150+ IELTS Academic Essay List

Originally published October 2020. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.

1. It is more important to have a good family than to have friends. Family can always compensate for absence of friendship.
   To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. The production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases has a heating effect on the atmosphere and results in global warming.
   Why global warming is considered one of the most serious issues nowadays?
   How can this problem be solved?
3. A lot of people have become dependent on technology as it plays a big role in our daily lives. Do you agree that living in computer age has more advantages than disadvantages?
   Describe the positive and negative impacts of technology on our lives and give your opinion.
4. A lot of people spend a major part of their adult life at work, so job satisfaction is very important for individual happiness.
   What are the main factors that contribute to job satisfaction?
   What are the possible solutions for people who are unsatisfied with their jobs?
5. A lot of people who wanted to become professional athletes gave up this idea because of the fear of failure and parents’ pressure. Do you think that parents should support their children who want to do a career in sports?
   Support your point of view with relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
6. A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income. Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not managed correctly.
   Describe the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world. Do you think that benefits of tourism outweight its drawbacks?
7. An increasing number of people are now using dating sites to meet their second halves. Do you think that this tendency helps people to socialize or does more harm than good?
   Give your opinion. Provide relevant examples if necessary.
8. Atomic energy is becoming more and more popular energy source. However, some people argue that nuclear power puts life on the Earth to danger.
   What is your opinion?
9. A big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.
   Do you agree or disagree?
   Provide relevant examples if necessary.
10. Childhood obesity has become a serious problem in recent years.
    What are the primary causes of this?
    What measures should be taken to reduce childhood obesity?
11. Children are generally more successful in foreign language studies than adults. Thus, it is better to learn languages in childhood.
    Do you agree or disagree?
    Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
12. Children engaged in sport are often overloaded with physical activity or get serious traumas.
    What are the main reasons of this? What solutions can you suggest?
13. Climate change is a big environmental problem that has become critical in last couple of decades. Some people claim that humans should stop burning fossil fuels and use only alternative energy resources, such as wind and solar power. Others say that oil, gas and coal are essential for many industries, and not using them will lead to economic collapse.
    What is your opinion?
    Support your point of view with relevant examples.
14. Despite a variety of sport facilities and gyms, people are less fit nowadays than ever before.
    What do you think are the main causes of this problem?
    What solutions can you suggest?
15. Each country censors the media in one way or the other.
    What are the pros and cons of censorship in the media?
16. Ecotourism is now defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment.
    What are the advantages of ecotourism?
    How can we make ecotourism more popular?
17. Email is a fast and convenient way to communicate, and written letters aren’t needed anymore.
    To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
18. Establishing good relationships in the workplace is not important, as the primary goal of every person is to focus on work.
    To what extent do you agree with this statement?
19. Everyone deserves to be educated. It’s unfair that intelligent people are not admitted to private universities because of their financial background. University education should be free for everyone.
    Do you agree or disagree?
    Provide relevant examples if necessary.
20. Famous sportsmen often earn a lot more money than people in other professions. Although sport is important in our lives, everyone should be equal and such big incomes of sport professionals are unjustified.
    Do you agree or disagree?
21. For a long time art has been considered an essential part of all cultures in the world. However, nowadays people’s values have changed, and we tend to consider science, technology and business more important than arts.
    What do you think are the causes of this?
    What can be done to draw people’s attention to art?
22. Forests produce fresh oxygen and participate in regulating climate. But every year tree cover of our planet is lessening due to deforestation.
    What are the primary causes of deforestation?
    To what results may it lead?
23. Health education is an essential aspect of community health.
    Do you agree or disagree?
24. High job demands, stress and sense of commitment are among the main reasons people go to work when they are ill. This way they accomplish important tasks, but may infect others or get some serious health problems themselves.
    In your opinion should people go to work if they are sick?
    Support your point of view with relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
25. Immigration has a major impact on the society.
    What are the main reasons of immigration?
    To what consequences can it lead?
