0511 Speaking Assessment Topics
Discuss this topic with the examiner.
Use the following prompts, in the order given below, to develop the conversation.
You may introduce related ideas of your own to expand on these prompts.
Remember, you are not allowed to make any written notes.
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Making things
Many people enjoy making things, such as food, clothes and gifts, instead of buying them.
• things that you, or other people you know, like to make rather than buy
• the advantages and disadvantages of homemade food
• the challenges of making everything from recycled materials
• whether you prefer to receive handmade presents, and why
• the idea that in the future, communities will have to produce everything themselves.
Heat
Heat is an essential part of life.
• times when you choose to eat hot food, and why
• people you know who behave differently when the weather is very hot
• the ways that we can create a warm environment
• the view that passionate, hot-headed people are more successful in life
• the suggestion that in the future, we will all have to live in a temperature-controlled
environment.
Speed
Some people believe that life nowadays is too fast.
• activities that you do too quickly, and why
• some things you know about that cannot be done quickly
• why people slow down as they get older
• the view that technology is developing too fast
• the idea that in communities where life is slower, the quality of life is better.
Poems and songs
People of all ages enjoy reading poems and singing songs.
• a type of poem or song that you like, and why
• the kinds of poems and songs that young children enjoy
• reasons why people write poetry and songs
• the suggestion that poems or songs from the past should be remembered
• the view that governments should control the content of poems and songs.
Uniforms
Many people have to wear a uniform at school or in their job.
• times or places where you, or people you know, wear uniforms
• the advantages of wearing a uniform.
• why the colour and design of uniforms is important
• the view that wearing a uniform prevents people expressing themselves as individuals
• the idea that wearing a uniform justifies certain behavior.
Meeting people
Most people enjoy meeting others.
• places where you like to meet friends
• some places that are good for meeting new people, and why
• reasons why meeting a famous person might be disappointing
• the view that social media is making us more isolated
• the suggestion that in the future, our friends will be machines or robots.
Working together
Most people agree that being able to cooperate with others is important in life.
• a time when you successfully worked with someone else
• things that you have done more easily with other people, and why
• the advantages of working in a family business
• the view that too many people working together causes challenges
• the suggestion that it is impossible for governments to cooperate with each other.
Hospitality
All around the world, many people like to be friendly and generous to people who visit their
homes and countries.
• a time when you have been a guest in someone else’s home
• how you and your family look after visitors in your home
• how you would expect visitors to your country to behave
• the advantages of hosting international students on an exchange visit
• the view that visitors may not always be welcomed wherever they go.
Documentaries
Many people learn about real life from documentaries on the television or internet.
• an interesting documentary that you have watched or heard about
• different things people can learn from documentaries
• whether you would like to be involved in the making of a documentary, and why
• the view that documentaries do not always give a truthful picture
• the suggestion that well-made documentaries can influence and even change society.
Hobbies
Many people have hobbies that they do when they have free time, such as playing a musical
instrument or skiing.
• a hobby that you, or other people you know, enjoy
• a hobby that you would like to try, and why
• hobbies that can be done without having to spend much money
• the view that people who have dangerous hobbies are irresponsible
• the idea that in the future, people will have less free time for hobbies.
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Responsibility
Individuals have responsibility for themselves, for others and for the environment.
• the type of responsibilities that you have at the moment
• the different responsibilities that you expect to have in the future
• whether or not you like having responsibilities, and why
• the expectation that people with authority should be more responsible than those without
authority
• the view that all governments are responsible for the protection of their people.
Speaking and listening
Speaking and listening are two important skills that we use when we are communicating with
each other.
• whether you prefer to talk or listen when you are in a group, and why
• the skills that you need to be a good speaker or a good listener
• how you change the way you speak in different situations
• jobs that require people to have good speaking or listening skills
• the view that the skills of speaking and listening are not so important in this age of digital
communication.
Adventures
Adventures are new experiences which are exciting and unusual.
• the most memorable adventure in your life so far
• an adventure that you hope to experience in the future
• the disadvantages of being an adventurous person
• what important skills and knowledge people learn by being adventurous
• the view that the best time in life to be adventurous is when you are young.
