relevance, then they will soon get
tired of studying altogether, which is the last thing parents would want.
105. News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers.
What factors do you think influence these decisions?
Do we become used to bad news?
Would it he better if more good news was reported?
model answer:
It has often been said that. Good news is bad news. because it does not sell newspapers. A radio
station that once decided to present only good news soon found that it had gone out of business for
lack of listeners. Bad news on the other hand is so common that in order to cope with it, we often
simply ignore it. We have become immune to bad news and the newspapers and radio stations are
aware of this.
While newspapers and TV stations may aim to report world events accurately, be they natural or
human disasters, political events or the horrors of war, it is also true that their main objective is to
sell newspapers and attract listeners and viewers to their stations. For this reason TV and radio
stations attempt to reflect the flavour of their station by providing news broadcasts tailor-made to
suit their listeners. preferences. Programmes specialising in pop music or TV soap operas focus
more on local news, home issues and up-to-date traffic reports. The more serious stations and
newspapers like to provide .so called. objective news reports with editorial comment aimed at
analysing the situation.
If it is true, then, that newspapers and TV stations are tailoring their news to their readers. and
viewers. requirements, how can they possibly be reporting real world events in an honest and
objective light? Many radio and TV stations do, in fact, report items of good news but they no
longer call this news. They refer to these as human interest stories and package them in
programmes specialising, for instance, in consumer affairs or local issues. Good news now comes
to us in the form of documentaries the fight against children.s cancer or AIDS, or the latest
developments in the fight to save the planet from environmental pollution.
106. Many people believe that television programs are of no value for children. Do you
agree? Why or why not?
Provide reasons and examples to support your response.
model answer:

Televisual media has become a pervasive force in the lives of families around the world today.
Yet, a central question remains regarding whether watching television is harmful or beneficial for
children. An analysis of this question reveals that television programs present three major concerns
in the case of children, including depictions of violence, the use of profane language, and the
representation of poor moral role models.
Television programs that portray violence are a paramount concern for parents nowadays. Recent
research has shown that children may commit acts of violence because they wish to emulate the
behavior that they see on television. This is especially true when violent acts are committed by
well-known action “heroes.” In addition, television programs show cartoon figures, as well as
actors, committing violent acts. Using comic situations to depict violent themes causes further
problems with the way in which young people view violence.
Television programs that contain profane or disrespectful language also worry parents with young
children. Because censorship laws have relaxed over the past few decades, it has become very
common for television programs of each and every kind to show characters expressing impolite,
rude, and insulting utterances to one another. Bearing resemblance to the case of portrayals of
violence, children unfortunately often try to imitate these actions they watch on their television
screens.
Finally, some parents are upset about the moral behavior depicted on television. As they struggle
to teach their children moral and ethical values, parents might despair about the lack of morals and
ethics represented in some of the so-called role models on television. For instance, certain
characters not only have no remorse for their immoral actions, but also frequently go unpunished
by larger society.
Because of these factors, many parents believe that television programs send their youth the wrong
kinds of messages. The emulation of this poor behavior by their children is something they wish to
avoid at all costs, and they have accordingly decided to ban television in their households for these
reasons.
107. Television has had a significant influence on the culture of many societies. To what
extent would you say that television has positively or negatively affected the cultural
development of your society?
model answer:
It has been around forty years since television was first introduced into Australian households and
people today still have mixed views on whether it has a positive or a negative influence on the
society.
Many people believe that television damages culture. It promotes the stronger cultures of countries
such as Britain and North America and weakens the cultures of less wealthy countries. This is
because the stronger, wealthier countries are able to assert their own culture by producing more
programs that are shown widely around the world. These programs then influence people,
particularly young people, in the countries where they are shown.
Also, because television networks need to attract large audiences to secure their financial survival,

they must produce programs which are interesting to a broad range of people. In Australia this
range is very broad because we are a multicultural society and people of all ages like to watch
television. To interest all these different people, most television programs are short in length, full
of action and excitement, do not require much intelligence or knowledge to understand, and follow
universal themes common to all cultures, such as love and crime. Television programs which
concentrate on or develop themes pertinent to one particular culture are not so successful because
they interest a smaller audience.
Nevertheless we much acknowledge that television does have some positive effects on the cultures
within a society as well. People who do not live within their own culture can, in a limited way,
access it through the multicultural station on the television. For example, Aboriginal children who
have grown up in white families, or migrants and international students living in Australia, can
watch programs from their own culture on the television.
In conclusion, I hold the view that television promotes and strengthens those cultures that are
wealthy and influential while it weakens the cultures that are already in a weakened position.
108. Without capital punishment (the death penalty) our lives are less secure and crimes of
violence increase. Capital punishment in essential to control violence in society.
model answer:
Before talking about the essential role of death penalty, you have to think about the meaning, and
the purpose, of any kind of punishment. If you consider that the purpose is to prevent the guilty
from being nasty again, you can be seduced by an argumentation in favour of the suppression of
capital punishment. But you have to think about another aspect of the problem: a punishment is
also useful to impress people, to make them fear the law. In fact, let's take the example of a young
misfit, which has grown in a violent atmosphere, influenced by older delinquents, etc ... He lives in
the streets, he's got no aim but to survive. This is the kind of person who could possibly kill
someone for money, or even for fun ... Why would he fear prison? Life would be easier for him
there. In addition, in many cases, when you behave normally, you can benefit from penalty
reductions. This young misfit needs to be impressed, he needs to know that the law is a frontier.
When you cross it, you can lose your life. That is why capital punishment helps keeping a distance
between robbery and murder. If you abolish it, you suppress the difference between these two
types of crime, which are completely different.
But there is also a limit to define: even if death penalty is unavoidable, it would be a crime to apply
it to inadequate cases. If there is no premeditation or past facts which can justify such a
punishment, it is far too strict to apply death penalty. That is why the lawmakers have to establish
precisely the context in which capital punishment car be pronounced. That is the price to pay to
limit violence without using excessive violence.
109. "Fatherhood ought to be emphasised as much as motherhood. The idea that women are
solely responsible for deciding whether or not to have babies leads on to the idea that they
are also responsible for bringing the children up."