26. In contemporary society, everyone should have equal opportunities in education. Therefore, universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject.
    To what extent do you agree or disagree?
27. Influence of human beings on the world’s ecosystem is leading to the extinction of species and loss of bio-diversity.
    What are the primary causes of loss of bio-diversity?
    What solutions can you suggest?
28. It is better to have one true friend than all the acquaintances in the world.
    Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
29. It is commonly believed that nowadays main factors that affect a child’s development are media, pop culture and friends. A different point of view is that family plays the most significant role.
    Discuss both views and give your opinion.
30. It is much more convenient to watch a movie on television or computer than buy a ticket and go to the cinema. In the nearest future the popularity of cinemas will drastically decline.
    Do you agree or disagree?
31. It is often claimed that electronic devices will soon replace paper books.
    Do you agree or disagree?
32. Many people think that to become a successful specialist it’s better to choose a career early in life and never change it later.
    To what extent do you agree with this view?
    Support your opinion with relevant examples.
33. Media surrounds us, from the shows we watch on television to the music we listen to on the radio.
    How does media affect the society?
    Do you agree that the impact of media has more disadvantages than benefits?
34. More and more couples are deciding to be “child-free”, to have no children, in other words. Some people claim that those couples reach this conclusion through entirely selfish reasons. While others think that they came to this decision through noble motives, such as concern about overpopulation and desire for independence.
    Discuss both views and give your opinion.
35. Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of teen deaths. To prevent such road accidents, the government should ban people under 24 to drive motorcycles.
    To what extent do you agree or disagree?
36. Music plays a vital role in our society.
    How much has music influenced the way we think today? What do you think is key role of music in nowadays world?
37. Nowadays a growing number of boys and girls within normal weight ranges have an intense fear of gaining weight and therefore get anorexia.
    Why do you think a lot of teenagers have a strong desire to be skinny?
    What can be done to prevent this eating disorder?
38. Nowadays families are not as close as they used to be.
    What do you think are the causes of this?
    What can be done to make families closer?
39. Nowadays more and more people have access to the Internet. But constant availability of any information worsens people’s memory and critical thinking skills.
    To what extent do you agree or disagree?
40. Nowadays there is a wide range of TV programs. But instead of watching educational programs, news or documentary films, more and more people prefer to watch TV shows, soap operas or serials. And this negatively affects knowledge acquisition skills.
    What are the primary causes of this tendency?
    How is it possible to make educational TV programs more popular?
41. Nowadays university education is considered very important for people’s future. However, there are a lot of successful people who didn’t get higher education.
    Do you think that higher education is necessary to succeed in life?
    Justify your opinion with relevant examples.
42. Online education is becoming more and more popular. Some people claim that e-learning has so many benefits that it will replace face-to-face education soon. Others say that traditional education is irreplaceable.
    Discuss both views and give your opinion.
43. Pollution of air, water and soil has become critical in last years and it takes millions of years to recoup.
    What are the main causes of pollution?
    How can we tackle this problem individually and globally?
44. Some people advocate death penalty for those who committed violent crimes. Others say that capital punishment is unacceptable in contemporary society.
    Describe advantages and disadvantages of death penalty and give your opinion.
45. Some people argue that girls and boys should be educated separately, while others think that it is more advantageous for children to study at the same school.
    What is your opinion?
46. Some people believe that violence on television and in computer games has a damaging effect on society. Others deny that these have any significant influence on people’s behaviour.
    What is your opinion?
47. Some people claim that immigrants should adopt the local culture when immigrating to a new country. While others think that they can establish a minority community instead.
    Discuss both views and give your opinion.
48. Some people claim that it is immoral to exploit animals, and that the government should prohibit using animals for scientific research. In the meantime, others argue that exploiting animals is crucial for allowing scientists to learn more about human biology and health.
    Discuss both views and give your opinion.
49. Some people claim that the government should provide free health care. Others think that the government will not provide the most innovative methods of treatment and it’s better to invest those funds in education and culture.
    What is your opinion?
50. Some people hesitate between getting a job and starting their own business. While the idea of not having a boss and working on one’s own schedule may sound tempting, financial risks and stress sometimes outweigh these advantages.
    In your opinion what are the pros and cons of working in a company?