Autobiographies
People tell their own personal life stories in autobiographies.
• some interesting things that you would include in your own autobiography
• whose autobiography you would like to read, and why
• whether you think that the most interesting autobiographies are by celebrities
• the suggestion that autobiographies reveal too much
• the view that autobiographies often give a false picture of a person’s life.
Rules
In many areas of life, there are rules which should be followed.
• rules that you have at home
• rules that you agree with, and why
• why people sometimes have to break rules
• the idea that there are not always consequences when rules are broken
• the suggestion that rules are unnecessary because everyone has their own sense of right and wrong.
Sports
People have to train if they want to improve their performance in their chosen sport.
• what regular training you or someone you know does, and why
• how your performance, or that of someone you know, has improved because of training
• the pros and cons of following a training programme by yourself
• whether you would make a good trainer, and why
• the view that if a person has no natural ability, sports training is pointless.
Stars, planets and space
Stars, planets and space have always fascinated people.
• what you find interesting about stars, planets or space
• whether you would like to visit outer space, and why
• the benefits of having satellites in space
• the suggestion that mankind has to find another planet like Earth to survive
• the opinion that space exploration is a waste of time and money.
Television
Television provides entertainment, advertising and news for people.
• what type of programmes you like to watch on television, and why
• whether the programmes that you enjoy are different from those of people you live with
• why some people prefer to watch some events on television rather than going to the event
• the view that advertisements should never be shown on television
• the suggestion that in future, people won’t have televisions, they will watch programmes online
instead.
Crowds
Places become crowded when they are filled with many people
• places you know that are sometimes or always crowded
• an occasion when you enjoyed being in a crowd, and why
• the suggestion that you can have more fun with only a few people than you can in a crowd
• the advantages and disadvantages of living in a busy city
• the idea that some parts of the world are becoming too crowded, and solutions must be found.
Children’s safety
Adults should keep children safe at home, at school and outdoors.
• some of the ways you are kept safe in your home
• what you would do to keep a young child safe while playing
• the disadvantages for children of being kept safe all the time
• the view that life was safer for children a hundred years ago than it is today
• the suggestion that governments should introduce more rules to keep children safe.
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Singing
Many people like to sing.
• when you, or other people you know, sing
• friends or family who you think are very good or very bad singers, and why
• whether singing for pleasure is very good for people
• the suggestion that to become a famous singer takes many years of hard work
• the idea that words that are sung are more powerful than words that are spoken.
Collecting things
People of all ages collect many different things, such as football cards, shoes or even sports cars.
• the kinds of things that you or your friends collect, and why
• how the things that people collect now are different to the things collected by their parents and
grandparents
• the disadvantages of collecting
• the view that it is wrong for people to collect animals
• the suggestion that museums and art galleries should not collect items which belong to other
countries.
Heroes and villains
Films often feature heroes, who are good characters, and villains, who are evil.
• heroes and villains in films that you or your friends like, and why you like these characters
• if you would prefer to be the hero or the villain in a film, and why
• whether heroes and villains share common characteristics
• the view that without villains, there would be no heroes
• the idea that the hero always winning in films does not reflect real life.
Watching TV
Watching television is still one of our most popular free-time activities.
• the different ways you, or people you know, watch TV programmes, and why
• how you decide which TV programmes to watch
• whether you prefer to watch TV with other people, or to watch it alone
• the advantages and disadvantages of being able to watch TV programmes anywhere, at any time
• the view that governments should be able to control what people watch on TV
Helping others
We often do things for other people without being asked.
• good things that we can do for other people
• a good thing you have done for someone, without being asked to do it
• the personal benefits of doing something good for someone else
• the suggestion that there are disadvantages of always putting other people first
• the idea that if individuals do good things, this will always have a wider impact on society.
Helping others
We often do things for other people without being asked.
• good things that we can do for other people
• a good thing you have done for someone, without being asked to do it
• the personal benefits of doing something good for someone else
• the suggestion that there are disadvantages of always putting other people first
• the idea that if individuals do good things, this will always have a wider impact on society.