model answer:
believe that child-rearing should be the responsibility of both parents and that, whilst the roles
within that partnership may be different, they are nevertheless equal in importance. In some
societies, it has been made easier over the years for single parents to raise children on their own.
However, this does not mean that the traditional family, with both parents providing emotional
support and role-models for their children, is not the most satisfactory way of bringing up children.
Of crucial importance, in my opinion, is how we define 'responsible for bringing the children up'.
At its simplest, it could mean giving the financial support necessary to provide a home, food and
clothes and making sure the child is safe and receives an adequate education. This would be the
basic definition.
There is, however, another possible way of defining that part of the quotation. That would say it is
not just the fathers responsibility to provide the basics for his children, while his wife involves
herself in the everyday activity of bringing them up. Rather, he should share those daily duties,
spend as much time as his job allows with his children, play with them, read to them, help directly
with their education, participate very fully in their lives and encourage them to share his.
It is this second, fuller, concept of 'fatherhood' that I am in favour of, although I also realise how
difficult it is to achieve sometimes. The economic and employment situation in many countries
means that jobs are getting more, not less, stressful, requiring long hours and perhaps long
journeys to work as well. Therefore it may remain for many a desirable ideal rather than an
achievable reality.
110. Millions of people every year move to English-speaking countries such as Australia,
Britain or America, in order to study at school, college or university.
Why do so many people want to study in English?
Why is English such an important international language?
Give reasons for your answer..
model answer:
I am not surprise when I read in the newspapers that many people move to English speaking
countries. I am an engineer in a process control since ten years and I understand the necessity of
English language. For example, when I read technical English specifications, when I meet
Japanese Industrials to build together some electronic materials or when I go on holidays in Italy
where the best way (for me) to communicate is to speak English. Therefore, today, it's necessary to
learn English and the best way is to study in English as soon as possible when we are at school but
also when we have a job. It's so Important to communicate with foreigners, because of work. For
example: to seafoods in USA, to build electronic cards with the Japanese, to obtain a certification
with FDA (American organization) in order to sell some pharmaceutical products. In fact, jt's
Important for everybody, the workers, the visitors, the scientists, etc ...
These are the main reason which explain why so many people go to English speaking countries
(the best way to learn) and why English is such an Important International language (the
communication between many the people over the world).

111. Some governments say how many children a family can hare in their country. They may
control the number of children someone has through taxes. It is sometimes necessary and
right for a government to control the population in this way.
Give reasons for your answer.
model answer:
It is certainly very understandable that some governments should start looking at ways of limiting
their populations to a sustainable figure. In the past, populations were partly regulated by frequent
war and widespread disease, but in recent years the effects of those factors have been diminished.
Countries can be faced with a population that is growing much faster than she nation's food
resources or employment opportunities and whose members can be condemned to poverty by the
need to feed extra mouths. They identify population control as a'means to raising living standards.
But how should it be achieved? Clearly, this whole area is a very delicate personal and cultural
issue. Many people feel that this is not a matter for the state. They feel this is one area of life where
they have the right to make decisions for themselves. For that reason, it would seem that the best.
approach would be to work by persuasion rather than compulsion This could be done by a process
of education that points out the way a smaller family can mean an improved quality of life for the
family members, as well as less strain on the country's perhaps very limited, resources.
This is the preferred way. Of course if this docs not succeed within a reasonable time scale, it may
be necessary to consider other measures. such as tax incentives or child-benefit payments for small
families only. These are midway between persuasion and compulsion.
So. yes. it is sometimes necessary, but governments should try very hard to persuade first. They
should also remember that this is a very delicate area indeed, and that social engineering can create
as many problems as it solves?
112. The mass media, including television, radio and newspapers, have great influence in
shaping people's ideas.
model answer:
The mass media have a powerful influence in shaping our lives. We have come to depend on them
for information and entertainment, and in doing so we let them affect important aspects of our
lives.
The undeniable usefulness of the media in almost instantly providing information about events
around the world is largely taken for granted. But in our dependence on the media we have
allowed them to mould our notions and opinions of events, places and people. Though few of us

probably think about it, our conceptions of, say, our elected officials spring from television images
and newspaper stories. Most of us will never meet prime ministers or presidents, but anyone who
is regularly exposed to the media will have an opinion of them. When it is time to cast our vote, we
will make our decision based on how the media portray the candidates. We are similarly swayed
by coverage of wars. The media, representing the values of their owners, societies and
governments, tend to report wars with a bias; which is the 'good' side and which the 'bad' is
determined for us by reporters, editors and commentators, and sure enough the public begins to
form opinions that reflect the coverage they see, hear and read in the major media.
The media are also influential in the way they facilitate the spread of culture and lifestyle. The so-
called 'global youth culture', in which one finds young people around the world displaying a
common interest in music, clothing styles and films, is an example of the media's enormous sway
in this regard. A popular figure such as Michael Jackson would never be so well known were it not
for the media's extensive reach into every society on the globe.
Thus I would argue that the mass media's influence is certainly great. Indeed, with technological
advancements such as the Internet bringing even more forms of electronic media to our homes and
workplaces, it is likely the media's influence will grow even stronger.
113. The rising levels of congestion and air pollution found in most of the world's cities can
be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private cars in use. In order to
reverse this decline in the quality of life in cities, attempts must be made to encourage people
to use their cars less and public transport more.
Discuss possible ways to encourage the use of public transport.
model answer:
Anyone who lives in a city is aware of the increasing number of cars on the road and the kinds of
problems this creates: traffic jams, air pollution and longer commuting periods. As economies
grow and access to cars spreads to increasing numbers of people, this trend is likely to worsen. The
solution, it would seem, is for governrnment to encourage the use of public transport in urban
areas, thus decreasing dependence on the car.
One way to stimulate public transport use is to make private car use more expensive and
inconvenient. The introduction of tolls along urban motorways has been successfully employed in
many cities. Other such measures are high-priced permits for parking in urban areas and the
restriction of parking to a limited number of cars. Faced with high costs or no place to park,
commuters would perhaps be more willing to abandon their cars in favour of buses or trains.
There are also less punishing ways of spurring public transport use. The construction of free
carparks at suburban train stations has proven successful in quite a number of countries. This
allows commuters to drive part of the way, but take public transport into the central, most
congested, urban areas.
Indeed, making public transport more comfortable and convenient should work to attract more
commuters and decrease traffic congestion. Public transport that is convenient and comfortable