Remember to spend no more than 40 minutes on one essay, and write at least 250 words.

1. In many countries around the world young people decide to leave their parents’ home once they finish school. They start living on their own or sharing a home with friends. Is this a positive or negative development? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples.
2. Some people think that it is fine for professional sportsmen and sportswomen to misbehave on or off the field, as long as they are playing well. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
3. Nowadays celebrities earn more money than politicians. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
4. Some people believe that excessive use of modern technologies, such as computers and smartphones, is negatively affecting the reading and writing skills of our young people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
5. Today children are spending much more time watching TV compared to the past. Why do you think this happens? Is this a positive or a negative change?
6. Scientists believe that the world is in danger due to environmental changes. Some people say that personal lifestyle changes should be made to reduce the damage to the environment, while others think that the government should do something to help. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
7. It is believed that people who read for pleasure develop their imagination more and acquire better language skills compared to people who prefer watching television. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
8. Some people believe that face to face communication is always more powerful than written communication. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion and include relevant examples.
9. Many parents complain about violence promoted to their children through video games, TV programs, and other media. Why is it happening? What can be the solution for it? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
10. Many people believe that individuals are responsible for their own happiness, while others think happiness is dependent on other external factors. Discuss both views and include your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and examples from your experience.
11. In the past, people wore their traditional clothes and followed their culture. These days most people wear similar clothes and therefore look very similar to one another. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
12. Some people believe that women should be treated as equal to men when applying for a job with police or the military. Others think women are less suitable for this kind of job. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
13. Some people believe that the restoration of old buildings costs too much; we should demolish them and build new ones instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
14. Some people suggest that bringing up children by the whole family including uncles, aunts, and grandparents is better, rather than only by parents. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples.
15. Nowadays online shopping is extremely popular. Discuss the impact of it on the environment and on people, who lost their jobs because of it.
16. Many people believe that big businesses in addition to generating profits should be involved in and responsible for the social life of the community. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion.
17. Children today have more responsibilities than in the past. Some people think it has positive effects than negative ones while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
18. Some cities create new housing for their growing populations by constructing a smaller number of high-rise buildings. Other cities create more of low-rise buildings. Which solution is better, in your opinion?
19. Some think that economic progress is completely dependent on the country’s success, while others believe that other factors are also important. What are the different factors contributing to the success of a country? Do you believe that only one factor is important, compared to others?
20. Many people find it difficult to speak in front of and to present to an audience. It is believed that this skill should be taught in school. Why is this important? To what extent do you agree or disagree with it?
21. Nowadays children watch too much TV. Why is this happening, and what can be done to prevent it?
22. Nowadays international tourism is the biggest industry worldwide. Unfortunately, sometimes it creates tension between people from different cultures, instead of better understanding. Why do you think it is happening and how can it be improved?
23. While recruiting a new employee, the employer should pay more attention to their personal qualities, rather than qualifications and experience. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
24. Many people believe that learning a foreign language is a very difficult task. What are the most difficult things about learning a foreign language? What is the best way to overcome them? Explain and include your personal experience or knowledge of these problems.
25. Many parents encourage young people to leave home when they become older, while others think they should stay at home with the family. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
26. Nowadays people waste a lot of food that was bought from shops and restaurants. Why do you think people waste food? What can be done to reduce the amount of food they throw away?
27. Some people say that art subjects such as music, drama, and creative writing are an essential part of education, and every school should include them in its syllabus. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
