ideas for ielts - Simon - 1

1.   Advertising

Positives of Advertising

1.      Advertising is a key part of modern business

2.      Companies need to tell customers about their products

3.      Advertisements inform us about the choices we have

4.      Advertising is a creative industry that employs many people

5.      Without advertising we would have less choice

6.      Without advertising there would be higher unemployment

7.      Advertising is a form of modern art

8.      People enjoy adverts

Negatives of Advertising

1.      Advertising manipulates people

2.      It aims to persuade people that buying a product will make them happier

3.      Advertisers focus on selling a brand image

4.      They use glamorous, successful people

5.      We now live in a consumer culture

6.      We are persuaded to follow the latest trend

7.      We are encouraged to associate certain brands with a higher status

8.      Advertisers often aim their marketing at children

9.      Children can easily be influenced by advertisements.

10. Children put pressure on parents to buy them things

Opinions about Advertising

1.      Advertising should be regulated

2.      Advertising aimed at children should be controlled or even banned

3.      Unhealthy foods should not be marketed in a way that attracts children

4.      Products that can be risk to healthy should display warnings

5.      In some countries it is illegal to advertise cigarettes on television

6.      Warnings must be displayed on cigarette packets

7.      However, advertising is necessary in free market economies

8.      It creates demand for products

9.      Governments should only censor false information or products that are harmful

2.   Animal rights

Arguments for Animal testing

1.      Animals are used in important scientific research

2.      It is necessary to do medical tests on new drugs

3.      Animal testing helps to advance medical and scientific knowledge

4.      Many important medical discoveries involved experimentation on animals

5.      Researchers aim to minimize the suffering that animals experience

6.      Testing for the cosmetics industry is now banned in many countries

Arguments against Animal Testing

1.      The benefits of research using animals do not justify the suffering caused

2.      There are alternative methods of research

3.      The lives of animals should be respected

4.      Humans have no moral right to do experiments on animals

Arguments against Vegetarianism

1.      Vegetarians do not eat a balanced diet

2.      In many cultures, meat is the main ingredient in traditional meals

3.      Meat-eaters argue that animals are below humans in the food chain

4.      It is completely natural for us to kill them for food

5.      Our aim should be improve farming methods

6.      Farms should produce organic food

Positives of Zoos

1.      Zoos paly an important role in wildlife conservation

2.      They can help to protect endangered species

3.      Zoos allow scientists to study animals and their behavior

4.      Zoos are educational, interesting and fun

5.      Children, in particular, enjoy learning about animals

6.      Zoos provide job opportunities.

Negatives of Zoos

1.      Zoo animals are kept in artificial environments

2.      They are kept in cages or have limited space

3.      Zoo animals rely on humans

4.      They lose the freedom to hunt for food

5.      They best way to save endangered species is by protecting natural habitats.

6.      Some people believe that zoos are unethical

7.      Zoos exhibits animals with the aim of making money

8.      We have no right to use animals for entertainment and profit.

3.   Cities

Reasons for Urbanization

1.      People move to cities in search of job opportunities

2.      Cities offer greater employment possibilities and a higher standard of living

3.      People migrate to cities from the countryside

4.      Traditional activities like farming need fewer workers nowadays

Negatives of City Life

1.      Life in cities has its drawbacks

2.      The cost of living is higher than in rural areas

3.      Some people d not manage to find work Housing is usually much more expensive

4.      Homelessness and poverty are common on cities

5.      There is a gap between rich and poor

6.      Life in cities can be extremely stressful

