Some people think that cultural traditions may be destroyed when they are used as money-making attractions aimed at tourists. Others believe it is the only way to save these traditions. Discuss on both sides and give your opinion.( 19-03-2005, and then repeated on 21-3-2009 in India)

Introduction: It is true that cultural traditions attract tourists from all over the world and develop local economy. However, just as there is no garden without weeds, so we should take both merits and demerits into consideration.

Paragraph 1: We have to make these cultural traditions alluring for tourists because we need tourists. Firstly, tourism boosts our economy and secondly we get a chance to spread our culture to different countries. If our artists and artisans do not earn money from their art, which depicts our culture and tradition, then this art will die off and we’ll only be the losers. (you can add other advantages of tourism)

Paragraph 2: On the other hand, when cultural traditions are used as money-making attractions, they lose their original features. Sometimes it makes cultural traditions disappear altogether. But we can always make cautious changes.

Conclusion: In my opinion, to save cultural traditions we need to make some changes to make them alluring to the tourist of today. If we don’t do so we’ll lose them altogether and we’ll lose our tourists also.

It is generally believed that education is of vital importance to the development of individuals and the well-being of societies. What should education consist of to fulfil both these functions?

Intro: ‘Education is a companion which

-          No future can depress

-          No crime can destroy

-          No enemy can alienate

And no nepotism can enslave

Paragraph 1: Professional knowledge

-          Earning individuals

-          Better societies

Paragraph 2: Physical education

-          Healthy individuals

-          Healthy society

Paragraph 3: Makes us adaptive to society.Less violence and less crime in society is there if people are educated. They become more open minded and live in harmony with each other.

Conclusion: ‘Education is not the filling up of a pail

               But the lighting up of a fire’

Some people think visitors to others countries should imitate local customers and behaviours. Some people disagree; they think the host country should welcome cultural differences. Discuss the two views and give your opinion.

           Introduction:

Paragraph 1: benefits of adopting host countries customs:

1.  Decreases chances of misunderstanding and embarrassment. For e.g. in the UK it is offensive to ask about pay to anyone, which is common in India.

2.  A nations customs and traditions are fascinating and offer a deep insight into that country. People visit other countries to broaden their horizon.

3.  Establish a rapport with local people because people feel respected when their customs are understood and imitated. You become a member of them and so you don’t suffer any culture shock.

Paragraph 2: Why a country should tolerate and embrace foreign culture

1.  No country should cling to its own customs and traditions and accept the new customs and traditions brought by visitors.

2.  There should be no binding on the visitors to adopt the customs and traditions of the hosts.

Conclusion:

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 individual and society as a whole?

      Intro: this situation is quite true. This has both positive and negative effects on   society

Paragraph 1: Advantages of e-shopping and e-banking

Effects on individual

-          More time for social activities

-          To pursue hobbies and interests

-          Communicate with families

All these are indispensable part of quality life.

Paragraph 2: business by telecommunications and telecommuting has a lot of advantages for people and society.

-          Lower cost

-          Saves natural resources

Small businesses have almost the same opportunities to advertise and promote their products.

Paragraph 3: negative effect – face to face communication is decreasing. People are becoming self centered.

Conclusion: 

Leisure is a growing industry, but people no longer entertain themselves as much as they used to because the use of modern technology has made them less creative. Do you agree or disagree?

Introduction: Disagree. Modern technology has not made people less creative. It has changed the definition of leisure and the lifestyle of people.

Paragraph 1: Everyday life today is very busy and complicated. Leisure time is spoiled by choices. We are – confused and dissatisfied.

We can’t strike a balance between work and play. We have become workaholics

Paragraph 2: Life in the past was simpler. People worked for basic needs. Now work is not just a way of life. It is for personal fulfilment. We set goals for ourselves – like - house, car. We choose this way of life. Now we have improved standard of living but this has come at a very high cost.

Conclusion: what we need to do

- change priorities

Leisure is as important as ever

      We should take every opportunity to relax and enjoy leisure.