28. Some people believe that the government should take care of old people and provide financial support after they retire. Others say individuals should save during their working years to fund their own retirement. What is your opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
29. Nowadays in many countries, women have full-time jobs. Therefore, it is logical to share household tasks evenly between men and women. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
30. Nowadays many people choose ready-made food and refuse to cook at home. Why do you think it happens? What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a choice?
31. Some people say that protecting the environment is the government’s responsibility. Others believe that every individual should be responsible for it. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
32. Some people think that public health within a country can be improved by the government making laws regarding nutritious food. Others, however, think that health is a matter of personal choice and responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
33. When new towns are planned, it is important to build more public parks or sports facilities than shopping centers for people to spend their free time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
34. Some people think that it is best to encourage children to leave the family home as soon as possible. Others believe children should stay at their family home for as long as they like. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
35. Many people support the use of animals for testing medicines for humans. Others believe it isn’t appropriate to use animals for such experiments. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
36. Some think that it is better to get information or advice from other people, while others believe one can get any information or advice from the Internet or books. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
37. Nowadays the crime rate is increasing, especially among teenagers. What are the reasons behind it? How can we reverse this trend? What punishment methods should be used, in your opinion?
38. Some people think that newspapers are the best media to learn and get information from, while others believe that the Internet is a better source. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
39. Nowadays some people think that public libraries are not necessary, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion and examples.
40. Some people believe that research into family history is useful for the next generations, while others claim that the present and future are more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
41. Nowadays online education has become popular as more institutes and companies are offering courses online. However, many people prefer traditional, classroom training or study. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.
42. Nowadays more and more people are spending less time at home. Why do you think it happens? What effect does this have on individuals and society?
43. Some people believe that for a hobby to be enjoyable it should be hard to acquire or learn. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
44. Nowadays many job seekers are finding jobs that force them to move far from their family and friends. Is it a positive or a negative trend? What can be done about it?
45. Excessive consumption of sugar causes many health-related issues. Some people believe the government should control the population’s sugar intake while others think people themselves should be responsible for their sugar eating habits. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
46. People nowadays sleep less than they used to in the past. What do you think is the reason behind this? What are the effects on individuals and the people around them?
47. “Due to the advancement in computer technology, the trend of working from home will bring a dramatic change to people’s lives. Is it a positive or negative development?
    Give your opinion and examples.”
48. Some people believe that managers are responsible for the organization’s success, while others think various features of the organization play a vital role in it. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
49. The urban transport system receives more funds compared to the rural transport system. Why do you think it is so? How can it be solved?
50. These days it is very common to have people from two different generations mix in the same workplace. Are there more advantages or disadvantages to this situation? Give your own opinion and include relevant examples.
51. Some people think that schools should involve students in school management. Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Give reasons for your answer.
52. It is expected in the near future that there will be a higher proportion of old people compared to the younger population in some countries. Is it a positive or negative development? Give your opinion and examples.
53. Computer games and films containing violence are popular today. Some people think that these are harmful to our society and the government should ban them. Others argue that such games and films are fine for entertainment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
54. Many people believe that the increasing number of cars in cities is the biggest source of pollution and waste. Others think that industries are the ones causing pollution. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
55. Many people believe that it’s better to learn something in a group rather than individually. Do you agree or disagree?
56. Some say that people working in different job roles should get different amount of holiday time. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.

