Talk about a colour that matters to you. Please say: - What colour it is, - When this colour became important in your life, - Why this colour matters to you, - How your choices are affected by this colour.

Topic of cue card taken from www.ielts-blog.com

·        Colours are very important in everyone’s life.

·        They add charm and spice to life.

·        A world without colour would be dull and boring indeed.

·        I like many colours such as red, blue, yellow, green and black

·        But my all time favourite is red.

Past GT essay - Some people think that secondary school students should study academic subjects (such as history and physics). While others believe they should study practical subjects (such as car machinery and cookery). Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some individuals are of the opinion that secondary school curricula should have academic subjects such as history and physics where as others opine that students should study practical subjects like car machinery and cookery. This essay shall look at both arguments before forming a conclusion.

Past GT essay - In modern society, many people think that primary schools should teach science and technology rather than history and geography which are useless and boring. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Some people opine that traditional subjects such as history and geography should not be taught in primary schools as they are boring and just add to the burden on primary school students. They believe that science and technology should be there in primary schools. I agree that arts subjects should be axed from the primary school curricula. A number of arguments surround my opinion.

Past GT essay - Some people point out that the number of international travel is decreasing. Is this trend positive or negative?

Because of economic reasons in some areas, international travel is becoming less common. I believe that it is largely a negative development. International travel has more positive than negative effects.

Past GT essay - In some countries, schools are open late so that children can be looked after when parents are at work. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

In nuclear families where both parents are working there has been a growing trend of schools which open till the late hours. This essay shall look into the pros and cons of such schools.

Past GT essay - Nowadays, an increasing number of countries are confronted with the disappearance of cooking skills. What is the situation like in your country? Do you agree that the young children should be taught home cooking in school?

The fast paced life of today and the easy availability of ready to eat foods have made cooking skills take a back seat in many parts of the world. Fortunately, culinary skills are still hale and hearty in India. I agree that cooking should be taught in schools. A number of arguments surround my opinion.

Past GT essay - Nowadays, an increasing number of countries are confronted with the disappearance of cooking skills. What is the situation like in your country? Do you agree that the young children should be taught home cooking in school?

The fast paced life of today and the easy availability of ready to eat foods have made cooking skills take a back seat in many parts of the world. Fortunately, culinary skills are still hale and hearty in India. I disagree that cooking should be taught in schools. A number of arguments surround my opinion.

Past GT essay - Teenagers have problems at home and school. What difficulties are they facing now? What should parents and schools do to help them?

Teenage years are the most delicate years of a person’s life. These are beautiful years but have their own share of difficulties. This essay shall delve into some problems teenagers face at home and school and also suggest some ways forward.

Past GT essay - Many people want to have a successful career and a happy family life both. What problems are involved in combining a career and family life? How to overcome such problems?

It is undeniable that everyone dreams to have both - a successful career and a happy family. However, there seem to be a lot of problems preventing people from achieving that goal. This essay shall discuss these problems and suggest some solutions.

Past GT essay - Today in many countries, people hold bigger and more expensive weddings than before. Is it a positive or negative development?

Marriage is perhaps the biggest day of one’s life. No wonder, today in many nations people have started spend lavishly on weddings. In my opinion it is a negative development. I firmly believe that it is not necessary to overspend on these days to make them memorable and enjoyable.

Past GT essay - Many people prefer to stay the same type of work all their life, and others prefer to change the type of work. Discuss both sides and state your own opinion.

The world is changing rapidly. People today face numerous challenges in achieving a meaningful and fulfilling life. That is perhaps why some people change their job many times during their lifetime. However, there are still some who stick to the same job for life. This essay shall look into the benefits of both approaches.

Past GT essay - Some people say now there is less communication between the family members than in the past. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

I do not completely agree that nowadays there is lesser communication among the family members than in the past. What has actually happened is that most of the communication has changed from direct face-to-face communication to blind communication via the computer screen or the cell-phone.

Past GT essay - Some people say television contributes more than other modern inventions to the quality of life of ordinary people. Do you agree or disagree?

There is probably no greater influence on social issues and society itself than the television. It has become arguably the greatest invention of the past century. There is no doubt that it has significantly changed the life of the ordinary man. Other inventions such as the radio, the internet and cell phone also have affected man, but TV has an edge over all these.

Past GT essay - Some people think that the young children benefit from going to the nursery school before starting primary school. Others think it is better for the young children to stay all day with the families. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The appropriateness of preschools and nursery schools has always been a debated issue. It should be left on the parents to weigh the pros and cons of nursery schools before deciding on one.

Past GT essay - Self-employed and working for companies or institutions, which is better?

Many people prefer to work in a company or institution where as some choose to open their own business and be self employed. It is necessary to look into the pros and cons of both before deciding which situation is more advantageous.

Past GT essay - Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a house and living in an apartment and give your opinion

Many people nowadays face a difficult decision when they buy their own home. The question is whether they should buy a house or an apartment. This essay shall discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both options before forming an opinion.

Past GT essay - Doctors say that people do not enough physical exercise. What are reasons? Suggest some solutions.