Food can be produced much more cheaply today because of improved fertilisers and better machinery. However, some of the methods used to do this may be dangerous to human health and may have negative effects on local communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Intro: Yesterdays fiction is today’s reality. The situation has both merits and demerits

Paragraph 1: Merits:

1.  Machines save the cost of labour

2.  Machines save time, so productivity has increased dramatically.

3.  More choice

4.  Colour and shape can also be changed

-          Sweeter fruits

-          Square watermelons & yellow coloured ones

All this helps to meet the demands of the increasing population

Paragraph 2 & 3: Demerits. GM (genetically modified) food have their own disadvantages

1.  Unnatural – man should not play God

2.  Can be dangerous – For e.g. addition of nut protein to soya. Those who had nut allergy developed allergy after eating soya

3.  Rich countries can spend on this technology and further exploit poor countries

4.  Dangerous to environment – contamination of neighbouring crops by the altered gene pool

5.  Unpredictability of the behaviour of the altered gene. For e.g. a crop of corn which is genetically modified to make it less susceptible to an insect may take other unwanted characters. It may become more susceptible to another disease or it may decrease the crops ability to produce vitamin E.

Conclusion:

( Similar topic:- It is known to all that technical 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. )

Some people support the developments in agriculture such as factory farming or creation of new types of fruits and vegetables, while others oppose this view. Discuss both.

Intro: Yesterdays fiction is today’s reality. The situation has both merits and demerits.

Paragraph 1: For

1.  Factory farming needed to meet demands of increasing population.

2.  GM foods

a.  Have been in existence for 30 years and no side effects noted so far

b.  Need less pesticides

c.   Low prices as the crop yield is higher

d.  More choices to people

Paragraph 2 & 3: Demerits

Factory farming is cruel.

GM (genetically modified) food have their own disadvantages

1.  Unnatural – man should not play God

2.  Can be dangerous – For e.g. addition of nut protein to soya. Those who had nut allergy developed allergy after eating soya

3.  Rich countries can spend on this technology and further exploit poor countries

4.  Dangerous to environment – contamination of neighbouring crops by the altered gene pool

5.  Unpredictability of the behaviour of the altered gene. For e.g. a crop of corn which is genetically modified to make it less susceptible to an insect may take other unwanted characters. It may become more susceptible to another disease or it may decrease the crops ability to produce vitamin E. 

In order to learn a language well, we should also learn about the country as well as the cultures and lifestyles of the people who speak this language. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Introduction: Language and society are as intertwined as an chicken and an egg. Language is the verbal expression of culture. Agree ……

Paragraph1: Language is much more than just a means of communication. It is an art, a science, a culture, an identity and a vision. It is a lifestyle. It is like seeing the world through different eyes. For instance, the Eskimos have 24 different words for snow like -  ‘aput’ means snow on the ground, ‘gana’ means drifting snow. Snow has a greater impact on their culture than ours and so on their language.

Paragraph 2: There are dialects, nuances and idioms of a language which can only be learnt if we learn about the culture and lifestyle of the people.

Paragraph 3: It is more enjoyable to learn a language if we learn about the culture and lifestyle. We are more motivated to do so.

Conclusion:                

Recent years, the number of crimes committed by young people in major cities throughout the world is increasing. Discuss this issue. Give reasons and suggest some solutions.

Introduction: you can list the causes of juvenile delinquency.

-          Media

-          Changing family structure

-          Consumerism and peer pressure

Paragraph 1: ( talk about the first problem i. e. media and its solutions)

Problem – vulgarity and violence is shown. Children are vulnerable and accept it as natural and try to copy what is shown

Solution –        some censorship

 ration the TV viewing hours of children and

parents should watch TV with children

Paragraph 2: ( talk about family )

Problem –       more nuclear families,

increased divorce rates (single-parent families)

parents as bad role models

Solution -         encourage joint families

Parents should be good role models

Good family atmosphere should be provided

Paragraph 3: (talk about consumerism)

Problem – peer pressure

Solution –        Educate children about the harms of consumerism

                        Good school education

                        Keep an eye on the companions of your child

 Conclusion:

Some teachers say students should be organised into groups to study. Others argue students should be made to study alone. Tell the benefits of each study method. Which one do you think is more effective?

Intro: Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Paragraph 1: Advantages of studying alone:

1.     No distractions. So students can focus on study

2.     Increased independence – cultivates the ability to solve problems

3.     Students become competitive which is deemed as a necessary quality.

Paragraph 2: Advantages of studying alone:

1.     Discussing and debating becomes possible. Students’ knowledge complements each other. So time and energy is saved.