Remember to spend no more than 20 minutes on one letter, and write at least 150 words.

You have just finished your master’s degree and need to leave your current part-time job to search for full-time employment.
Write a letter to your current employer. In your letter:
– explain why you will not be able to pursue a full-time job in his/her company
– say why you’ve enjoyed working for him/her
– tell him/her how much longer you will continue to work for him/her.

Write a letter to your friend inviting him/her to a music concert. Please say
– Where and when does the concert start?
– What type of music will be played there?
– Why do you think your friend will enjoy it?

Your Manager has asked you to do a presentation at the upcoming training session. Write a letter to your manager and say
– What is the topic of the presentation?
– What is the benefit of conducting a session on that topic?
– What are your requirements for conducting this presentation?

You have purchased a product on a website and received a different product. Write a letter to the company. In your letter
– Describe the product you ordered
– Explain why you aren’t satisfied with the product you received
– Let them know what actions you expect them to take

You want to improve your knowledge of a foreign language which can help you at work. Write a letter to a foreign language teacher and say
– Where did you hear about the teacher?
– Why do you want to learn a foreign language?
– Ask some questions about the course.

You have recently visited a local school in your community. It needs people who can help renovate the building and also help with some activities. Write a letter to the principal of the school and say
– How would you be able to help?
– When and why would you do it?
– Who will help you to do it?

You recently took a trip to another city, and you had a plan to visit your friend who is living there. However, you couldn’t see him/her. Write a letter to your friend, and say

– Apologize for not being able to meet.
– Give your reasons.
– Suggest how you can meet some other time.

You have recently been invited to talk about your country at the American academy. Write a letter to the administrator and say
– Accept the invitation and suggest possible dates.
– What topics would you like to talk about?
– What will you need for your talk?

You work a part-time job in a company and the company posted an advert seeking a person for a full-time position. Write a letter to your manager requesting to apply for the advertised position. In your letter say
– Why do you want to apply?
– What are your future goals?
– Why would it be beneficial for the company?

You have recently flown to another country on a business trip. You were satisfied with the flight but didn’t like the services at the airport. Write a letter to the airport manager and say
– Give your flight details.
– Why were you disappointed?
– Suggest some improvements to airport services.

You stayed at a hotel recently and forgot about your clothes there. Write a letter to the hotel manager and say
– When and where did you stay?
– Describe your clothes.
– What would you like the manager to do about it?

Write a letter to your friend inviting him/her to your family party. In your letter
– Explain why you are organizing the party.
– Describe what you are planning to do.
– Say how important it is to have your friend at the party.

Your colleague found another job and invited you to his/her farewell party. Unfortunately, you are unable to attend it. Write a letter to him/her and say
– Why can’t you attend the party?
– Why did you enjoy working with him/her?
– Offer him/her to meet some other time.

You have recently used a moving company to move your household items to a new place and they have been damaged in transfer. Write a letter to the company’s manager and say
– When and where did it take place?
– What is your complaint?
– Suggest a reasonable solution.

You would like to participate in a training course. Write a letter to your manager about the course and ask for permission. In your letter
– Give details of the course.
– Why is it useful for you?
– How will it benefit your work?

You have recently traveled by plane and during the journey, you had an issue with one of the airline employees. Write a letter to the company manager and say
– Give details of your flight.
– Describe the issue you have encountered.
– What do you expect the manager to do about it?

You forgot an item at the hotel where you stayed on vacation recently. Write a letter to the management and say
– When and where did you stay?
– What did you leave there?
– What do you want them to do with this item?

One of your colleagues recently got a new job at another company. Write a letter to him/her and say
– How you feel about him/her.
– What you enjoyed the most while working together.
– Ask what his/her future plans are.

Write a letter to your English speaking friend to invite him/her to see a movie about your country. In your letter say
– Describe the movie.
– Why would he/she find it interesting?
– Suggest an arrangement to watch the movie together.

Write a letter to a newspaper editor about the poor condition of a historic building in your area and say
– What building are you writing about?
– Describe the current condition of the building.
– What should be done in this situation?

Write a letter of complaint about late delivery to the website where you ordered an item. Please say
– What item did you order?
– Why and when did you order that item?
– How would you like them to resolve this issue?

You recently received an invitation to a three-day training program which should benefit you and the company. Write a letter to your manager and say
– Ask to attend the program.
– Describe the program.
– Explain how the program will benefit the company.