retains its passengers, much like any business that satisfies its customers. The more commuters
committed to taking public transport, the less congestion on city streets.
114. 'Telecommuting' refers to workers doing their jobs from home for part of each week
and communicating with their office using computer technology.
Telecommuting is growing in many countries and is expected to be common for most office
workers in the coming decades.
How do you think society will be affected by the growth of telecommuting?
model answer:
The spread of telecommuting is sure to have far-reaching effects on society. By itself,
telecommuting refers to offiice workers spending much of their time working from home and
using electronic technologies to communicate with their employers. The broader implications of
telecommuting, however, may involve changes to corporate structure, workers' lifestyles and even
urban planning.
The most obvious changes may be apparent in the `normal' offices of companies, governments and
other organisations. If even half the working week is spent telecommuting from home, then we
would initially expect many empty desks in the offiice. As offices grow smaller, workers coming
in for the day would be expected to share desks with their absent colleagues. This, in turn, may
affect the social atmosphere of an organisation, however, as less social contact with one's
colleagues could harm morale and loyalty.
For the individual office worker, telecommuting would mean spending more time at home. For a
parent with young children, this may be a blessing. Moreover, many telecommuters would be able
to work the hours they wished: having a nap in the afternrnoon, for example, but working some
hours in the evening. One substantial benefit for all telecommuting workers is that there will be no
need to travel to work, allowing more free time.
The structure of urban life is also likely to be affected by telecommuting. We would expect to see
fewer cars on the road during peak hours and, eventually, a smaller concentration of offiices in
cities' central business districts. In short, people will have less reason to travel to city centres from
outlying areas. As more people work and live in the same location, shops and cultural events will
likely relocate themselves out of the city centre.
In sum, telecommuting will serve not only to change the way we work but also the way we live.
115. Many people believe that women make better parents than men and that this is why
they have the greater role in raising children in most societies. Others claim that men are just
as good as women at parenting.
Write an essay expresing your point of view.
model answer:

The view that women are better parents than men has shown itself to be true throughout history.
This is not to say that men are not of importance in child- rearing indeed, they are most necessary
if children are to appreciate fully the roles of both sexes. But women have proven themselves
superior parents as a result of their conditioning, their less aggressive natures and their generally
better communication skills.
From the time they are little girls, females learn about nurturing. First with dolls and later perhaps
with younger brothers and sisters, girls are given the role of carer. Girls see their mothers in the
same roles and so it is natural that they identify this as a female activity. Boys, in contrast, learn
competitive roles far removed from what it means to nurture. While boys may dream of
adventures, girls' conditioning means they tend to see the future in terms of raising families.
Girls also appear to be less aggressive than boys. In adulthood, it is men, not women, who prove to
be the aggressors in crime and in war. Obviously, in raising children, a more patient, gentle
manner is preferable to a more aggressive one. Although there certainly exist gentle men and
aggressive women, by and large, females are less likely to resort to violence in attempting to solve
problems.
Finally, women tend to be better communicators than men. This is shown is intelligence tests,
where females, on average, do better in verbal communication than males. Of course,
communication is of utmost importance in rearing children, as children tend to learn from and
adopt the communication styles of their parents.
Thus, while it is all very well to suggest a greater role for men in raising children, let us not forget
that women are generally better suited to the parenting role.
116. In some countries the average worker is obliged to retire at the age of 50, while in others
people can work until they are 65 or 70. Meanwhile, we see some politicians enjoying power
well into their eighties. Clearly, there is little agreement on an appropriate retirement age.
Until what age do you think people should be encouraged to remain in paid employment?
model answer:
Mandatory retirement age varies from society to society, perhaps a reflection of economics,
population pressures or simply value systems. Indeed, retirement at 50 can probably be as easily
justified as that at 70. It is my belief, however, that the longer an able person is allowed to work,
the better for both the individual worker and the employer.
Chronological age is not always a true indicator of ability. While some 65¬ year-olds may not
perform as well as they did in their past, many workers at this age do just as well or better than
they used to. People's suitability for a position should be a reflection of their performance in the
job, rather than the number of wrinkles or grey hairs they have. Employers concerned about the
increasing age of their employees need only observe their work records. Those doing poorly may
be asked to retire, but those as yet unaffected by age should stay on. Indeed, it would appear
economical for an organisation to retain its older employees when possible rather than spend time
and money on training new workers.

Remaining in one's job for as long as one is able makes sense as life expectancies increase around
the world. As people live longer, they are longer able to contribute to society in the form of
meaningful work. But they are also in need of income for a longer period, so a mandatory
retirement age of 55 for someone who is statistically likely to live to 77 becomes increasingly
difficult to justify. At a time when populations are ageing, governments are less able to provide for
their senior citizens, so by keeping able workers in paid employment for as long as is practicable,
public expenditures are less strained.
Thus, workers who can still demonstrate their capacity to carry out their work should not be asked
to retire simply because they have reached a certain age. Societies that insist on early retirement
may do well to look again at their policies.
117. Going overseas for university study is an exciting prospect for many people. But while it
may offer some advantages, it is probably better to stay home because of the difficulties a
student inevitably encounters living and studying in a different culture.
model answer:
There is no doubt that going to study in a foreign country, with its different language and culture,
can be a frustrating and sometimes painful experience. But while overseas study has its drawbacks,
the difficulties are far outweighed by the advantages. Indeed, people who go abroad for study open
themselves up to experiences that those who stay at home will never have.
The most obvious advantage to overseas university study is real-life use of a different language.
While a person can study a foreign language in his or her own country, it cannot compare with
constant use of the language in academic and everyday life. There is no better opportunity to
improve second-language skills than living in the country in which it is spoken. Moreover, having
used the language during one's studies offers a distinct advantage when one is applying for jobs
back home that require the language.
On a university campus, the foreign student is not alone in having come from far away. He or she
will likely encounter many others from overseas and it is possible to make friends from all around
the world. This is not only exciting on a social level, but could lead to important overseas contacts
in later professional life.
Finally, living and studying abroad offers one a new and different perspective of the world and,
perhaps most important, of one's own country. Once beyond the initial shock of being in a new
culture, the student slowly begins to get a meaningful understanding of the host society. On
returning home, one inevitably sees one's own country in a new, often more appreciative, light.
In conclusion, while any anxiety about going overseas for university study is certainly
understandable, it is important to remember that the benefits offered by the experience make it
well worthwhile.