Hot and cold
Some people prefer being warm, while others like cooler temperatures.
• things you like doing when it’s hot, and things you like doing in cooler weather
• whether your friends or family like things at similar or different temperatures
• the difficulties involved when you are feeling hot in a room and others are feeling cold
• the view that a country’s weather affects the personalities of the people who live there
• the idea that global warming will make hot countries even hotter, which will have serious
consequences.
Extreme speed
Some people love to drive, ski or ride at top speed. Other people prefer to do things very slowly
• things you do very quickly or very slowly, and why
• whether you think moving very quickly is exciting or frightening, and why
• the challenges involved in cycling or skiing very quickly
• the suggestion that speed sports should be banned because they are dangerous
• the view that people’s health is suffering because life today is lived too fast
Being lucky
It is said that some people are born lucky. They succeed in life without having to try very hard.
• if you think you are a lucky person, and why
• people that you know who are lucky, and what their good luck has been
• the advantages of being lucky
• the view that lucky people don’t appreciate how others may struggle to succeed
• the suggestion that luck is more important than hard work if you want to succeed in life.
Punctuality
Being on time is important to some people, but not others.
• how important being on time is to you, and why
• whether your friends and family are always on time
• the difficulties that teachers and schools experience when their students are often late
• the view that teenagers should be able to start school later in the morning because they need more
sleep
• the idea that the whole world would be in chaos if no one was ever on time.
Making mistakes
We can all make mistakes at home, in our work or in our relationships.
• the kinds of mistakes that you have made
• how you, and people you know, feel about making mistakes
• the idea that the best way to learn is by making mistakes
• the view that we should always forgive people who make mistakes
• the opinion that mistakes made by governments and institutions are more serious than those made by
individuals.
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Breaking records
People always try to break existing records and set new ones in sporting activities
• somebody you know, or have heard about, who has broken a record in a sporting activity
• whether you have the ability to break a sporting record
• why it’s important for people to try and improve themselves in sporting activities
• the suggestion that people have become obsessed with breaking new sporting records
• the view that no more records will be broken because humans have reached their physical limits.
Buying clothes
Buying clothes is an important part of many people’s lives.
• what or who inspires you to buy particular clothes
• why people buy clothes for special occasions
• the pros and cons of buying new clothes online
• the view that people waste too much money on clothes
• the suggestion that people do not consider how the clothes they buy are made.
Exploration
Exploring new things and finding out new information is part of human nature.
• an explorer that you have heard about and what he or she found
• what parts of the world you would like to explore, and why
• the reasons why we need to explore outer space
• the suggestion that there is nothing new to be discovered
• the view that if we stop being curious about the world, we will live an empty life.
Honesty
It’s not always easy to be honest, but people should always try and tell the truth.
• a time you found it difficult to be honest with somebody, and why
• whether people have always been honest with you
• the advantages and disadvantages of being honest
• the opinion that not being honest is acceptable in certain situations
• the view that adults are much better at being honest than children.
Your country’s history
Every country has a history.
• whether you enjoy learning about your country’s history
• an event in your country’s history that you are proud of, and why
• the suggestion that schools don’t do enough to get young people interested in their country’s history
• the view that a country’s past can affect its future
• the suggestion that people should not have the right to know everything about a country’s history.
Fantasy films and books
Many people enjoy films and books that are about fantasy worlds, such as Lord of the Rings or Harry
Potter.
• whether you enjoy books and films about fantasy worlds, and why
• a fantasy book or film you know, or have heard about
• the opinion that fantasy books and films are only for children
• the view that it is more difficult to write about fantasy worlds than the real world
• the suggestion that people can learn a lot from the characters in fantasy worlds.
Possessions
Possessions are things that we own.
• some of your favourite possessions
• what your life would be like without these possessions
• reasons why some people like to be surrounded by a lot of possessions
• the view that in modern society there is constant pressure to buy new things
• the suggestion that the more you possess, the more you desire.
Family
It is often said that the family is at the heart of society.