1. “It is more important to have a good family than to have friends. Family can always compensate for the absence of friendship.
   To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
2. “Production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases has a heating effect on the atmosphere and results in global warming.
   Why global warming is considered one of the most serious issues nowadays?
   How can this problem be solved?”
3. “A lot of people have become dependent on technology as it plays a big role in our daily lives. Do you agree that living in the computer age has more advantages than disadvantages?
   Describe the positive and negative impacts of technology on our lives and give your opinion.”
4. “A lot of people spend a major part of their adult life at work, so job satisfaction is very important for individual happiness.
   What are the main factors that contribute to job satisfaction?
   What are the possible solutions for people who are unsatisfied with their jobs?”
5. “A lot of people who wanted to become professional athletes gave up this idea because of the fear of failure and parents’ pressure. Do you think that parents should support their children who want to do a career in sports?
   Support your point of view with relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.”
6. “A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income. Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not managed correctly.
   Describe the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world. Do you think that the benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks?”
7. “An increasing number of people are now using dating sites to meet their second halves. Do you think that this tendency helps people to socialize or does more harm than good?
   Give your opinion. Provide relevant examples if necessary.”
8. “Atomic energy is becoming more and more popular energy source. However, some people argue that nuclear power puts life on Earth to danger.
   What is your opinion?”
9. “Big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.
   Do you agree or disagree?
   Provide relevant examples if necessary.”
10. “Childhood obesity has become a serious problem in recent years.
    What are the primary causes of this?
    What measures should be taken to reduce childhood obesity?”
11. “Children are generally more successful in foreign language studies than adults. Thus, it is better to learn languages in childhood.
    Do you agree or disagree?
    Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.”
12. “Children engaged in sport are often overloaded with physical activity or get serious traumas.
    What are the main reasons for this? What solutions can you suggest?”
13. “Climate change is a big environmental problem that has become critical in the last couple of decades. Some people claim that humans should stop burning fossil fuels and use only alternative energy resources, such as wind and solar power. Others say that oil, gas, and coal are essential for many industries, and not using them will lead to economic collapse.
    What is your opinion?
    Support your point of view with relevant examples.”
14. “Despite a variety of sports facilities and gyms, people are less fit nowadays than ever before.
    What do you think are the main causes of this problem?
    What solutions can you suggest?”
15. “Each country censors the media in one way or the other.
    What are the pros and cons of censorship in the media?”
16. “Ecotourism is now defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment.
    What are the advantages of ecotourism?
    How can we make ecotourism more popular?”
17. “Email is a fast and convenient way to communicate, and written letters aren’t needed anymore.
    To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?”
18. “Establishing good relationships in the workplace is not important, as the primary goal of every person is to focus on work.
    To what extent do you agree with this statement?”
19. “Everyone deserves to be educated. It’s unfair that intelligent people are not admitted to private universities because of their financial background. University education should be free for everyone.
    Do you agree or disagree?
    Provide relevant examples if necessary.”
20. “Famous sportsmen often earn a lot more money than people in other professions. Although sport is important in our lives, everyone should be equal and such big incomes of sports professionals are unjustified.
    Do you agree or disagree?”
21. “For a long time, art has been considered an essential part of all cultures in the world. However, nowadays people’s values have changed, and we tend to consider science, technology, and business more important than arts.
    What do you think are the causes of this?
    What can be done to draw people’s attention to art?”
22. “Forests produce fresh oxygen and participate in regulating climate. But every year the tree cover of our planet is lessening due to deforestation.
    What are the primary causes of deforestation?
    To what results may it lead?”
23. “Health education is an essential aspect of community health.
    Do you agree or disagree?”
24. “High job demands, stress, and sense of commitment are among the main reasons people go to work when they are ill. This way they accomplish important tasks but may infect others or get some serious health problems themselves.
    In your opinion should people go to work if they are sick?
    Support your point of view with relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.”