7.      There are problems like traffic congestion and crime

8.      Cities lack a sense of community

9.      People do not even know their neighbor

10. Cities are sometimes described as “concrete jungles”.

Pedestrian Areas

1.      Pedestrian zones in city centre can improve the local environment

2.      Banning cars encourages people to walk or cycle

3.      Many European cities have built bicycle lanes

4.      Dependence on cars is linked to health problems like obesity

5.      People who walk or cycle regularly are generally healthier

6.      Pedestrian areas are safer and more attractive for both residents and tourists

4.   Crime

Police and Crime Prevention

1.      The job of the polices is to catch criminals

2.      They must also prevent crime and make communities safer

3.      There should be an increase in the number of police officers on the streets

4.      Police officers should be seen as part of the community

5.      They should be involved with education and prevention

6.      The police should be in close contact with schools

7.      They should focus on young people who have dropped out of school.

8.      These teenagers may become involved with gangs.

Punishments/Prisons

1.      Fines are used as punishment for minor crimes

2.      If the crime is more serious, prison is the most common punishment

3.      Some criminals pose a threat to society

4.      They are put in prison to ensure the safety of other citizens

Negatives of Prisons

1.      Criminals are put together

2.      They make friends with other offenders

3.      Many prisoners re-offend when they are released

4.      A criminal record makes finding a job more difficult

Rehabilitation

1.      Another aim of prisons is rehabilitation

2.      Prisoners receive education of vocational training

3.      Prisoners should learn personal skills and specific job skills

4.      Punishment could make prisoners’ behavior worse

5.      Rehabilitation aims to make them better citizens

6.      Rehabilitated prisoners are less likely to re-offend

Capital punishment

1.      Supporters say that capital punishment deters crime

2.      Fear of the death penalty stops people from committing offences

3.      The death penalty shows that crime is not tolerated

4.      It is a form of revenge

5.      The cost of imprisonment is avoided

6.      The offender cannot pose a threat to others

Against Capital Punishment

1.      Innocent people could be wrongly convicted and executed

2.      Crime rates are not necessarily reduced

3.      Many criminals do not think they will be caught

4.      Capital punishment is not a good deterrent

5.      Executing prisoners creates a violent culture and encourages revenge

6.      We have no right to take another human life

Community service

1.      Community service is a way to reform offenders

2.      It could be a solution to prison overcrowding

3.      It avoids the cost of imprisonment

4.      It makes offenders useful in their local communities

5.      They are required to clean streets or talk to school groups

6.      Offenders repay their community

7.      They avoid the negative influence that prison can have

Against community service

Community service is not a sufficient punishment

Criminals should be locked up, away from their victims

Crime in the Media

1.      Crime is one of the main subjects of most news programs.

2.      The mass media focus on violent and sensational crimes

3.      This lead to fear of crime among the public

4.      Sensational stories attract more viewers or readers

5.      The media report crime stories in order to increase their audience

5.   Education

Benefits of education

1.      Education gives people knowledge and skills
=> Giáo dục cho mọi người kiến thức và kỹ năng

2.      People with qualification are more likely to find work
=>  những người có bằng cấp có nhiều khả năng tìm được việc làm

3.      They can earn a higher salary
=> Họ có thể kiếm được 1 mức lương cao

4.      They can contribute positively to society
=> Họ có thể đóng góp tích cực cho xã hội

5.      Schools aim to teach young people moral values such as tolerance and sharing
=> Nhà trường nhắm đến giảng dậy cho học sinh giá trị của đạo đức như lòng khoan dung và sự sẻ chia

6.      Schools prepare children to be members of a society
=> Trường học chuẩn bị cho học sinh để trở thành những công dân của XH