• the different members of your family, and how big your family is
• what you enjoy doing together with your family, and why
• the pros and cons of being an only child
• the suggestion that family is more important than friends
• the view that a strong family unit creates a successful society.
Weather
The weather has an effect on everyone.
• how different kinds of weather make you feel
• times when you had to change plans because of the weather
• what you know about changes in the weather in recent years
• the suggestion that nowadays it is much easier to cope with different weather conditions
• the opinion that scientists will be able to control the weather in the future.
Becoming an adult
Becoming an adult is an important stage in life.
• how you would describe your life at the moment
• how your society recognises that you have become an adult
• the advantages of becoming an adult
• the view that becoming an adult is more challenging nowadays than in the past
• the suggestion that some people never grow up.
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Influences
Different people or things can make us change the way we behave.
• who or what influences you, and why
• what happened when you were influenced by someone or something
• the kinds of things which are effective in influencing people, and why (e.g. advertising)
• the idea that younger people tend to be more easily influenced than others
• the view that very successful people will always be the most influential.
Photographs
We take photographs so that we can look at them and share them with others.
• times when you, or people you know, take photographs, and why
• some of your favourite photographs
• how new technologies have changed the way we take and share photographs
• the view that a person’s photograph should never be published without that person’s agreement
• the suggestion that a photograph should always represent reality and must never be changed.
Team sports
Team sports involve groups of people competing against each other.
• team sports that you enjoy, and why
• whether you prefer watching team sports or taking part in them
• reasons why people like team sports more than individual sports
• the suggestion that everyone must take part in a team sport once a week
• the view that all professional team players are only motivated by money and fame.
The internet
Many people use the internet on a daily basis.
• why you use the internet
• what you would do differently if there was no internet
• the idea that the internet is always the best source of information
• the view that the internet has improved our ability to communicate with other people
• the suggestion that governments should monitor all material on the internet.
Words
We often have to be careful with the words we choose in different situations.
• some words that you do or don’t use often, and why
• a situation when you had to think carefully about the words you used
• whether we are always able to accurately explain our thoughts and feelings
• the view that it isn’t important what words are used when organisations communicate with the public
• the opinion that without good vocabulary, a person can never be powerful.
The senses
We use the five main senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch to understand the world around us
• the senses you use when you are doing an everyday activity
• what life would be like if you lost one of the main senses
• the ways humans can benefit from the highly developed senses of animals
• the suggestion that modern lifestyles can have a negative effect on our senses
• the view that electronic devices can never replace our main senses.
Reality TV
Reality TV programmes often show people in unfamiliar situations doing real-life things.
• what happened in a reality TV programme you have seen or heard about
• whether you would like to take part in a reality TV programme, and why
• reasons people of different ages like watching reality TV programmes
• the view that being in a reality TV programme is a life-changing experience
• the opinion that watching reality TV programmes does not benefit the viewer in any way.
Electricity
We rely on electricity and find it challenging when it is not available
• how you can save on electricity use at home or at school
• what your life might be like without electricity
• the advantages and disadvantages of generating your own electricity
• the view that it is companies, not consumers, who are responsible for reducing electricity use
• the suggestion that it is possible for a country to develop without having a reliable supply of electricity
Routines
A routine is when we regularly do the same thing in the same way
• what daily routines you have
• whether your daily routines differ from those of other people you know
• the advantages and disadvantages of following strict routines set by other people
• the opinion that people working within an organisation should always follow the same routines
• the view that routines destroy creative thinking.
Advertising
Advertisements can persuade us to buy something we don’t even need.
• a time when you, or someone you know, bought something because of an advertisement • the types
of advertisements which appeal to you, and why • whether there should be a limit to the amount of onscreen advertising • the view that a company can advertise successfully without researching its target
audience • the opinion that it is only the advertising company who benefits from advertisements.
Scary films
Many people enjoy watching films that make them feel frightened.
• a time you watched a film that made you feel scared
• whether you enjoy watching films that make you feel frightened, and why
• how film-makers can succeed in creating a scary atmosphere
• the view that films which are frightening should have age restrictions
• the opinion that scary films are unconvincing because they are not realistic.