Obesity and its related problems are a growing cause of concern. The main reason is the sedentary lifestyle. This essay shall delve into the reasons why people choose not to exercise. Some measures to motivate people to adopt a healthy lifestyle shall also be discussed.

Past GT essay - In natural scenic spots, such as lakes, mountains and beaches there are much litter or rubbish. Why do people do that? How to deal with it?

These days the pollution produced by tourists has threatened the natural environment of some tourist attractions, making it a big problem to be addressed before those places are completely damaged. This essay shall try to highlight some reasons why people litter these places and also suggest some ways forward.

Many people are doing their shopping on the internet nowadays. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of shopping online.

Today with the internet so readily accessible to us, more and more people are turning to online shopping for all their needs. Clothes, shoes, products, even groceries can now are purchased via the internet. This essay shall look into the pros and cons of online shopping.

Past GT essay - Many people think that zoos which kept wild animals by man-made environment should no longer exist in 21st century. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

I agree that there is no place for zoos in the 21^st century. I feel that zoos are an unsuitable environment for animals and therefore should be abolished. A number of arguments surround my opinion.

Past GT essay - Some people argue that the purpose of zoos is only to entertain people. What do you think? What are the other purposes of zoos?

It is irrefutable that zoos Provide recreation to people. However, zoos have a lot of other advantages besides entertainment. This essay shall highlight these functions of zoos.

Speaking memories ( 9/3/2012)

1.    May I know your full name?

2.    Where do you come from?

3.    Are you studying or working?

4.    Do you live in a house or apartment?

5.    Which room of your house do you like the best?

Past GT essay - Schools do not teach young people enough knowledge to look after their health. Do you agree with this opinion?

“Health is Wealth” is a well known saying. The home, the school and the community should share the task of helping each child to be healthy. Unfortunately, health education is not given any place in most schools. Wherever it has been started, it has brought enormous benefits. This essay shall delve into the advantages that can be brought about by school health programmes.

Past GT essay - Many adults think the childhood and schooldays are the best years of a person’s life. What’s the reason do you think? Do you agree or disagree?

Everyone has nostalgic memories of one’s childhood days and would like to return to them if given a chance. Therefore it goes without saying that childhood and early school days are the golden periods of one’s life. However, the later school years, the teenage years, do have some stresses.

Past GT essay - Some people prefer to live in hot climate, while others like to live in cold climate. Discuss both of the views and give your own opinions.

There are various factors which a person considers while deciding a place to live and climate is just one of them. This essay shall discuss why some people prefer a cold climate and others choose to live in a warmer one.

Past GT essay - More and more media attention is being paid to famous people who are successful in sports and movies. Why do you think this is happening? Is this a good thing?

It would not be unfair to say that today's world is saturated with celebrity related news and gossip. We have access to the very latest news in the world of celebrities via various different mediums. This essay shall delve into the causes of this phenomenon. It is definitely not a good thing.

Past GT essay - Young people have different ideas and attitudes with their parents and grandparents. What are the differences? What problems may be caused?

The differences in the thinking of parents and children have been there since age old times. These differences are referred to as the ‘Generation Gap’. This essay shall delve into these differences and the problems caused by these differences.

Past GT essay - Travel from and to work is becoming more difficult. One solution is that employers should allow employees to work at home. Do you agree that the advantages are more than disadvantages?

Working from home with the help of telephone lines, or, in other words, telecommuting has become very popular especially where internet connections are fast and reliable. It is especially advantageous when the roads are congested with vehicles and traffic moves at a snail’s pace during peak hours. Telecommuting is a win-win situation for both employers and employees. Definitely the pros are much more than the cons.

Past GT essay - More and more people are working at home rather than in the workplace. Some people say this will bring benefits to the workers and their families, but others think it will bring stress to the home. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Working from home with the help of telephone lines, or, in other words, telecommuting has become very popular especially where internet connections are fast and reliable. Some individuals are of the opinion that it is advantageous for the employees and their families where as others think it leads to tension at home. This essay shall discuss both sides of the issue.

Past GT essay - Travelling abroad is regarded as a valuable and good activity for young people, but some people think it takes too much time and money. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Youth travel is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic markets of the global tourism sector. Some individuals believe that travelling abroad is beneficial for the youth where as others opine that is wastage of time and money. This essay shall discuss both views before forming an opinion.

Past GT - Nowadays, many people have to work longer time, and they feel more stressful than before. What are the reasons? What can employers do to make their life easier?

Stress is a big problem in today’s workplace. While some stress is a normal part of the workplace, excessive stress can interfere with the employees’ productivity and reduce their physical and emotional health. This essay shall delve into some causes of workplace stress and also suggest some steps that employers can take to reduce it.

Past GT essay - There is too much stress in the workplace. What can employees and employers do about it?

Stress is a big problem in today’s workplace. While some stress is a normal part of the workplace, excessive stress can interfere with the employees’ productivity and reduce their physical and emotional health. This essay shall delve into some causes of workplace stress and also suggest some steps that employers and employees can take to reduce it.