Benefits of Studying Abroad

1.      Foreign institutions may offer better courses

2.      Many students want to attend a prestigious university

3.      The best universities employ teachers who are experts in their fields

4.      Qualifications gained abroad can open the door to better job opportunities

5.      Living abroad can broaden students’ horizons

6.      Overseas students are exposed to different cultures and customs.

7.      They become more independent

8.      They are responsible for cooking, cleaning and paying bills

9.      They will learn a foreign language

Drawback of studying abroad

1.      Living and studying abroad can be difficult

2.      Students have problems with paperwork such as visa applications

3.      The language barrier can be a problem

4.      Students have to find accommodation and pay bills

5.      Studying in a foreign language is challenging

6.      Living alone in an unfamiliar culture can cause homesickness

Technology in Education: Advantages

1.      Technology is a powerful tool to engage students

2.      Technology can make lessons much more interesting

3.      Students can do research using online resources

4.      Students can study at their own place

5.      Adults can take distance learning courses

6.      Students can study whenever and wherever they want

7.      Students also learn skills which are useful for their future jobs

8.      For example, they learn to write reports using a word processor

Technology in Education: Disadvantages

1.      People rely too much on computers

2.      Young learners do not become proficient in some basic skills

3.      They use word processors and spelling may suffer

4.      People should be able to write a letter by hand

5.      Technology is no substitute for a real teacher

6.      Learners need a structured course

7.      An experienced teacher knows what materials to choose

8.      Computers are expensive to maintain and can be unreliable

Technology in Education: Opinion

1.      Institutions should supplement traditional teaching with the use of technology

2.      Technology is part of everyday life

3.      It can enhance a teacher’s lessons

4.      Students can use online resources to help with homework

5.      Students must still learn to write by hand

6.      They should still use traditional sources of information such as books

Education in Developing countries: Problems

1.      Children often have to work from an early age

2.      There are no schools in many areas

3.      Families do not have access to books or computers

4.      Literacy rates are often low

5.      People in developing countries need knowledge and skills

6.      Education is the key to improving the economy of these countries

Education in developing countries: solutions

1.      Developed countries could help developing nations by providing money

2.      They could invest in schools and technology

3.      They could supply the funds to build schools and pay for teachers

4.      Children need to have access to free schooling

5.      Computer equipment could be donated

6.      The Internet can expose students to a world of knowledge and information

7.      Governments should make education compulsory for all children

8.      They should encourage parents to send their children to school

9.      Governments of developed and developing countries must work together

Higher education: Advantages (also see “benefits of education”)

1.      There are many benefits to going to university

2.      A degree can open the door to better employment prospects

3.      Economies are becoming increasingly knowledge-based

4.      Most jobs require specific knowledge and skills

5.      Skilled workers are needed for sectors such as information technology and engineering

6.      Repetitive manual jobs are now done by machine

7.      Many factories have moved to developing countries

Higher education: Disadvantages

1.      A healthy economy needs a wide range of workers

2.      Some manual workers will always be needed

3.      A university degree is not necessary for many service professions

4.      Practical training is more important in some industries

5.      In the UK, for example, there is currently a shortage of plumbers

6.      Their services are therefore becoming more and more expensive

Advantage of Home-schooling

1.      Some parents decide to educate their children at home

2.      Some families live in isolated areas with poor transport

3.      Other parents are not satisfied with local schools

4.      Parents can respond to what their children need and how they learn best

5.      One-to-one lessons allow much faster progress

6.      The child can work at his or her own pace

7.      Discipline problems are avoided by home-schooling

Disadvantages of home-schooling

1.      Most parents do not have the time to educate their children at home

2.      One parent would need to give up work

3.      School subjects are normally taught by up to ten different teachers

4.      Most parents do not have the necessary knowledge or resources

5.      Private tutors are expensive

6.      Children will miss out on the social experience that school offers

7.      At school, children learn how to get on with each other

8.      Home-schooled children may lack social skills

9.      Schools offer a better overall educational experience

Bad behavior in schools: causes

1.      Bad behavior is due to a lack of structure and discipline

2.      There are too many children in some classes

3.      Large classes are difficult to manage

4.      May disruptive students come from an unstable family background

5.      Other parents are too lenient and spoil their children

6.      Some children are used to getting whatever they want

7.      Schools can do very little if they are not supported by parents

Bad behavior in schools: solutions

1.      Schools need a clear code of conduct

2.      Schools need a clear set of rules about behavior

3.      They need to create a positive working atmosphere

4.      Teachers must have the power to punish disruptive students

5.      Schools should remove difficult children from lessons

6.      Schools need to work closely with parents

7.      Discipline could be lacking at home

8.      Parents must support the school rules

9.      They should take responsibility for their children’s behavior

Corporal Punishment: Opinion

1.      Corporal Punishment is not a good idea

2.      Physical punishment is a way of controlling children using fear

3.      This does not promote trust between adults and children

4.      Children who are punished physically may become shy or resentful

5.      Corporal punishment creates an atmosphere of fear and anger

Single Sex Education: Advantages

1.      Some people believe that male and female students should go to separate schools

2.      This is often for religious or cultural reasons

3.      Discipline problems might be avoided by separating boys and girls

4.      Boys and girls may learn in different ways and have different needs

5.      Student at single-sex schools often get better exam grades.

Single-sex Education: Disadvantages

1.      Separating boys and girls is unnecessary

2.      It is unhealthy in terms of children’s social development

3.      Many coeducational schools are extremely successful

4.      A mixed-sex environment is more representative of real life

5.      Coeducational schools provide children with better social skills for adult life

Advantages of Streaming (grouping children according to ability)