118. In the past, buildings often reflected the culture of a society but today all modern
buildings look alike and cities throughout the world are becoming more and more similar.
What do you think is the reason for this, and is it a good thing or a bad thing?
You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with
examples and relevant evidence.
model answer:
Every city has its architectural character, but the similarities between cities are more obvious these
days than in the past. In my opinion, one reason for this is the high price of land.
In most large cities, land is scarce and consequently it is very valuable. This has led to the
construction of tall buildings which occupy only a small area of land while providing lots of floor
space where people can live or work. Buildings of this type are made of concrete and steel and can
be built comparatively quickly using prefabricated materials. They do not use local materials, such
as stone, timber or brick, which used to give cities their individual character. In consequence many
cities. now look very much the same and you might not know whether you were in Brisbane,
Bangkok or Berlin when you are on the street.
While I realise that we cannot stand in the way of progress, I believe that cities should try to keep
some individuality. For example, in Paris it is prohibited to build very tall buildings in the centre of
the city, as this would spoil the overall appearance of the skyline. Other cities have chosen to
design unique buildings to ensure they look different. The twin towers in Kuala Lumpur or the
Opera House in Sydney are examples of this approach, and I agree with this kind of initiative.
All in all, although it is regrettable that modem cities look similar, I tend to feel that this is
unavoidable. However, it can be argued that, even if the buildings are similar, cities will maintain
their own character as a result of cultural diversity, the terrain and the climate, which ultimately
determine how people live.
119. Popular events like the football World Cup and other international sporting occasions
are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.
You should give reasons for your answer using your own ideas and experience.
model answer:
Every four years, the whole world stops to watch international sporting events such as the
Olympics and the Football World Cup in which athletes show their best performance to make their
country proud of them. These sporting occasions have proved to be helpful in easing international
tensions in difficult times when powerful leaders were trying to control the world's economy and
other governments were fighting over land.
The Olympic Games are one of the best examples which prove how sporting events can bring
nations together, at least temporarily. From ancient History, when Greeks and Romans would
interrupt battles to participate in the games, to the more recent international disputes, when athletes
from Palestine and Israel would forget their differences, compete pacifically and even embrace
each other after an event. Moreover, these popular events have called the world's attention to the

terrible consequences of wars; thus some leaders have tried to accept agreements to end their
dispute and live peacefully.
Similarly, international sporting events show benefits in some developing countries which live in a
daily internal civil war. For example, Brazil has a high rate of unemployment, lack of education,
hunger, crime, poverty and corruption which leads to an immense embarrassment of being
Brazilian and a low self-esteem. However, when the Football World Cup starts, the Brazilian
squad, which is considered the best team in the world, provokes an amazing feeling of pride in
their country. Most people seem to forget all their problems and even the criminal activity
decreases. They paint roads with the national colors, use wear the Brazilian team shirt and buy
national flags. Moreover, the competition brings families and neighbors together and even rival
gangs watch the games and celebrate peacefully.
In conclusion, popular sporting events play an important role in decreasing international tensions
and liberating patriotic feelings as History has shown.
120. As computers are being used more and more in education, there will be soon no role for
teachers in the classroom.
model answer:
There have been immense advances in technology in most aspects of people's lives, especially in
the field of education. Nowadays, an increasing number of students rely on computers to research
for information and to produce a perfect paper for school purposes. Others have decided to leave
the original way of learning to get knowledge through online schools. These changes in the
learning process have brought a special concern regarding the possible decrease of importance of
teachers in the classroom.
Some people believe the role of teachers started to fade because computers have been helping
some students to progress in their studies quicker than when compared with an original classroom.
For example, in the same classroom, students have different intellectual capacities, thus some
would be tied to a slow advance in their studies because of others’ incapacity of understanding. In
this way, pupils could progress in their acquisition of knowledge at their own pace using
computers instead of learning from teachers.
However, the presence of a teacher is essential for students because the human contact influences
them in positive ways. Firstly, students realize that they are not dealing with a machine but with a
human being who deserves attention and respect. They also learn the importance of studying in
group and respect other students, which helps them to improve their social skills.
Moreover, teachers are required in the learning process because they acknowledge some student's
deficiencies and help them to solve their problems by repeating the same explanation, giving extra
exercises or even suggesting a private tutor. Hence, students can have a bigger chance not to fail in
a subject.
In conclusion, the role for teachers in the learning process is still very important and it will

continue to be in the future because no machine can replace the human interaction and its
consequences.
121. It has been said, "Not everything that is learned is contained in books."
Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from
books.
In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?
You should give reasons for your answer using your own ideas and experience
model answer:
"Experience is the best teacher" is an old cliché, but I agree with it. We can learn a lot of important
things from books, but the most important lessons in life come from our own experiences.
Throughout the different stages of life, from primary school to university to adulthood, experience
teaches us many skills we need for life.
As children in primary school, we learn facts and information from books, but that is not all we
learn in school. On the playground we learn how to make friends. In our class work, we learn how
it feels to succeed and what we do when we fail. We start to learn about the things we like to do
and the things we don't. We don't learn these things from books, but from our experiences with our
friends and classmates.
In our university classes, we learn a lot of information and skills we will need for our future
careers, but we also learn a lot that is not in our textbooks. In our daily lives both in class and out
of class, we learn to make decisions for ourselves. We learn to take on responsibilities. We learn to
get along with our classmates, our roommates, and our workmates. Our successes and failures help
us develop skills we will need in our adult lives. They are skills that no book can teach us.
Throughout our adulthood, experience remains a constant teacher. We may continue to read or
take classes for professional development. However, our experiences at work, at home, and with
our friends teach us more. The triumphs and disasters of our lives teach us how to improve our
careers and also how to improve our relationships and how to be the person each one of us wants
to be.
Books teach us a lot, but there is a limit to what they teach. They can give us information or show
us another person's experiences. These are valuable things, but the lessons we learn from our own
experiences, from childhood through adulthood, are the most important ones we learn.
122. Nowadays food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people
live?
model answer:
Food is a basic part of life, so it follows that improved methods of food preparation have made our
lives better. Nowadays we can prepare meals much faster than we could in the past. We can also
enjoy a greater variety of food and eat more healthfully, all because of modern methods of food

