Writing Task 2: Real Exams Essay topics (August)

Some say that teachers' influence on children's intellectual and social development is higher than that of parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In some countries, the numbers of children aged 15 and younger are increasing dramatically. What are the current and future effects of an ever-increasing population?

In the past, people used to travel abroad to look for differences from their home country. Nowadays, cities throughout the world are becoming more and more similar. What are the reasons? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Nowadays, the development of technology has allowed computers and mobiles to translate language automatically. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages? (эта тема несколько раз попадалась)

Because many children are not able to learn foreign languages, schools should not force them to learn foreign languages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people think it is more important for a government to spend public money on promoting a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent illness than to spend it on the treatment of people who are already ill. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

More and more people are becoming seriously overweight. Some people think that the solution to this problem is increasing prices for fattening foods. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 

Some people think that instead of preventing climate change, we need to find a way to live with it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Organised tours to remote areas and communities are more and more popular. 

It this a positive or a negative development?

Many countries are experiencing population growth and need more homes. Should these new houses be constructed in existing cities or should new towns be built in the countryside?

Extreme sports such as skydiving and skiing are very dangerous and should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Many cities have old public buildings, such as art galleries and public halls, which are expensive to repair. Some people think that the government should replace old public buildings with new ones. Others, however, think that it is important to keep old buildings. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people think that TV advertising has some positive functions for the viewers, others disagree. What is your opinion?

Many believe that the best way to ensure a happier society is to reduce the difference in income earnings between the rich and poor. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Spending money on space exploration is a waste of resources. This money could be better used to improve people’s lives on Earth. Do you agree or disagree?

Employers should give their staff at least a 4-week holiday a year to help employees perform better in their jobs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In many countries it is very easy to apply for and be given credit card. However, this causes some people to have problems with debt they cannot pay back. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people say that the most important thing about being rich is the possibility to help others. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In many part of the world, children are given more freedom than in the past. Is

this a positive or negative development?

The restoration of old buildings in major cities around the world costs enormous amounts of money. This money would be better spent on providing new housing and road development.  To what extent do you agree or disagree? 

Some people think that it's a good idea to socialise with work colleagues during evenings and weekends. Other people think it's important to keep working life completely separate from social life.  Discuss both views and give your opinion.

There is an opinion that the only purpose of advertising is to make people buy more than they need. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Large companies use sports events to promote their products. Some people think this has a negative impact on sports. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that employers should not be concerned about the way their employees dress, but the quality of their work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In some countries today, people people choose to have their first child at an older age. What are the reasons? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

More and more people are becoming seriously overweight. Some people think that the solution to this problem is increasing prices for fattening foods. To what extent do you agree or disagree?