1.      Some schools separate students according to their academic ability

2.      Teachers can work at the right speed for their students

3.      Teachers can plan more suitable lessons

4.      High-level groups may progress faster

5.      Lower level groups can benefits from a slower pace

6.      Some teachers and parents support streaming for these reasons

Disadvantages of Streaming

1.      Grouping by ability may have a negative impact on students

2.      Children do not want to be seen as less intelligent than others

3.      Streaming could damage students’ self esteem

4.      They may lose motivation

5.      Students from wealthier families tend to be better prepared

6.      Children from poorer families may receive less support from parents

7.      Mixed ability classes encourage everyone to achieve their potential.

6.   Environment

Global warming

1.      Gases such as carbon dioxide trap heat from the sun

2.      This causes global temperatures to rise

3.      This process is known as the greenhouse effect

4.      Human activity is a major factor in the rise of the greenhouse gases

5.      Factories and vehicles produce emissions and exhaust fumes

6.      Many developing countries are becoming industrialized

7.      The number of cars on our streets is growing

8.      Cheap air travel is allowing more people to fly

Effects of Global Warming

1.      Global warming will have a significant impact on our planet

2.      Rising temperature will cause melting of the polar ice caps

3.      Sea levels will rise

4.      We can expect more extreme weather conditions

5.      Flooding and droughts may become more common

Impacts of humans on the environment

1.      The increasing world population is putting pressure on natural resources

2.      Fossil fuels like oil and gas are running out

3.      We are destroying wildlife habitats

4.      We have cut down enormous areas of rainforest

5.      This has led to the extinction of many species of animals and plants

Solutions to environment problems

1.      Governments could introduce laws to limit emissions from factories

2.      They should invest in renewable energy from solar, wind or water power

3.      They could impose “green taxes” on drivers and airlines companies

4.      Government campaigns should promote recycling

5.      Natural areas and wild animals should be protected

6.      Individuals should also try to be greener

7.      We should take fewer flights abroad for holidays

8.      We should take public transport rather than driving

9.      We should choose products with less packaging

10. We should recycle as much as possible

Waste/rubbish

1.      The amount of waster we produce has increased

2.      This problem is a result of our consumer culture

3.      Products are not made to last

4.      If something breaks, we throw it way and buy a new one

5.      Advertisers encourage is to buy the newest fashions

6.      Packaging is an important part of selling

7.      Most foods are sold in non-biodegradable plastics packaging

8.      The amount of household waste is growing

9.      This waste ends up in landfill sites

Litter

1.      People do not think about the consequences of dropping rubbish

2.      They assume that somebody is pad to clean the street

3.      Plastic packaging does not break down easily

4.      Most of the litter seen on streets is fast food packaging

Recycling and other solutions

1.      Companies should make goods that last longer

2.      They should not use so much packaging

3.      Governments should be stricter, about waster produced by companies

4.      They should put legal limits on packaging

5.      Consumers should avoid buying over-packaged products

6.      We should recycle and reuse useful materials.

7.      There are collection banks for glass, paper and plastic bottles

8.      Households can use several rubbish bins to separate waste

9.      Recycling saves energy and raw materials.

Nuclear Power: Positives

1.      There are several benefits to build more nuclear power stations

2.      Fossil fuel like oil and gas are running out

3.      Nuclear power is a sustainable energy source

4.      It can be used to produce electricity without wasting natural resources

5.      It could be replace the use of natural resources like coal, oil or gas

6.      Nuclear power stations are cleaner than fossil fuel power stations

7.      They could help to reduce carbon emissions that cause global warming

8.      The risks of accidents are being reduced

Nuclear Power: negatives

1.      Opponents of nuclear power worry about the safety of power stations

2.      The building of new nuclear power stations is unpopular

3.      Nobody wants to live near one

4.      Nuclear waste disposal is a significant problem

5.      There is currently no way to decontaminate radioactive material

6.      People worry that terrorists could steal radioactive materials

7.      It is safer to produce energy from solar, wind or water power.

7.   Family

Family size

1.      We tend to live in small nuclear families rather than large extended families

2.      Parents tend to have fewer children

3.      Young children are no longer expected to work

4.      Nowadays both parents often work

5.      It costs so much to bring children up

6.      It is more difficult to raise a large family

Working parents (also see “gender” topic)