preparation.
Microwave ovens have made it possible to prepare delicious food quickly. People these days rarely
have time to shop and prepare meals the old-fashioned way. We live very fast lives. We are busy
working, caring for our families travelling, playing sports, and many other things. Because of
microwave ovens, we have time to enjoy a good meal with our family and then play soccer, go to a
movie, study, or do anything else we want to afterwards.
Modern methods of preserving food have made it possible to enjoy a wide variety of food. Because
of refrigerators, freezers, canning, and freeze-drying, we can eat fruits and vegetables that come
from far away places. We can prepare a meal one day and save the leftovers in the refrigerator or
freezer to eat at another time. We can keep different kinds of food in the refrigerator or on the
shelf. Its easy to always have food available and to be able to eat completely different meals every
day.
Healthful eating is easier now than it ever was. Because of modern transportation methods, fresh
fruits and vegetables are available all year round. Modern kitchen appliances make it easy to
prepare fruits and vegetables fro cooking. Bread machines make it possible to enjoy healthful,
home-baked bread whenever we like. We can eat fresh and healthful food everyday because
modern methods have made preparation easy.
Our lifestyle is fast, but people still like good food. New food preparation methods have given us is
more choices. Today we can prepare food that is more convenient healthier, and of greater variety
than ever before in history.
Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
model answer:
Parents shape their children from the beginning of their children's lives. They teach their children
values. They share their interests with them. They develop close emotional ties with them. Parents
can be very important teachers in their children's lives; however, they are not always the best
teachers.
Parents may be too close to their children emotionally. For example, they may limit a child's
freedom in the name of safety. A teacher may organize an educational trip to a big city, but a
parent may think this trip is too dangerous. A school may want to take the children camping, but a
parent may be afraid of the child getting hurt.
Another problem is that parents sometimes expect their children's interests to be similar to their
own. If the parents love science, they may try to force their child to love science too. But what if
the child prefers art? If the parents enjoy sports, they may expect their child to participate on
different teams. But what if the child prefers to read?
Parents want to pass on their values to their children. However, things change. The children of
today are growing up in a world different from their parents' world. Sometimes parents, especially

older ones, can't keep up with rapid social or technological changes. A student who has friends of
different races at school may find that his parents have narrower views. A student who loves
computers may find that her parents don't understand or value the digital revolution.
Parents are important teachers in our lives, but they aren't always the best teachers. Fortunately, we
have many teachers in our lives. Our parents teach us, our teachers teach us, and we learn from our
peers. Books and newspapers also teach us. All of them are valuable.
124. People attend college or university for many defferent reasons (for example, new
experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge).
Why do you think people attend college or university?
model answer:
People attend college for a lot of different reasons. I believe that the three most common reasons
are to prepare for a career, to have new experiences, and to increase their knowledge of themselves
and of the world around them.
Career preparation is probably the primary reason that people attend college. These days, the job
market is very competitive. Careers such as information technology will need many new workers
in the near future. At college, students can learn new skills for these careers and increase their
opportunities for the future.
Students also go to college to have new experiences. For many, it is their first time away from
home. At college, they can meet new people from many different places. They can see what life is
like in a different city. They can learn to live on their own and take care of themselves without
having their family always nearby.
At college, students have the opportunity to increase their knowledge. As they decide what they
want to study, pursue their studies, and interact with their classmates, they learn a lot about
themselves. They also, of course, have the opportunity to learn about many subjects in their
classes. In addition to the skills and knowledge related to their career, college students also have
the chance to take classes in other areas. For many, this will be their last chance to study different
subjects.
Colleges offer much more than career preparation. They offer the opportunity to have new
experiences and to learn many kinds of things. I think all of these are reasons why people attend
college.
125. The position of women in society has changed markedly in the last twenty years. Many
of the problems young people now experience, such as juvenile delinquency, arise from the
fact that many married women now work and are not at home to care for their children.

model answer:
It is certainly true that the position of women in society has undergone a dramatic change in the
past twenty years but I do not feel that this is a direct cause of the indisputable increase in juvenile-
related problems during this period.
It is now accepted that young women should find work on leaving school; indeed to rely totally on
their parents' financial support is no longer an option in many families. Likewise, once they get
married, the majority of women continue working since the financial pressures of setting up a
house and establishing a reasonable standard of living often require two incomes.
Twenty years ago it was common for women to give up work once they had children and devote
their time to caring for their children. This is no longer the general rule and the provision of
professionally-run child care facilities and day nurseries have removed much of the responsibility
for child rearing that used to fall to mothers. However, these facilities come at a cost and often
require two salaries coming into a family to be afforded.
I do not believe that the increase in the number of working mothers has resulted in children being
brought up less well than previously. Indeed it could be argued that by giving mothers the
opportunity to work and earn extra money children can be better provided for than previously.
There is more money for luxuries and holidays and a more secure family life is possible. Of course
there are limits as to the amount of time that ideally should be spent away from home and the ideal
scenario would be for one of the parents (often the wife) to have a part-time job and thus be
available for their children before and after school. It is important to establish the correct balance
between family life and working life.
126. "Prevention is better than cure."
Out of a country's health budget, a large proportion should be diverted from treatment to
spending on health education and preventative measures.
model answer:
Of course it goes without saying that prevention is better than cure. That is why, in recent years,
there has been a growing body of opinion in favour of putting more resources into health education
and preventive measures. The argument is that ignorance of, for example, basic hygiene or the
dangers of an unhealthy diet or lifestyle needs to be combatted by special nationwide publicity
campaigns, as well as longer-term health education.
Obviously,there is a strong human argument for catching any medical condition as early as
possible. There is also an economic argument for doing so. Statistics demonstrate the cost-
effectiveness of treating a condition in the early stages, rather than delaying until more expensive
and prolonged treatment is necessary. Then there are social or economic costs, perhaps in terms of
loss of earnings for the family concerned or unemployed benefit paid by the state.
So far so good, but the difficulties start when we try to define what the 'proportion' of the budget
should be, particularly if the funds will be 'diverted from treatment'. Decisions on exactly how
much of the total health budget should be spent in this way are not a matter for the non-specialist,
but should be made on the basis of an accepted health service model.