2.     Sense of co-operation is cultivated which is a necessary virtue.

3.     Communication skills develop.

Paragraph 3: Your opinion. Individual choice. Depends on situation. Depends on subject. Boring subjects like history are better studied in groups and subjects like maths which require concentration are better studied alone

Conclusion: 

Sex education in schools

For:

1.    Students should be given lessons in sex education just like any other field of study. They should not be protected from the subject. It is one of the most important matters in everyday life. Take the e. g. of AIDS: Sex education would go a long way in preventing the spread of HIV virus and consequently AIDS.

2.    Sex education could prevent unwanted pregnancies. It is better to know about this subject than to take help when it is too late.

3.    We all know that young people are especially vulnerable to stress as regards sex. Proper education would help to prevent frustration in some cases.

4.    Sex education could prevent the development of superstition.

It should not be considered a taboo subject.

People should not be reticent to talk about it.

Extra-curricular activities in schools

For:

1.    Personality is made up of several abilities and therefore non academic activities are also essential for the holistic development of personality

2.    Children can bring out their hidden abilities

3.    Through these activities, children mingle with students of other classes. So it gives students an opportunity to move out of their formal group

4.    Such activities also help students to interact with students of other institutions by way of inter-school and inter-college meets and competitions.

5.    Participating in such activities also helps you in college and job applications. Admissions officers and employers give preference to such students. It shows you are well rounded and responsible.

6.    Such activities break the monotony of tough and boring academic studies.

Co-education

Co-education

For:

1.    It helps each sex to know and accept the viewpoints of others. This helps in their later life when both sexes have to live alongside each other in the society. So, the experience of the opposite sex right from school is beneficial.

2.    Studying together helps in full development of personality.

3.    People learn from each other. Females learn braveness from boys and males learn carefulness from girls.

4.    Co-education is economically more viable. Instructing the two sexes separately would mean doubling the infrastructure.

Against: Arguments against co-education are weak in today’s time of sexual equality.

1.    Some say that a person is inhibited in front of the opposite sex. So, his full potential is not developed.

2.    They also feel that it is against our tradition

3.    The future roles of men and women are different. So they can be taught according to that.

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

Introduction: Agree. Teamwork and individual work require different skills and teach different things. Most of our daily life depends on teamwork like job and raising a family.

Paragraph 1: ( talk about some important skills of life and how you learn them from team activities)

1.       Communication skills

2.       Co-operation

3.       Motivation

4.       Conflict management skills

Paragraph 2:

1.       Decision making

2.       Critical thinking

3.       Leadership skills

Paragraph 3:

1.       Coping and self management skills

2.       Skills for managing stress

3.       Skills for managing feelings

Conclusion: 

Some people believe that giving aid to poorer countries has more negative effects than the positive effects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Introduction: I disagree that giving aid to poor countries has more negative effects. There are negative effects, no doubt, but positive effects are certainly more

Paragraph 1: Negative effects

1.       Poor countries could become over dependant and stop making efforts of their own

2.       The aid given by rich countries could go into corrupt hands

3.       The aid may not be that useful – the people’s need may be clothes and food but the aid may be in the form of making a bridge or something like that which people may not need.

4.       The rich countries may have their own selfish motives behind giving aid – they may provide employment but they may be underpaying and exploiting the poor.

Paragraph 2: positive effects

1.       Nowadays we belong to a global village and all countries are so interconnected that all problems that arise because of poverty – crime, terrorism, disease will directly or indirectly effect the rich countries. ( you can expand the points and make it a complete paragraph)

2.       There are many problems which the world is facing today, which can be solved by joint efforts of all countries. Such joint efforts can only be possible if the gap between the rich and poor is narrowed.

3.       Rich countries also have a moral duty to help the poor. They should help them on humanitarian grounds.

Paragraph 3: it has been well said by John F Kennedy that “if a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich”. So, the rich must help the poor. However, it must be well researched first as to what sort of help is most needed. Help can be provided in the form of food, medicine and education.“ Give a man fish to eat – and you feed him for a day’ Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”

Conclusion: In my opinion, sharing wealth among poorer nations has both bad side and good side. What we have to do is avoiding its bad side and practicing its good side.

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

Introduction: The time has come for international soul-searching about the environment. The industrial revolution has changed forever the relation between humanity and nature. In this essay I intend to explore the problems caused by the increased consumption of oil, forests and fresh water, and suggest some solutions.

Paragraph 1: ( talk about oil) problems:- non-renewable and so will finish very soon. Pollution is another problem.