25. “Immigration has a major impact on society.
    What are the main reasons for immigration?
    To what consequences can it lead?”
26. “In contemporary society, everyone should have equal opportunities in education. Therefore, universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject.
    To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
27. “Influence of human beings on the world’s ecosystem is leading to the extinction of species and loss of biodiversity.
    What are the primary causes of loss of biodiversity?
    What solutions can you suggest?”
28. “It is better to have one true friend than all the acquaintances in the world.
    Do you agree or disagree with this statement?”
29. “It is commonly believed that nowadays the main factors that affect a child’s development are media, pop culture, and friends. A different point of view is that the family plays the most significant role.
    Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
30. “It is much more convenient to watch a movie on television or computer than buy a ticket and go to the cinema. In the nearest future, the popularity of cinemas will drastically decline.
    Do you agree or disagree?”
31. “It is often claimed that electronic devices will soon replace paper books.
    Do you agree or disagree?”
32. “Many people think that to become a successful specialist it’s better to choose a career early in life and never change it later.
    To what extent do you agree with this view?
    Support your opinion with relevant examples.”
33. “Media surrounds us, from the shows we watch on television to the music we listen to on the radio.
    How does media affect society?
    Do you agree that the impact of media has more disadvantages than benefits?”
34. “More and more couples are deciding to be “child-free”, to have no children, in other words. Some people claim that those couples reach this conclusion through entirely selfish reasons. While others think that they came to this decision through noble motives, such as concern about overpopulation and desire for independence.
    Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
35. “Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of teen deaths. To prevent such road accidents, the government should ban people under 24 to drive motorcycles.
    To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
36. “Music plays a vital role in our society.
    How much has music influenced the way we think today? What do you think is the key role of music in nowadays world?”
37. “Nowadays a growing number of boys and girls within normal weight ranges have an intense fear of gaining weight and therefore get anorexia.
    Why do you think a lot of teenagers have a strong desire to be skinny?
    What can be done to prevent this eating disorder?”
38. “Nowadays families are not as close as they used to be.
    What do you think are the causes of this?
    What can be done to make families closer?”
39. “Nowadays more and more people have access to the Internet. But constant availability of any information worsens people’s memory and critical thinking skills.
    To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
40. “Nowadays there is a wide range of TV programs. But instead of watching educational programs, news or documentary films, more and more people prefer to watch TV shows, soap operas or serials. And this negatively affects knowledge acquisition skills.
    What are the primary causes of this tendency?
    How is it possible to make educational TV programs more popular?”
41. “Nowadays university education is considered very important for people’s future. However, there are a lot of successful people who didn’t get higher education.
    Do you think that higher education is necessary to succeed in life?
    Justify your opinion with relevant examples.”
42. “Online education is becoming more and more popular. Some people claim that e-learning has so many benefits that it will replace face-to-face education soon. Others say that traditional education is irreplaceable.
    Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
43. “Pollution of air, water, and soil has become critical in the last years and it takes millions of years to recoup.
    What are the main causes of pollution?
    How can we tackle this problem individually and globally?”
44. “Some people advocate the death penalty for those who committed violent crimes. Others say that capital punishment is unacceptable in contemporary society.
    Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the death penalty and give your opinion.”
45. “Some people argue that girls and boys should be educated separately, while others think that it is more advantageous for children to study at the same school.
    What is your opinion?”
46. “Some people believe that violence on television and in computer games has a damaging effect on society. Others deny that these have any significant influence on people’s behavior.
    What is your opinion?”
47. “Some people claim that immigrants should adopt the local culture when immigrating to a new country. While others think that they can establish a minority community instead.
    Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
48. “Some people claim that it is immoral to exploit animals and that the government should prohibit using animals for scientific research. In the meantime, others argue that exploiting animals is crucial for allowing scientists to learn more about human biology and health.
    Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