This is the point at which real problems occur - the formulation of the model. How do we
accurately measure which health education campaigns are effective in both medical and financial
terms? How do we agree about the medical efficacy of various screening programmes, for
example, when the medical establishment itself does not agree? A very rigorous process of
evaluation is called for, so that we can make informed decisions.
127. Most writers of fiction do not earn enough money to live from their writing.
Do you think the government should give them financial assistance to help encourage good
literature?
model answer:
There are some conditions under which a novelist could reasonably expect some government
suport. In general terms, if the writer has already proved that he or she can write well, and if the
stories produced are stimulating and interesting, then I consider that some financial help might be
given.
Language quality is difficult to define, but if the writing shows, for example, good grammar, a
wide vocabulary, and elegance and imagination, then I can see a valid reason for assisting an
author to spend some time free from money problems. Such a writing needs to be encouraged. the
entertainment value of a book would be also a factor in deciding whether to provide assistance to
an author. Further consideration would include social and educational values expressed in the
author's work.
However, if the ideas were socially irresponsible, or if the stories contain unnecessary violence or
pornography for its own sake, then I would not want to see the author sponsored to write stories
which do not benefit society. Other exceptions are the many writers of good books who do not
require financial help. Books which proved to be extremely popular, such as the Harry Potter
stories, clearly need no subsidy at all because the authors have become rich through their writing.
Views on what good quality writing means will vary widely, and so if any author is to be given
money for writing, then the decision would have to be made by a committee or panel of judge. An
individual opinion would certainly cause disagreement among the reading public.
128. International entertainers, including sports personalities, often get paid millions of
dollars in one year.
In your view, with widespread pverty in the world, are these huge earnings justified?
model answer:
The salaries of many singers, dancers and sports people have increased out of all proportion in
recent years, while in places like Sudan people are starving to death. I do not beleive that anyone
should be able to earn such enormous salaries whan so many people in the world are living in
poverty.
One af the factors which should affect what a person can earn ought to be the benefit of person's
work to society. It is unreasonable for a famous singer to be able to earn far more from an
evening's entertainment than, for instance, a medical scientist who develops a new drug which

produces a treatment for a common disease. The pop star certainly has a value in society, but the
value in no way exceeds, or even matches, the value gained from a successful medication.
Secondly. work done should be paid according to the amount of effort and skill that goes into it.
Nobody would deny that a famous person works hard and is skillful, yet such people do not work
any harder than thousand of other workers who have no claim to fame. Yet market force are such
that these superstarts can obtain millions of dolor while other unknown people sometimes earn less
than they need to survive.
Finally, it should be possible for governments to work together to ensure that the amount of money
in circulation should be more more equally and fairly distributed. This seems only fair given that
there are so many suffering.
To conclude, it is clear that world poverty is a serious problem and yet the problem could be eased
if governments and compenies gave more thought to paying salaries on a more equitable basis and
if they started to contribute more money to those in need.
129. Smokers can cause themselves serious health problems. The choice to smoke is made
freely and with knowledge of dangers.
Smokers should therefore expect to pay more for medical treatment than non-smokers.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
model answer:
Everyone has the choice of being a smoker or not. The people who choose to smoke do so
knowing there is a risk of causing harmful damage to themselves. However, I do not entirely agree
that these people should have to pay more to receive all the medical treatment they need.
I think there are many situations in which a medical problem has nothing to do with whether a
person smokes or not. In these cases, where an illness has no relation to smoking, then I believe
that smokers should not be required to pay more than other people for their medical treatment.
Most car accidents, for example, have no connection with smoking, and the people who are injured
ought to have the same medical help, regardless of the cost. And what about the common flu - it
does not seem justifiable to me that a smoker should have to pay more to see a doctor for an illness
we can all contract.
On the other hand, I agree that a smoker should pay more than a non-smoker for the necessary
treatment of any condition which has been caused by smoking. The principle that people should
take responsibility for their own actions is a good one. Consequently, if a person chooses to smoke
knowing that this habit can cause serious health problems, then there is no reason why the
community or an insurance company should have to pay for medical treatment for an illness which
could have been avoided.
In many countries, cigarette packets have a clear warning that smoking can cause health problems
and so no smoker can claim not to know the danger. Lung cancer is sometimes a fatal disease and
the treatment is both lengthy and expensive, and it is unfair for the smoker to expect the hospital or
the community to carry the cost. In fact, it could also be argued that those who smoke in public
should be asked to pay extra because of the illness caused to passive smokers.
In conclusion, I feel that smokers should pay more in cases related to smoking, but for any other
illness they should pay the same as anyone else.

130. We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in businesses,
hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes.
What things will they be used for in the future? Is this dependence on computers a good
thing or should we he more auspicious of their benefits?
model answer:
Computers are a relatively new invention. The first computers were built fifty years ago and it is
only in the last thirty or so years that their influence has affected our everyday life. Personal
computers were introduced as recently as the early eighties. In this short time they have made a
tremendous impact on our lives. We are now so dependent on computers that it is hard to imagine
what things would be like today without them. You have only got to go into a bank when their
main computer is broken to appreciate the chaos that would occur if computers were suddenly
removed world-wide.
In the future computers will be used to create bigger and even more sophisticated computers. The
prospects for this are quite alarming. They will be so complex that no individual could hope to
understand how they work. They will bring a lot of benefits but they will also increase the
potential for unimaginable chaos. They will, for example, be able to fly planes and they will be
able to co ordinate the movements of several planes in the vicinity of an airport. Providing all the
computers are working correctly nothing can go wrong. If one small program fails disaster.
There is a certain inevitability that technology will progress and become increasingly complex. We
should, however, ensure that we are still in a position where we are able to control technology. It
will be all too easy to suddenly discover that technology is controlling us. By then it might be too
late I believe that it is very important to be suspicious of the benefits that computers will bring and
to make sure that we never become totally dependent on a completely technological world.
131. Should parents be obliged to immunise their children against common Band 9 answer
childhood diseases?
Or do individuals have the right to choose not to immunise their children?
model answer:
The issue of whether we should force parents to immunise their children against common diseases
is, in my opinion, a social rather than a medical question. Since we are free to choose what we
expose our bodies to in the way of food, drink, or religion for that matter, why should the question
of medical 'treatment' be any different?
Medical researchers and governments are primarily interested in overall statistics and trends and in
money-saving schemes which fail to take into consideration the individual's concerns and rights.
While immunisation against diseases such as tetanus and whooping cough may be effective, little
information is released about the harmful effects of vaccinations which can sometimes result in
stunted growth or even death.
The body is designed to resist disease and to create its own natural immunity through contact with
that disease. So when children are given artificial immunity, we create a vulnerable society which
is entirely dependent on immunisation. In the event that mass immunisation programmes were to
cease, the society as a whole would be more at risk than ever before.