Past GT essay - There are more and more old people in many parts of the world. What are the causes of this and what are the solutions.

Demographic trends suggest that today we belong to a graying society. This essay shall delve into the reasons of this phenomenon and also suggest some ways to deal with this situation.

Past GT essay - Nowadays, fewer people tend to look after their old relatives and send them to some old age homes. What is the situation in your country? In your opinion, who should be responsible to look after the elderly?

Demographic trends suggest that we are heading towards a graying society and it is the bitter truth of today that that children are sending their elderly parents to live separately in old age homes. Fortunately, in my country, India, the old-age homes are still in their infancy. Ideally, the children should look after their elderly. However, I have strong arguments to suggest that the elderly should live separately in old-age homes.

Past GT essay - Some people claim that family members are more important than friends; do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Human development is a complex interplay of many factors. Some individuals are of the opinion that parents are more significant for children whereas others opine that friends have a more important role. It is necessary to look at both arguments before forming an opinion.

Past GT essay - In some countries, children start school at the age of seven, so they could have more time to build relationship with their parents. In other countries, children start school when they are 4 years old. Do the advantages outweigh its disadvantages?

Some people believe that the ages of six or seven are the best years for young people to commence educational studies. However, enrolling students in school at an earlier age has more advantages. A number of arguments surround my opinion.

Past GT essay - Too many old historic buildings are in danger and destroyed in many countries. What are the main reasons? How to protect them?

Modernization of cities is the need of the hour as a result of which many historic buildings are being destroyed. This essay shall highlight the reasons for this phenomenon and also suggest ways to protect these buildings.

Past GT Essay - Historical buildings are destroyed for housing schemes in most of the cities these days? Discuss and give your opinion. (18th Feb Essay India)

Modernization of cities is the need of the hour as a result of which many historic buildings are being destroyed. This situation has both pros and cons which I shall discuss in this essay.

Past GT essay - Nowadays, more and more building have been rebuilt or redesigned into a new modern form. What are the advantages and disadvantages of it?

Modernization is the process by which cities are being transformed under the impact of the scientific and technological revolution. That is why most of the buildings are being modernized. As everything has its pros and cons, similarly modernization also has its good and bad points which I shall discuss in this essay. 

Past GT essay - Nowadays, more and more people don't wear their national clothes, and the clothes look almost the same all over the world. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

Traditional costume, both national and regional, is universally recognised as an integral element of every single culture. Despite its importance to a culture and ethnicity, it is now less frequently worn by people because nowadays western formal and informal clothes are in vogue. I believe this is a positive development. A number of arguments surround my opinion.

Past GT essay - In many places women are taking jobs which are traditionally done by men. What do you think make these changes happen? What’s your opinion about it?

The physical and genetic differences between men and women equip them for different activities and skills. However, in today’s scenario it has been seen that women are proving their mettle even in the traditionally male-dominated jobs. This essay shall delve into the reasons for this change.

Past GT essay - In some countries students are required to learn a foreign language, but in other countries it is not necessary to do so. Discuss the benefits of each case and give your own opinion.

In some countries, more than one language is compulsory. Sometimes pupils have to start learning a language at primary school. Foreign languages are less often compulsory in English-speaking countries. This is probably because English is widely understood worldwide. This essay shall delve into the advantages of having to study a foreign language as well as the advantages of no such compulsion.

Past GT essay - In many countries, teenagers are encouraged to do part-time jobs. What’s the situation like in your country? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of doing part-time jobs?

Some countries such as the USA and UK encourage their secondary school students to do part time jobs. There are many pros and cons of this practice which shall be discussed in this essay.

Past GT essay - Some people think that watching TV programmes can help children’s development while others disagree. What is your opinion?

Watching TV programs can help children’s development in both positive and negative ways. If there is a limit to the number of hours a child sits in front of TV and a control over the type of channels a child is exposed to, then TV can be very good. However, if children watch too much TV and if they are allowed to watch almost any type of program then TV can be detrimental for them.

Past GT essay - Some people argue that a growing number of young people spend too much time in watching TV. Why does this phenomenon happen? And what kinds of activities should be encouraged to them?

Television has become ubiquitous nowadays. Most families have more than one television in their houses. This essay shall outline some of the reasons why the youth of today spend too much time watching TV and also suggest some other activities which they should be motivated to do.

GT past essay - More people have unhealthy diet and do not do enough exercises. What are the reasons for this? How can we encourage people to have a healthier lifestyle?

Obesity and its related problems are a growing cause of concern. The main reason is the sedentary lifestyle and fast food culture. This essay shall delve into the reasons why people choose to eat unhealthy diet and not do exercise. Some measures to motivate people to adopt a healthy lifestyle shall also be discussed.

Past GT essay - Some people think building more roads can reduce the traffic problems. What do you think of this solution?

It is irrefutable that the increasing traffic is a grave problem but I disagree that constructing more roads can reduce the traffic problems. Trying to cure traffic congestion by adding more capacity is like trying to cure obesity by loosening your belt. Other measures are needed to solve this problem.