1.      Children and their parents seem to be less close nowadays

2.      Parents spend less time with their children

3.      Women traditionally stayed at home to cook, clean and look after children

4.      Nowadays both parents often work full time

5.      Children may be left alone, or with nannies or babysitters

6.      Busy parents have less contact with their children

7.      Many families no longer eat meals together

8.      Children spend more time with friends or surfing the Internet

Negative effects on Children

1.      The lack of closeness in families can have a negative effect on children

2.      Many parents have no idea how their children spend their time

3.      Friends, television and the Internet become the main influence on children’s behavior

4.      Teenagers are influenced by peer pressure

5.      Some of them join gangs

6.      Juvenile delinquency is on the increase

7.      Parents should be more involved with their children’s upbringing

8.      Young people need positive role models

Divorce

1.      In the past, divorce was unacceptable

2.      It was considered to be embarrassing for a family People stayed together for religious or family reasons Divorce is more socially acceptable nowadays

3.      It has become much more common

4.      Divorce can be extremely stressful

5.      Lone parents may face financial difficulties

6.      Many single parents have to rely on benefits paid by the state

7.      Divorce can have a negative effect on children

8.      Children from single-parent families are more likely to get lower grades or drop out of school. The rise in divorce rates may be connected to some social problems

Care for Old people

1.      Caring for elderly people was traditionally the responsibility of families

2.      Adults had to look after their elderly parents

3.      A woman’s job was to stay at home taking care of her family

4.      Nowadays, fewer elderly people are looked after by their relatives

5.      Residential homes provide care for large number of elderly people

6.      Some families are unable to look after elderly relatives

7.      Families tend to be smaller these days, and women often have full-time jobs

8.      Cares homes provide a professional service for senior citizens

9.      Nurses are better trained than family members

Care for Old people: Opinion

1.      The best form of care for the elderly depends on the family situation

2.      It depends on whether family members have the time resources

3.      We all have a responsibility towards the older people in our society

4.      Governments should invest money in facilities and training for care workers.

8.   Gender

Gender and education

1.      Men and women should have access to the same educational opportunities

2.      Males and females should be accepted onto courses according to their abilities

3.      It is wrong to discriminate against students because of their gender

4.      Gender should be irrelevant in education

5.      Student’s achievements should depend on hard work and individual merit

6.      In the UK, there are similar numbers of male and female students in higher education

Gender and work

1.      Men and women should have access to the same professional opportunities

2.      Both man and women should be able to pursue a career

3.      They should earn equal salaries

4.      They should be employed according to their abilities, qualifications and experience

5.      Traditionally women have been restricted to certain roles

6.      They were often employed as secretaries or receptionists

7.      Nowadays, a range of occupations is available to both sexes

8.      Career success depends on individual merit

Women’s and Men’s roles in the Family

1.      Some people argue that a mother should not work

2.      She should stay at home and bring up her children

3.      The father should be the breadwinner of the family

4.      Others believe that both parents should share these responsibilities

5.      Working women can take maternity leave during and after pregnancy

6.      Many mothers continue to work after this period

7.      Many fathers and mothers share their parenting and domestic responsibilities

8.      They contribute equally to childcare, cooking and cleaning

9.      Some women many have better career prospects than their husbands.

10. Paternity leave and “househusbands” are becoming more common

11. Traditional gender roles and gradually changing

12. Families can divide roles and responsibilities in the most convenient way.

9.   Genetic Engineering

Positives of genetic engineering

1.      Genetic engineering is the practice of manipulating the genes of an organism

2.      It is used to produce crops that are more resistant to insects and diseases

3.      Some genetically modified crops grow more quickly

4.      Some drugs and vaccines are produced by genetic engineering

5.      It may become possible to change human’s genetic characteristics.

6.      Scientists may use genetic engineering to cure diseases.

7.      Inherited illnesses would no longer exist

8.      Genes could be changed before a baby is born

9.      It could also be possible to clone human organs

10. We could all have replacement body part

11. Humans could live longer, healthier lives

Negatives of genetic engineering

1.      There are ethical concerns about human genetic engineering

2.      Parents might want to choose their children’s characteristics

3.      This would be unnatural

4.      It would be unacceptable in most religions

5.      Soldiers could be cloned from the genes of the strongest people

6.      Clones might be used like robots to do certain jobs

7.      Clones might even be developed just for organ replacements