In addition there is the issue of the rights of the individual. As members of a society, why should
we be obliged to subject our children to this potentially harmful practice? Some people may also
be against immunisation on religious grounds and their needs must also be considered.
For these reasons I feel strongly that immunisation programmes should not be obligatory and that
the individual should have the right to choose whether or not to participate.
132. Should parents be obliged to immunise their children against childhood diseases?
Or do individuals have the right to choose not to immunise their children?
model answer:
Some people argue that the state does not have the right to make parents immunise their children.
However, I feel the question is not whether they should immunise but whether, as members of
society, they have the right not to.
Preventative medicine has proved to be the most effective way of reducing the incidence of fatal
childhood diseases. As a result of the widespread practice of immunising young children in our
society, many lives have been saved and the diseases have been reduced to almost zero.
In previous centuries children died from ordinary illnesses such as influenza and tuberculosis and
because few people had immunity, the diseases spread easily. Diseases such as dysentery were the
result of poor hygiene but these have long been eradicated since the arrival of good sanitation and
clean water. Nobody would suggest that we should reverse this good practice now because
dysentery has been wiped out.
Serious diseases such as polio and smallpox have also been eradicated through national
immunisation programmes. In consequence, children not immunised are far less at risk in this
disease-free society than they would otherwise be. Parents choosing not to immunise are relying on
the fact that the diseases have already been eradicated. If the number of parents choosing not to
immunise increased, there would be a similar increase in the risk of the diseases returning.
Immunisation is not an issue like seatbelts which affects only the individual. A decision not to
immunise will have widespread repercussions for the whole of society and for this reason, I do not
believe that individuals have the right to stand aside. In my opinion immunisation should be
obligatory.
133. Disruptive school students have a negative influence on others.
Students who are noisy and disobedient should be grouped together and taught separately.
model answer:
There is no doubt that some students in schools behave badly and their behaviour causes difficulty
for others either because it has a negative effect on the group or because ordinary students find it
difficult to study with them.

One solution is to take these students away and teach them on their own. However, if we simply
have them removed after one or two warnings, we are limiting their educational opportunities
because it seems to me that a school which caters for difficult students is a sort of "prison"
whatever name you give it and the people who go there may never recover from the experience.
This can then cause problems for the wider society.
Perhaps we need to look at why the disruptive students behave badly before we separate them.
Disruptive students may be very intelligent and find the classes boring because the work is too
easy. Perhaps these students need extra lessons rather than separate lessons. Or perhaps the
teachers are uninspiring and this results in behavioural problems so we need better teachers. On the
other hand, most students put up with this situation rather than cause trouble, and some people
argue that we have to learn to suffer bad teachers and boring situations and that students who can't
learn this lesson need to be taught separately.
So before we condemn the students to a special school, we should look at factors such as the
teaching, because once the children have been separated, it is very unlikely that they will be
brought back.
134. Although abuse of the system are inevitable, social welfare payments are essential to
protect the rights citizens have to a guaranteed minimum income in a democratic society"
Discuss.
model answer:
Social welfare is an essential element of an advanced society. Good systems are always abused,
but that does not mean they are faulty. In my opinion, the two main reasons why welfare payments
are necessary are as follows:
First of all, critics forget that there are many forms of welfare besides payments to the
unemployed. Their negative opinions harm those who are not capable of earning a wage, such as
single-parent mothers, the disabled, and the sick. Moreover, the unemployed have the right to an
income, too. They are not always at fault for not having a job, and in most cases the tax they have
paid in the past entitles them to assistance.
The second reason is that crime increases when people have no means of support. The desperately
poor inevitably turn to crime, which is not only dangerous but costly. Policing the streets is more
expensive than providing welfare. A policeman's wage is four or five times higher than a "dole"
payment.
Certain members of society believe that people should look after themselves. They point out that
welfare increases dependency on others and destroys dignity. This may be true, but in the case of
the unemployed, the relief payments are usually temporary. It is surely the fault of the government
if there are long-term unemployed. Welfare critics also believe that it is the responsibility of a
victim's family to provide financial assistance. However, it is too expensive to provide complete
help for a severely disabled person.
To conclude, it is vital to understand the need for welfare in a modern democratic society. Without
welfare payments the poor are destined to become poorer. The first duty of a government is to
provide a financial safety net for all disadvantaged persons, and that includes those without work.

135. Studying the English language in an English-speaking country is the best but not the
only way to learn language.
model answer:
Studying a language in a country where it is widely spoken has many advantages. It is, therefore, a
good idea to study English in a country such as Britain. However, I believe it is not the only way to
learn the language.
In the first place, most students in non-English-speaking countries learn English at secondary
school, and sometimes at university nowadays. Although their spoken English is not usually of a
very high standard, their knowledge of grammar is often quite advanced. This is certainly useful
when students come to an English-speaking country to perfect the language.
Secondly, studying the basics of English at secondary school is less stressful than learning the
language while overseas. This is because students living at home do not have to worry about
problems such as finding accommodation, paying for their study and living costs, and trying to
survive in a foreign country where day to day living causes much stress.
However, there are obvious advantages of learning English in Britain. Every day there are
opportunities to practise listening to and speaking with British people. Also, students can
experience the culture firsthand, which is a great help when trying to understand the language. This
is especially true if they choose to live with a British family, as exchange students for example.
Furthermore, if students attend a language school full-time, the teachers will be native speakers. In
this case, not only will students' speaking and listening skills improve, but attention can be given to
developing reading and writing skills as well.
In general, even though it is preferable to study English in an English-speaking country, a
reasonable level of English can be achieved in one's own country, if a student is gifted and
dedicated to study.
136. The world is experiencing a dramatic increase in population, This is causing
problems not only for poor, undeveloped countries, but also for industrialised and
developing nations.
Describe some of the problems that overpopulation causes, and suggest at least one possible
solution.
model answer:
In most countries of the world the population is increasing alarmingly. This is especially true in
poor, undeveloped countries. Overpopulation causes a considerable number of problems.
In poor countries it is difficult to provide enough food to feed even the present number of people.
In addition, education to limit the number of children per family is not always successful. Poorer
countries usually have a lot of unemployment too, and an increase in population simply makes the

