Scorify.uzTechnology
Social media and its impact on society
Many people believe that social media has a negative impact on both individuals and society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Artificial intelligence and the job market
Artificial intelligence is replacing workers in many industries. What problems might this cause and what can be done to deal with them?
An age limit for social media
Some people think that children under 16 should not be allowed to use social media. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Children and screen time
Children today spend a lot of time looking at screens. What are the reasons for this and what effects does it have on them?
Self-driving cars: advantages and disadvantages
Vehicles that can drive themselves without a human driver are being tested in several countries and may become common in the future. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
Education
Should universities focus on academic or job skills?
Some people believe that universities should focus on providing academic skills, while others think they should prepare students for employment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Will online learning replace classroom teaching?
Some people think that online education will eventually replace classroom teaching. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Should all children learn a foreign language at school?
Some people believe that all children should learn at least one foreign language at school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Homework for primary school children
Some people think that primary school children should not be given homework. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Taking a gap year before university
More and more students take a year off between school and university to travel or work. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
The importance of art subjects in schools
Some people think that schools should spend less time on art and music and more time on subjects like science and maths. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
University or work after school
Some people believe that students should go to university immediately after school. Others think they should start working first. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
School sports: health or competition?
Some people think that school sports should focus on competition and winning. Others believe sport at school should be for health and enjoyment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Society
The growing gap between rich and poor
In many countries, the gap between the rich and the poor is increasing. What problems does this cause and what solutions can be proposed?
Raising the minimum driving age
Some people think that the minimum age for a driving licence should be raised to reduce road accidents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Immigration: benefits and problems
More and more people are moving to other countries to live and work. Do the advantages of immigration outweigh the disadvantages for the destination country?
Traffic congestion in big cities
Traffic congestion is a serious problem in many big cities. What are the causes and what solutions can be proposed?
Who should care for elderly people?
Some people think that family members should look after elderly relatives. Others believe the government should provide care. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Online shopping or shops in town?
Some people prefer to buy goods online, while others believe that shopping in real shops is better. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Young people moving away from the countryside
In many countries, young people are leaving villages and small towns to live in big cities. What problems does this cause, and what can be done to encourage them to stay?
Crime
Work
Working from home: advantages and disadvantages
More and more people are working from home instead of in an office. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
High salaries of professional athletes
Professional athletes and entertainers are paid far more than doctors and teachers. Do you think this is fair? To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A four-day working week
Some companies are introducing a four-day working week. Do the advantages of this change outweigh the disadvantages?
Working in a foreign country
More and more people are choosing to work in a country other than their own for several years. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
Long working hours: causes and effects
In some countries, many employees work very long hours each week. What are the reasons for this? Do you think it has a positive or negative effect on workers and on society?
Health
Obesity: causes and solutions
In some countries, the average weight of people is increasing and their level of health and fitness is decreasing. What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?
Fast food and public health
Fast food is becoming more popular and is damaging public health. What problems does this cause and what can be done to solve them?
Is animal testing acceptable for medical research?
Some people think that testing new medicines on animals is acceptable if it saves human lives. Others believe it is cruel and should be stopped. To what extent do you agree or disagree that animal testing should be allowed?
Should governments tax unhealthy food?
Some governments have introduced extra taxes on sugary drinks and fast food to improve public health. Do you think this is an effective way to encourage healthier eating? To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Globalization
Cultural traditions and tourism
Some people think that cultural traditions will be destroyed when they are used as money-making attractions aimed at tourists. Others believe this is the only way to save such traditions. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
English as a global language: advantages and disadvantages
English is increasingly used as a global language for business and communication. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
Tourism: do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks?
International tourism has become the world's largest industry. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
Languages disappearing around the world
Many languages are disappearing as fewer people speak them. What problems does this cause and what can be done to protect them?
Government
Government investment in public transport
Some people believe that governments should spend more money on public transport rather than building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Money spent on space exploration
Some people say that governments should not spend money on space exploration because there are more important problems on Earth. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Free entry to museums
Some people believe that museums and art galleries should be free for everyone. Others think visitors should pay. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Funding science or the arts
Some people think that governments should spend more on scientific research, while others believe they should support the arts. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Should the retirement age be raised?
In many countries people are living longer, and some governments want to raise the age at which people can retire. Some believe this is necessary, while others think people should be able to stop working earlier. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Is hosting the Olympic Games worth the cost?
Cities that host the Olympic Games spend enormous amounts of public money on stadiums and infrastructure. Some people believe that hosting the Games brings lasting benefits, while others think the money should be spent on other things. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Environment
Should zoos be closed?
Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed. Others believe they are necessary for protecting wildlife. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Who should protect the environment: individuals or governments?
Some people believe that individuals should take responsibility for protecting the environment, while others think this is the job of governments. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Recycling: responsibility of individuals or governments
Some people think that recycling is the responsibility of individuals, while others believe that governments should take the main responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Plastic waste in the oceans
Huge amounts of plastic waste end up in the oceans. What problems does this cause and what can be done to reduce it?
Banning plastic shopping bags
In some countries, shops are no longer allowed to give free plastic bags to customers. Some people say a complete ban on plastic bags would be a better solution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Food waste in wealthy countries
A large amount of edible food is thrown away every day by households and supermarkets in wealthy countries. Why is this happening, and what measures could be taken to reduce it?
Media
Celebrity influence on young people
Some people think that celebrities have a positive influence on young people, while others believe the influence is negative. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Advertising aimed at children
Some people believe that advertising aimed at children should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Trust in the news media
Some people say that we cannot trust the news media because it is controlled by powerful organisations. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Why are fewer people reading books?
In many countries, people read fewer books for pleasure than they did in the past. Why do you think this is happening? Is this a negative development?
The five essay types
- Opinion: state clearly whether you agree or disagree and defend that position throughout.
- Discussion + opinion: explain both views fairly, then give your own.
- Problem and solution: describe the main problems, then suggest realistic solutions.
- Advantages and disadvantages: weigh both sides, then say which is stronger if asked.
- Two-part question: answer each question directly in its own paragraph.