8.      Society and human evolution would change completely

9.      Currently, human genetic engineering is prohibited

Genetically-Modified (GM) foods: Advantages

1.      Farmers can produce crops that grow bigger and faster

2.      Some GM crops are more resistant to disease or insects

3.      This could be important for food production in developing countries

4.      Faster growing cereals, fruit and vegetables will mean more profit

5.      GM foods can be modified to look perfect

6.      They may be more attractive to customers

Genetically-Modified (GM) Foods: Disadvantages

1.      There may be risks involved in the genetic engineering of foods.

2.      GM crops might change whole ecosystems

3.      Food chains could be broken if crops are resistant to predators

4.      Organic foods are produced without chemicals or genetic modification

5.      Organic farming may be slower and more expensive

6.      However, the environment is not damaged by fertilizers or pesticides.

10. Global issues

Problems in developing countries

1.      Developing countries face a range if problems

2.      Standards of healthcare and education are low

3.      Life expectancy is usually lower than in developed countries

4.      There is a lack of infrastructure, employment and good quality housing

5.      Many people are forced to live in poverty

6.      Food, drinking water and basic medicines are in short supply

How to help developing countries

1.      The best form of help for developing countries is development aid

2.      Richer nations can help by investing in long-term projects

3.      Governments and charities can help by building new houses and schools

4.      Globalization may also help developing countries

5.      Multi-national companies can creating jobs in developing countries

6.      On the other hand, many people emigrate to find work in richer countries

7.      They often sand money back home to their families

8.      This money helps to improve the standard of living in developing countries

Immigration

1.      Some people move to another countries in search of a better life

2.      Many immigrants come from less developed countries

3.      Richer, industrialized countries may offer opportunities for employment

4.      Free healthcare and schooling are available in some developed countries

5.      Other people migrate to a foreign country to improve their academic qualifications

Positives of immigration and Multi-cultural societies

1.      From an economic perspective, immigration can be extremely positive

2.      Many immigrants have skills that are needed in the country they move to

3.      Immigrants who find work contribute to the economy of their new country

4.      Many immigrants send money home to help family members

5.      Immigration also creates cultural diversity

6.      People of many different nationalities learn to live together

7.      This can help people to become more open-minded and tolerant

Negatives of Immigration

1.      Some people believe that immigrants take jobs that should go to local people

2.      Some immigrant workers work longer hours for less money

3.      Companies might pay lower salaries to immigrant workers

4.      Unemployment rates could rise if there are too many immigrants

Opinions about Immigration

1.      Immigration can help the economy of a country

2.      It can create multi-cultural societies

3.      However, immigration needs to be controlled

4.      In many countries, immigrants need visas or work permit

5.      Governments should stop companies from exploiting immigrant workers

6.      Foreign and local workers should have the right to equal pay and conditions

Positives of Globalization

1.      Business of becoming increasingly international

2.      Multi-national companies do business across the world

3.      Companies like MacDonald’s can be seen on high streets in most cities

4.      Goods are produced in one country and sold in many others

5.      A global economy means free trade between countries

6.      This can strengthen political relationships

7.      Globalization can also create opportunities for employment

8.      It encourages investment in less developed countries

9.      It could reduce poverty in the developing world

Negatives of Globalization

1.      Globalization is not always beneficial to everyone

2.      Companies can move to countries where labour is cheap

3.      This creates redundancies, or job losses

4.      Employees cannot be confident that they have stable jobs

5.      Companies sometimes exploit their employees in developing countries

6.      Global trade creates more waste and pollution

The future of Globalization

1.      There should be global regulations for salaries and working conditions

2.      Governments should impose laws to protect the environment

11. Government and Society

What governments can do

1.      Governments provide public services like healthcare and education

2.      They support people who are living in poverty or unable to work

3.      Governments raise money by taxing working people

4.      They can spend money on resources and campaigns

5.      They can introduce new laws

6.      They can impose taxes

7.      They can raise people’s awareness of issues (e.g climate change/healthy eating)

8.      They can influence people’s habits and opinions

9.      They can create jobs

10. They can regulate the activities of companies such as banks

11. They can provide resources for schools

12. They are also responsible for the security and well-being of their citizens

13. They control armed forces and police forces

Public services

1.      Governments pay the salaries of public sector workers like police officers and teachers