situation worse. The environment also suffers when there are too many people living on the land.
In rich, industrialised and developing countries it is very difficult for governments to provide
effective public services in overcrowded cities. Moreover, there is usually a great deal more crime,
which is often due to high rates of unemployment. Further large increases in population only cause
more overcrowding, unemployment and crime.
There are two main solutions to the overpopulation problem. Firstly, every woman who is
pregnant, but who does not want to give birth, should be allowed by law to have an abortion.
Secondly, governments must educate people to limit the size of the family. In China, couples are
penalised financially if they have more than one child. This may seem cruel, but the "one-child
policy" is beginning to have an effect in the world's most populous nation. Eventually, similar
policies might also be necessary in other crowded nations such as India, for example.
To sum up, if the population explosion continues, many more people will die of starvation in poor
countries, and life in the cities, even in affluent nations, will become increasingly difficult.
137. People in all modern societies use drugs, but today's youth are expertimenting with both
legal and illegal drugs, and at an increasingly early age. Some sociologists claim that parents
and other members of society often set a bad example.
Discuss the causes and some effects of widespread drug use by young people in modern day
society. Make any recommendations you feel are necessary to help fight youth drug abuse.
model answer:
Youth drug abuse is a serious problem nowadays in many cultures. Not only is illegal drug use on
the rise, but children as young as 10 years old are experimenting with alcohol and tobacco. The
reasons for this behaviour are unclear, but certain sociologists blame the examples set by their
elders.
Parents who drink and smoke to excess are, in effect, telling their children that it is acceptable to
abuse their bodies with drugs. Consequently, children may have a similar view towards illegal
drugs, even if their parents are against their use. In addition, drug use shown on television and in
films can only confuse children who are also taught at school that drug abuse is wrong.
The pressure on young people to perform well at school in order to compete for jobs is a possible
cause of the problem. Many believe they cannot live up to their parents' expectations, and feel a
sense of hopelessness. Also, the widespread availability of drugs means teenagers are faced with
the temptation to experiment. Drugs are used as a means of expressing dissatisfaction with the
pressures they face in society.
The effects of drug abuse are well known. Many young people's talents are wasted, and addiction
to hard drugs can cost a user his or her life. Furthermore, those who drink and drive may be
involved in fatal road accidents. The cost to society is great, and enormous amounts of money are
spent on convicting drug dealers and on education programmes.
To conclude, I recommend that the only sensible way to solve this problem is to educate young
people about the dangers of drug use, and to take steps to reduce the pressure of competition
placed upon them.

138. We have been living in the nuelear age now for over half a century. Since the first
atomic bombs were developed, nuclear technology has provided governments with the ability
to totally destroy the planet. Yet the technology has been put to positive use as an energy
source and in certain areas of medicine.
To what extent is nuclear technology a danger to life on Earth? What are the benefits and
risks associated with its use?
model answer:
These days, many people are afraid of nuclear technology because of the dangers associated with
its use. In my opinion, although it is true that nuclear weapons pose the greatest threat to life, the
use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes also carries some serious risks.
Nuclear power stations provide an important source of cheap power for many industrialised
nations and some developing countries. However, there is always the danger of radiation leaking
from these plants. Even though safety precautions are taken, there have been numerous disasters
such as the explosion of a nuclear plant in Russia not long ago.
Nuclear technology is even used to help cure some diseases such as cancer. Radiation can be
applied to the body to burn away cancerous cells. This is, however, a dangerous procedure, and the
application of radiation is almost always painful and not always successful.
The most worrying aspect of nuclear technology, though, is its use for military purposes. Enough
atomic bombs have already been built to completely destroy the planet, and the real danger is that
one day some country will start a war with these weapons. Too many countries now have the
technology required to make such bombs, and there is currently much debate about how to control
the situation.
In conclusion, nuclear technology certainly has positive uses, but is, nonetheless, dangerous.
However, it would have been better if it had never been used to create nuclear weapons. If life on
Earth is to continue.
139. Some people think that it is important to use leisure time for activities that improve the
mind, such as reading and doing word puzzles.
Other people feel that it is important to rest the mind during leisure time.
model answer:
It is generally accepted that we all need leisure time to recover from the stresses of work and
everyday life.
Personally, I prefer to be active during this time, as I think this suits me better. However, what we
do with our leisure time is up to us and no one can say that any particular activity is the best.
Some people relax by watching movies, reading or surfing the internet. People who have
physically demanding jobs may choose these types of activities. If you are a nurse or builder, you
may feel that you don't want to do a five-kilometre run after work, because you are already
physically tired.

Other people do very sedentary jobs. Computer analysts, for example, may spend all day sitting in
front of a computer screen. At the end of the working day, they may be keen to stretch their limbs
and improve their health by swimming or going to the gym.
Another factor that influences our choice of leisure pursuit is where we work. People who work
indoors often prefer outdoor hobbies, whereas for people who work outdoors, the reverse may be
true. I am a student myself and this involves a lot of sitting in lectures, so I need to get out into the
fresh air afterwards.
In any situation, the important thing is that people need to stay healthy by choosing what is best for
them. The only wrong way to spend free time, in my view, is to have a sedentary job and then go
home and watch television.
140. Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change.
Others, however, think
that change is always a good thing.
Model answer
Over the last half century the pace of change in the life of human beings has increased beyond our
wildest expectations. This has been driven by technological and scientific breakthroughs that are
changing the whole way we view the world on an almost daily basis. This means that change is not
always a personal option, but an inescapable fact of life, and we need to constantly adapt to keep
pace with it.
Those people who believe they have achieved some security by doing the same, familiar things are
living in denial. Even when people believe they are resisting change themselves, they cannot stop
the world around them from changing. Sooner or later they will find that the familiar jobs no
longer
exist, or that the ‘safe’ patterns of behaviour are no longer appropriate.
However, reaching the conclusion that change is inevitable is not the same as assuming that
‘change is always for the better’. Unfortunately, it is not always the case that new things are
promoted because they have good impacts for the majority of people. A lot of innovations are
made
with the aim of making money for a few. This is because it is the rich and powerful people in our
society who are able to impose changes (such as in working conditions or property developments)
that are in their own interests.
In conclusion, I would say that change can be stimulating and energising for individuals when they
pursue it themselves, but that all change, including that which is imposed on people, does not
necessarily have good outcomes.

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2

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