Past years Essay topics 2007

1. 6-1-2007 / 21-7-2001

The world of work is changing rapidly. Working conditions today are not the same as before and people no longer rely on taking one job for life. Discuss the possible causes for these changes and give your suggestions on how people should prepare for work in the future.

2. 13-1-2007 / 9-6-2001 / 17-1-2004 / 28-5-2005

Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace in the future. Others think the true function of a university is to provide to knowledge for its own sake. What do you think are the main functions of a university?

3. 20-1-2007

Some people think the government should pay for health care and education, but other people think it's not government's responsibility. Discuss both sides and your opinion.

4. 3-2-2007

Individuals can do nothing to improve the environment. Only governments and large companies can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

5. 10-2-2007 / 26-11-2005

Maintaining public libraries is a waste of money since computer technology can replace their functions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

6. 3-3-2007 / 4-12-2004

Some people think that schools should select pupils according to their academic abilities, while others believe that it is better to have pupils with different abilities study together. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

7. 10-3-2007

With the increase in the use of mobile phones and computers, fewer people are writing letters. Some people think that the traditional skill of writing letters will disappear completely. To what extent do you agree or disagree? How important do you think is letter-writing?

8. 22-3-2007

Some people think that the government should provide assistance to all kinds of artists including painters, musicians and poets, etc. However, other people think that is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

9. 31-3-2007 / 26-2-2005

People can perform everyday tasks, such as shopping and banking as well as business transactions, without meeting other people face-to-face. What are the effects of this on an individual and the society as a whole?

10. 14-4-2007

The society would benefit from a ban on all forms of advertising because it serves no useful purpose, and can even be damaging. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

11. 21-4-2007

Consumers are faced with increasing numbers of advertisements from competing companies. To what extent do you think are consumers influenced by advertisements? What measures can be taken to protect them?

12. 28-04-2007 / 18-9-2004

Air transport is increasingly used to export types of fruits and vegetables to countries where they cannot be grown or are out of season. Some people say it is a good thing, but other people think it can’t be justified. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

13. 12-5-2007 / 23-9-2006

Some people believe that some unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (e.g. working in a charity, improving the relationship of neighbourhood or teaching sports to children) To what extent do you agree or disagree?

14. 19-5-2007

Computers are increasingly used in education. In which areas do you think are computers more important and in which areas are teachers more important?

15. 2-6-2007

Many developing countries are currently expanding their tourist industries. Why is this the case? Is it a positive development?

16. 9-6-2007

Some people claim that public museums and art galleries will not be needed because people can see historical objects and works of art by using a computer. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

17. 16-6-2007

In many countries traditional foods are being replaced by international fast foods. This is having a negative effect on both families and societies. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

18. 28-6-2007

The natural resources such as oil, forests and fresh water are being consumed at an alarming rate. What problems does it cause? How can we solve these problems?

19. 7-7-2007

In some countries, secondary schools aim to provide a general education across a range of subjects. In others, children focus on a narrow range of subjects related to a particular career. For today's world, which system is appropriate?

20. 14-7-2007

In the past, lectures were used as a way of teaching large numbers of students, but now with the development of technology for education, many people think there is no justification for attending lectures. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

21. 21-7-2007

As we are facing more and more problems which affect the whole planet, good relationships between different countries are becoming more important than ever before. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

22. 26-7-2007

Team activities can teach more skills for life than those activities which are played alone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

23. 11-8-2007

It is known to all that the technological and scientific advances have made great changes to the range and quality of our food. Some people regard it as an improvement while others believe that the change is harmful. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

24. 18-8-2007

Some people think that we should invent a new language for international communication. Do the benefits of this outweigh the problems?

25. 25-8-2007

Some people say that it is the responsibility of individual to save money for their own care after they retire. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

26. 1-9-2007

Some people think that studying in a college or university is the best way for students to prepare for their future career. But others think they should leave school as soon as possible to develop their career through work experience. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

27. 8-9-2007

The unlimited use of cars may cause many problems. What are those problems? In order to reduce the problems, should we discourage people to use cars?

28. 20-9-2007

Many countries spend a lot of money in art. Some people think investment in art is necessary, but others say money is better spent on improving health and education. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

29. 22-9-2007

Higher education can be funded in several ways including the following three: 1. all costs are paid by the government. 2. all costs are paid by the students. 3. all costs are paid by the student using loans form the government that must be repaid after graduation. Discuss the benefits of each option. Which is the best one?

30. 6-10-2007

Today’s children are living under more pressure from the society than children in the past. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

31. 20-10-2007

Some people think it is better for children to begin to learn a foreign language at primary school than at secondary school. What’s your opinion? Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

32. 3-11-2007

The government should pay for the course fees for everyone who wants to study at the university. To what extent do you agree or disagree?