Living like a president
Imagine what life would be like as a leader of a country
• if you would want to live like a president, and why
• whether you would miss anything from the life you have now
• the suggestion that presidents have no understanding of ordinary people’s lives
• the view that presidents shouldn’t give friends and family positions of power
• the idea that power and wealth always bring happiness.
Making the world a better place
We should all try to improve the world we live in.
• how you would describe the part of the world you come from
• a time when you, or someone you know, helped to make your local area a better place
• what people can do to improve the world
• the view that it is part of human nature to destroy things
• the suggestion that with every new generation comes new hope.
Every city is the same
Globalisation has led to many cities in the world becoming very similar, with the same shops and
buildings.
• whether the city or town you live in is similar to others you know
• what you would change about your city or town, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of being able to buy the same things in every city
• the view that people can know more about a country’s culture by visiting its small towns and villages
• the idea that although cities look the same, the people in them are very different.
The importance of art
Art in all its forms is very important to many people
• the forms of art that you like or dislike, and why
• whether art is important to you
• the view that all young people should study art
• the advantages of having works of art in public places
• the idea that careers in art are not as worthwhile as careers in science
Inventions
People are always inventing new and original products
• inventions that are very important in your life, and why
• whether you would like to be an inventor
• the idea that people who invent things have special qualities
• the view that everything we need has already been invented
• the opinion that all governments should invest in the development of new inventions.
Early risers
Some people get up very early in the morning.
• whether you prefer to get up early
• describe a time when you had to get up very early
• how getting up too early can influence people’s behaviour and feelings
• the suggestion that people who need very little sleep are smarter
• the idea that modern life has changed people’s sleeping habits
Online safety
Many people are aware of the need to protect themselves and their computer when they are online.
• reasons why you might need to protect yourself and your computer
• describe some ways of staying safe online
• whether adults are aware of problems that can happen online
• the idea that it is the responsibility of schools to promote online safety
• the opinion that in the future, there will be more dangers in the virtual world than in the real world.
My mobile phone
A recent survey said that people would rather live without their husband or wife than their mobile
phone
• how important your mobile phone is to you, and why
• how mobile phones affect your relationships with family and friends
• the difficulties people might have if they lose their mobile phone
• the suggestion that, in the future, people will stop meeting face to face
• the idea that organisations should have the right to monitor all mobile phone activity.
Being busy
Some people like to be busy all the time.
• whether you like to be busy all the time
• ways in which people you know keep themselves busy
• the view that people should keep themselves busy, even when they are on holiday
• the suggestion that only very busy people achieve their ambitions
• the idea that modern society only values very busy people.
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A Changes
People often change things, such as their appearance, career or where they live.
• a time when you, or someone you know, made an important change
• things that you want to change, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of moving to a new home or city
• whether people are less willing to change their opinions as they get older
• the suggestion that changes always have a good effect on society.
Journeys
Many people make regular journeys, either short or long.
• journeys that you, or people you know, make regularly
• things that people do during long journeys, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of travelling with other people
• the suggestion that travel was more adventurous in the past
• the view that life is one long journey.
Museums
Many cities have museums where we can look at art, historical or scientific objects
• a museum you visited or would like to visit, and why
• whether you think school trips to museums are useful
• whether museums are only interesting for older people
• the suggestion that museums should not have things from other countries
• the claim that this generation has nothing to leave for museums of the future.
Complaining
Some people complain when they believe that something isn’t satisfactory
• things that you, or people you know, complain about
• a time when you, or someone you know, complained
• the advantages and disadvantages of complaining
• the suggestion that some people enjoy complaining
• the view that most complaints made to large organisations are ignored.
Traditional Tales
All cultures have their own traditional tales or stories.
• a traditional tale you know from your own culture
• a time when someone told you a traditional tale, and what you thought about it
• reasons why traditional tales can be frightening for young children
• the suggestion that all traditional tales have the same basic ingredients
• the idea that traditional tales aren’t relevant to the modern world.
Making Plans
Sometimes we make arrangements or decisions about the future.