Solutions – at individual level – we can use more public transport, we can make lifestyle changes and use less luxuries.

At government level – people can be educated. More effort can be done to research alternate sources of energy.

Paragraph 2: ( talk about fresh water ) Problem – there can be no life without water. Water is the most precious commodity.

Solution: are according to causes – At government  level -  desalination plants can be set . strict laws can be enforced for industries against pollution of fresh water by effluents.

At individual level – we should use water conservatively and recycle water wherever possible.

Paragraph 3: (talk about forests) problem: Because of deforestation, many animals and plants are facing extinction which provides us food, medicine and other valuable products. We have less bio-diversity also. Moreover, when trees are cut, the soil is exposed to heavy rain and so is washed away. The soil also becomes infertile. Also, trees absorb carbon-dioxide, which causes global warming because of the increase of greenhouse gases.

Solutions: - Afforestation. – strict laws by govt against industries which emit too much CO2.

Conclusion: 

School teachers used to be the source of information; however, some people argue that teachers are not as important as before as the increasing variety of information resources. What is your opinion?

Introduction: Disagree. Teachers are as important as before and even more so.

Paragraph 1: it is irrefutable that Computers  have made possible

-          Distance education

-          On-line education

So computers are a boon for the handicapped, those living in remote areas and those in job.

You can study any time of the day or night because of computers.

Paragraph 2: However, I still feel that teachers can never lose their importance. In learning and practice of more complex ideas, the computer is not adequate. It can tell if the answer is right or wrong but it cannot tell where the student went wrong. Tasks involving reasoning cannot be taught using computers.

Paragraph 3: Teachers can stimulate interest and it is an undeniable fact that interested stimulated people td to learn more. Teachers are role models for students. They are scholars in action. Teachers can provide a faster and simpler way to present information to the students. They can come down to the level of a student and so are definitely better than computers.

Conclusion:

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

Introduction:- Computers are essential in many areas of life but as far as education is concerned, there are some areas in which computers are important and some in which teachers are more important.

( 5th Sept. 2009 IELTS exam India)

Paragraph 1: Computers are more important in those areas in which repetition is needed. For e.g. elementary maths and elementary language learning. Computer can be programmed to provide answers to an endless number of simple questions.

Paragraph 2: Computers  have made possible

-          Distance education

-          On-line education

So computers are a boon for the handicapped, those living in remote areas and those in job.

You can study any time of the day or night because of computers.

Paragraph 3: However, in learning and practice of more complex ideas, the computer is not adequate. It can tell if the answer is right or wrong but it cannot tell where the student went wrong. Tasks involving reasoning cannot be taught using computers.

Paragraph 4: teachers can stimulate interest and it is an undeniable fact that interested stimulated people td to learn more. Teachers are role models for students. They are scholars in action. Teachers can provide a faster and simpler way to present information to the students. They can come down to the level of a student and so are definitely better than computers.

Conclusion:

A famous person I would like to meet

The world is full of famous people.

But the person I would like to talk about here is Sonia Gandhi.

She is the Italian born president of the Indian National Congress and the widow of the former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi

She looks very simple and innocent.

She wears the traditional Indian saree .

She is an influential person in the Indian politics

She was ranked the third most powerful woman in the world by Forbes Magazine in the year 2004, and was ranked sixth in 2007.

Her name was also there in the 100 most influential people in the world in the Time magazine 2007.  

I came to know in depth about her in a TV interview.

I got to know how she suffered through her life after the death of her husband.

The way she stood against the adversities of life was very inspiring.

She could power India after her partner’s death, but she denied the chance and went in oblivion for a few years.

She joined Indian politics as the president of the Indian National Congress in 1997.

She was elected to Lok Sabha in 2004 and 2009 from Rai Bareli UP

I am so impressed by her that I would really like to meet her

The way she carries herself in a saree, she looks more Indian than any Indian woman

She har an aura around her.

If I could just meet her once, it would be a dream-come-true for me

( This Has been prepared by Neha. Well done, Neha)

Once children start school, teachers have more influence than parents on their intellectual and social development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

I’ve made two plans

Plan 1

Introduction:- Agree.

Paragraph 1:- Children spend quality time with teachers. Although they spend more time with parents at home but this time is not as productive as the small amount of time spent with teachers.

Paragraph 2:- Teachers are role models for students. They are scholars in action. They not only influence intellectually but socially. Students inadvertently follow their teachers behaviour too.