2.      The necessary money is raised by taxing people’s income

3.      Free education and healthcare may be provided by the state

4.      Some governments control public transport systems and even TV channels

5.      In other countries, these services are provided by private companies

6.      Some people believe that competition between private companies is good

7.      It helps to improve quality while bringing prices down

8.      Other people think that essential services should be free

9.      Governments should pay for them

Censorship: Opinion

1.      Governments can censor what public sees or reads in the media

2.      To a certain extent censorship is necessary

3.      We should use censorship to protect children from violent images

4.      Some computer games involve killing people or committing crimes

5.      The Internet also needs to be controlled

6.      Many websites show pornography and violence

7.      There should be age limits for websites and computers games

8.      Parents need to take responsibility for checking what their children watch

9.      It is impossible for governments to control everything we see

Video cameras in public places

1.      The use of CCTV is becoming widespread

2.      Video cameras have been installed in many public places

3.      They are supposed to protect us and deter criminals

4.      Many people think that this surveillance violates our privacy

5.      The authorities could build databases with our pictures and identities

6.      We should not be treated like criminals

Smart cards: Positives

1.      Governments will probably introduce a digital identification card system

2.      Smart cards will have benefits and drawbacks

3.      They could help to reduce crime

4.      They could hold personal information, such as DNA Digital bank cards could contain fingerprint information

5.      It would be very difficult for criminals to use a stolen card

6.      It would be easier for police to identify people and catch criminals

Smart cards: Negatives

1.      Many people are worried about losing their privacy

2.      Governments could store all our personal and medical information

3.      This information could be used by insurance companies

4.      Employers could check our health records

People with Disabilities

1.      People with disabilities should be treated the same as everybody else

2.      They should have the same rights as other people

3.      They should have access to the same jobs as other citizens

4.      Discrimination against disabled people is illegal in many countries

5.      Ramps and lifts for wheelchairs should be installed in public buildings

6.      Support teacher can be employed to help children with learning difficulties

12. Guns and Weapons

Why guns should be legal:

1.      In some countries, people are allowed to own firearms

2.      Individuals have the right to protect themselves

3.      People can use guns in self defense

4.      This deters criminals

Why gun ownership should be illegal:

1.      There is a risk of accidents with guns

2.      The number of violent crimes increases when guns are available

3.      Criminals may be armed

4.      The police then need to use guns

5.      Suicide rates have been shown to rise when guns are available

6.      Guns create violent societies with high murder rates

Why polices should use guns

1.      Many criminals use weapons

2.      The threat of a gun can deter criminals

3.      Police officers can forces a criminal to surrender

4.      It is easier to arrest someone and avoid physical violence

5.      The police may shoot violent criminals in self defence

6.      They can protect the public

7.      They can shoot an escaping criminal who poses a serious danger to the public

Why police should not carry guns

1.      There is a risk of accidents and mistakes

2.      The police might shoot an unarmed criminal or an innocent person

3.      Accidents can happen in public places

4.      There are several alternatives to guns (e.g tear gas, sprays and electric shock weapons) Only special police units should use guns.

Arm Trade: Positives

1.      The export of arms, or weapons, is an extremely controversial issue

2.      Governments of rich, industrialized countries sell arms to each other

3.      This industry creates jobs and wealth

4.      The trade of weapons may improve relationships between governments

Arms Trade: Negatives

1.      Weapons may be used in conflicts and wars

2.      The supply of arms could be responsible for deaths

3.      Governments are promoting war in order to make a profit

4.      Rich countries can influence the politics of other nations

Nuclear weapons

1.      Nuclear weapons are capable of destroying whole cities

2.      A nuclear war between two countries would destroy both countries

3.      Nuclear weapons are used as a deterrent

4.      They prevent wars from starting

Nuclear weapons: Opinion

1.      Nuclear weapons should be prohibited

2.      Governments should limit the production of nuclear weapons

3.      There is a danger of nuclear weapons being obtained by terrorists

4.      Nuclear weapons cannot be used against terrorist organizations

Armed Forces: Positives

1.      Armed forces provide security and protection

2.      They deter military attack by another country

3.      They can also be used to maintain peace within countries

4.      They can be used to give the police extra support

5.      Soldiers are also used to help in emergency situations, such as after a natural disaster

Armed forces: negatives

1.      Armies require a lot of funding from governments

2.      Too much money is spent on weapons and military technology

3.      This money could be spent on schools, hospitals and other public services