49. “Some people claim that the government should provide free health care. Others think that the government will not provide the most innovative methods of treatment and it’s better to invest those funds in education and culture.
    What is your opinion?”
50. “Some people hesitate between getting a job and starting their own business. While the idea of not having a boss and working on one’s own schedule may sound tempting, financial risks and stress sometimes outweigh these advantages.
    In your opinion what are the pros and cons of working in a company?”
51. “Some people say that due to the growing number of unfit and overweight people sport should be made compulsory in all educational establishments. Others claim that only voluntary decision to do sport helps people to be fit, but compulsory physical education embarrasses and turns away students who don’t like sport.
    Give your opinion and support it with relevant examples.”
52. “Some people say that teenagers should work part-time and earn money. This way they will learn basic lessons about work and become more disciplined. Others argue that teenagers shouldn’t sacrifice their rest and after-school activities to work.
    Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
53. “Some people think that couples should live together before getting married to start knowing each other better and see if they are compatible. Others say that because of this tendency people become immoral and only deep emotional attachment makes a durable alliance.
    What is your opinion?”
54. “Some students work while studying. This often results in lacking time for education and constantly feeling under pressure.
    What do you think are the causes of this?
    What solutions can you suggest?”
55. “Sometimes spouses have to live far away from each other. Maintaining a long-distance relationship is sometimes difficult and straining.
    What do you think are the main reasons for long-distance relationships?
    What can be done to help couples feel closer?”
56. “Students should focus on learning in the classroom rather than show their status by wearing fashionable clothes. Therefore, all students have to wear school uniforms.
    Do you agree or disagree with this statement?”
57. “Studying art in school improves students’ performance in other subjects because it is easier for multi-skilled students to learn new things. That’s why art should be obligatory in schools.
    Do you agree or disagree?”
58. “Technology provides us a lot of means to communicate. But now that people have the ability to talk to each other in a wider variety of methods, our communication, and social abilities have taken a step back.
    Why does technological advance hurt nontechnical communication?
    How can we solve this problem?”
59. “The air we breathe has a major impact on our health and the environment. However, air pollution is constantly growing and at current levels, it can be fought only globally. That is to say, individual efforts to improve air quality will not give any results, and it’s the sole responsibility of our governments to reduce air pollution.
    Do you agree or disagree?”
60. “The best way to travel is to travel in a group led by a tour guide.
    To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?”
61. “The government should ban smoking in all public places, even though this would restrict some other people’s freedoms.
    Do you agree or disagree?
    Give reasons for your answer.”
62. “The government should control the Internet to reduce cyber-crime and ensure the safety of users.
    To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?”
63. “The government should pay to the parents of very young children so that one of them can stay at home and look after their children.
    What do you think are the pros and cons of this policy?
    Justify your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.”
64. “The government’s investment in arts, music, and theatre is a waste of money. Governments should invest these funds in public services instead.
    To what extent do you agree with this statement?”
65. “The planet’s population is reaching unsustainable levels, and people are facing a shortage of resources like water, food, and fuel.
    To what consequences may overpopulation lead?
    In your opinion, what measures can be taken to fight overpopulation?”
66. “There is no need to maintain a close relationship with distant relatives.
    Do you agree or disagree with this statement?”
67. “Today more people are overweight than ever before.
    What is your opinion are the primary causes of this?
    What measures can be taken to overcome this epidemic?”
68. “Tourism has negative environmental impacts on tourist areas.
    What are these impacts? How can damaging impacts be lessened?”
69. “Unemployment is one of the biggest problems of contemporary society.
    What do you think are the main causes of unemployment?
    What solutions can you suggest?”
70. “Violent TV-shows and aggressive video games should be banned on the governmental level.
    Do you agree or disagree?”
71. “Water pollution has been an increasing problem over the last few decades.
    What causes water pollution?
    How can we prevent this problem?”
72. “With a great variety of social networking websites, people often add complete strangers to their friend lists.
    Do you think that this tendency helps people to find new friends or is it just a means to increase their self-esteem? Justify your opinion with relevant examples.”