Paragraph 3:- Teachers are better than parents academically.

Conclusion

Plan 2

Introduction:- Disagree

Paragraph 1:- Children spend more time with parents as compared to teachers

Paragraph 2:- Parents know their children more than anyone else

Paragraph 3:- In times of adversity, children depend on their parents

Paragraph 4:- Children depend on parents for finances

Conclusion

Some people think that the modern children’s games do not contribute to their development as much as the traditional games do. Do you agree? Discuss. (Positive and negative aspects of electronic games for children )

Introduction:- While it may be disliked by many, the modern game industry is a part of our world. From its humble beginnings in the 80s, the video game industry has exploded into a 10-billion dollar empire.

Benefits:-

1.       Video game playing introduces children to computer technology

2.       Some games provide practice in problem solving and logic e.g. Age Of Empires

3.       Video games have proved to improve visual skills

4.       They also improve motor and spatial skills. Children who play video games have better reflexes

5.       They make learning fun. The cost of failure is lower. This encourages risk taking and exploration. If the kid gets the answer wrong or their character dies, they just start the game over and try again.

6.       Some games have therapeutic applications.

7.       Games are entertaining and fun

Negatives:-

1.       Overdependence – social isolation – usually played alone

2.       Practicing violent acts leads to aggressive behaviour

3.       Games can confuse reality and fantasy

4.       Many games do not require action that requires independence and creativity

Tips for parents ( not required for this essay)

1.       Limit the game playing time

2.       Check the age-game ratings

3.       Require that home work and chores be done before playing

4.       Play and enjoy the game with your child

Memorisation of information by frequent repetition, namely rote learning, plays a role in many education systems. Does the usefulness outweigh the limitations?

Introduction: There are different methods of learning. Two such methods are ‘rote learning’ and ‘meaningful’ learning. Both have their own pros and cons.

Paragraph 1:- Advantages of rote learning

1.       Very helpful when verbatim recall of definitions or numbers is required.

2.       In some cases it is the only method of learning

-          Irregular verbs

-          Vocabulary of foreign languages

-          Mathematical tables

3.       Useful to pass exams

Paragraph 2:- Disadvantages of rote learning

1.       Knowledge acquired is not retained longer

2.       Information learned by rote inhibits subsequent learning of additional similar information

3.       Information learned by rote cannot be applied in a wide variety of new problems or concepts. In meaningful learning the transferability of knowledge is high

4.       Boring

Conclusion: Rather than viewing it as something opposed to understanding, it can be viewed in a complementary role. As the left hand is to the right, so is memory to understanding and reason.

Now, a lot of charities and organisations have to publicize their activities by setting up a number of days to name the special day like National Children’s day and National non smoking day. Why do they do so? What are the effects

Introduction:

Paragraph 1: 1^st cause and effect :- to get attention and increase contribution. These charities and organisations run on contributions

Paragraph 2:- 2^nd cause and effect:- Such days bring people together. With more activities opened and more days named, more and more people will focus their attention and will put their time and energy and will realise the importance of doing for others. Community spirit increases in society. Also, days like Non Smoking day  makes people aware of the dangers of smoking.

Paragraph 3:- 3^rd cause and effect:- To keep our youth in touch with our culture and traditions:- Youth today are self centred and indifferent. To establish some days may help the young people understand the importance of such events. Such days also increase awareness of offering help selflessly. Hence some virtuous habit may pass from one generation to the other. e.g Mother's Day and Father's Day.

Conclusion:

Nowadays people get information through news and papers, but meanwhile are uncertain about the truth of this news. Should we believe the journalists? What qualities should a good journalist or correspondent have?

Introduction: We have to believe the journalists because they are our only source

Paragraph 1: Journalists are the people who run the media and serve us in many ways through media

1.       Educate and inform

2.       Entertain

3.       Shape our opinion

4.       Link between the government and people

5.       Help to provide justice at times

Paragraph 2: Qualities of a journalist

1.       He should promote the truth and not rumours of ill founded news. Only authenticated news should be given

2.       He should be unbiased – not favour any group or political party

3.       He should not hurt the sentiments of any particular community. Very important in a pluralistic ( multicultural and multi-religious ) society

4.       He should be versatile – he has to cover varied news – sports, business, entertainment, politics

5.       He should be always on his toes(alert) – because you never know when the sky is going to fall

6.       He should be bold and brave – he has to handle tough situations