• times when you make plans, and why
• an occasion when you, or someone you know, made a plan that didn’t work
• whether plans are better when made with the help of other people
• the challenges and rewards of turning a plan into reality
• the idea that making plans at any level is a waste of time.
Quiet Places
Some places are quiet, with little or no noise.
• places that you know which are quiet, and why
• a time when you wanted to be in a quiet place
• whether a place can be too quiet
• the view that quiet places are difficult to find
• the idea that society no longer needs quiet places.
Deadlines
A deadline is a time or day by which something must be done
• occasions when you have deadlines
• why you, or someone you know, missed a deadline, and what happened
• reasons why deadlines are necessary
• the idea that successful people set their own deadlines
• the suggestion that organisations and governments control people by setting deadlines.
Sharing
We often share things with other people, like clothes, food or information.
• things that you share with other people, and why
• a time when you, or someone you know, didn’t want to share something, and what happened
• the advantages and disadvantages of sharing personal information on social media
• the suggestion that many problems are caused by not sharing
• the idea that the world will only survive if we all share our natural resources.
Conversation
Talking to others, or conversation, is a natural part of life
• people you have conversations with, and why
• why you find some conversations interesting
• how online chat is different from face-to-face conversation
• the suggestion that it is always better to listen than to talk
• the idea that talking to others is a basic human need.
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Positive thinking
When we think positively, we find something good in everyday situations.
• times when you, and people you know, think positively
• how thinking positively helps you
• whether all situations can be thought of in a positive way
• the idea that young children naturally think positively
• the view that all leaders should be positive thinkers.
Knowledge of geography
Everyone has some knowledge of the Earth’s people, places and environments.
• what you know about the geography of your local area or country
• an area of the world you would like to know more about, and why
• the benefits of having a good knowledge of geography
• how the geographical features of a country can be used by its government to everyone’s advantage
• the view that as the world is changing so quickly, our knowledge of geography can never be complete.
News reports
We know what is happening locally, or in the wider world, because of news reports
• the best ways of finding out the news
• a news report you heard recently that you were interested in
• the suggestion that most people are only interested in dramatic news reports
• the view that it is not a good idea to be personally included in a news report
• the opinion that not all news should be reported.
Bravery
We respect brave people because they deal with challenges, even when they are afraid.
• a time when you were brave, and what happened
• someone you admire for their bravery, and why
• how people should be rewarded for their bravery
• the view that only brave people have the ability to change the world
• the suggestion that politicians need to be brave when dealing with problems.
Working in tourism
Many people work in the tourist industry and provide good customer service to visitors.
• the jobs in tourism you know about
• the skills you need to work in tourism
• the advantages and disadvantages of working in tourism
• the suggestion that nowadays people working in the tourist industry have to provide an excellent
service to attract and keep customers
• the view that people who work in the tourist industry are essential to the country’s economy
A year in time
When we think of a year, we often think of a calendar year running from January to December
• some good things about your year so far
• what you do every year, and why
• why celebrating the new year is important to many people
• the idea that any person’s life can change for the better during a year
• the view that people think too much about the year ahead.
Being noisy
Noise is part of our everyday life.
• when you enjoy being noisy, and why
• whether you prefer to be in a noisy or a quiet place
• the effects of noise on people and animals
• the idea that we only notice noise when it stops
• the view that governments should make the reduction of noise pollution their top priority.
Looking at animals
All around the world we can look at animals in attractions, such as aquariums or zoos.
• a zoo or aquarium you know about, and what you can see there
• whether you prefer to see animals in pictures or on the television, rather than in real life
• reasons why we might like to see animals in a wildlife or safari park
• the view that animal attractions should only be for the benefit of the visitors
• the idea that in the future, animal attractions won’t exist
Public transport
Some people choose to travel by public transport, such as buses and trains.
• times when you, or people you know, use public transport
• how easy it is to travel by public transport where you live
• why some people choose to rely on public transport all the time
• the view that improving public transport benefits the country
• the suggestion that free public transport should be the only way to travel in towns and cities.
Writing
Many people enjoy writing as a way of recording their thoughts and ideas
• times when you write, and why
• the challenges you experience when you write
• whether writing is the best way for people to express themselves
• the view that it is not necessary to have a natural talent to be a successful writer
• the suggestion that not all writing should be read by others
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Topics of conversation
There are many different things that people can talk about with friends, family or at school.
• the kinds of things you enjoy talking about with your friends
• the different topics you talk about with parents or teachers
• whether talking with friends is a serious activity
• the view that not all topics can be discussed with everyone
• the suggestion that relationships between countries could be improved if leaders talked to each other
more.
Learning a new skill
People of all ages can learn how to do something new, such as learning to play a musical instrument or
to ride a bicycle.
• a new skill that you have recently learned, or would like to learn, and why
• how easily you and your friends learn new skills
• whether young people find it easier than others to learn new skills
• the idea that some skills are more useful to learn than others
• the view that success depends on people learning a variety of skills.
Caring for the environment
People can look after their surroundings, plants and animals in different ways.
• actions you take, or would like to take, to look after the environment
• why we should take care of the environment
• the view that it is more important to care for people rather than for plants and animals
• the suggestion that even countries that are not wealthy should take care of the environment
• the idea that it is government action, not the actions of individuals, which helps the environment the
most.
Trains and planes
Many people enjoy travelling by train or plane.
• a journey you would like to take by train or plane
• what you need to take with you on a train or a plane journey, and why
• the challenges of travelling by train or plane
• the view that international trade would not be possible without railways and air routes
• the suggestion that transport in the future will not involve trains and planes.
Going to a new school
Most students have to change schools at least once.
• a time when you started a new school, and how you felt
• what new students have to do to become part of a school community
• the view that extra support should be given to students starting at a new school
• the suggestion that staying at the same school throughout your studies is beneficial
• the idea that going to a new school in a different country is especially challenging when you are a
teenager.
Apologising
Saying sorry is often the right thing to do, although it can be difficult.
• a time when you, or someone you know, apologised
• how easy it is for you to apologise, and why
• what can happen when people don’t say sorry for doing something wrong
• the suggestion that just saying sorry is not enough
• the view that apologising is a sign of weakness.
Difficult jobs
Many people have to do jobs that are physically and mentally challenging, such as being a miner or a
police detective.
• jobs you know about that are difficult, and what makes them difficult
• reasons why people might choose to do a difficult job
• what special qualities are needed to do physically or mentally challenging jobs
• the view that mentally challenging jobs should pay more than those which are physically challenging
• the suggestion that being a parent is the most difficult job.
Cooking
Some people love cooking.
• whether you enjoy cooking, and why
• some of the ways that people can learn to cook
• the disadvantages of not being able to cook
• the opinion that there are more male professional chefs because they are better cooks
• the suggestion that there is more to cooking than simply preparing food.
Sounds
Modern life is full of different sounds.
• the sounds you hear every day
• how different sounds can influence the way we feel
• how sound effects are used in films, TV and on the radio
• the view that people shouldn’t make a sound in some public places
• the suggestion that sound is essential to our understanding of the world around us.
Nature programmes
Many people enjoy watching television programmes about the natural world.
• whether you enjoy watching programmes about nature, and why
• why it’s important for young people to watch nature programmes
• the challenges of filming nature programmes
• the view that people who watch nature programmes do more to protect plants and animals
• the suggestion that the making of nature programmes has a negative effect on the area filmed.
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Reading
People read for many different reasons.
• what you read in your everyday life, and why
• whether people read less nowadays
• the suggestion that girls read more than boys
• the importance of reading stories to young children
• the view that reading about successful people can inspire others to change their lives.
Life experience
We learn from the things that happen to us in our lives, such as making mistakes
• the kinds of things young people experience in life
• an important experience that you have learnt from
• times when having life experience is useful
• the suggestion that you don’t have to travel to get life experience
• the view that young people refuse to learn from older generations and their experience of life.
Obligations
We are all expected to do certain things during our lives.
• what you’re expected to do at home or school
• the obligations parents have towards their children
• whether job obligations prevent families spending time together
• the view that it is the school’s obligation, not the parents’, to prepare teenagers for life
• the suggestion that more is expected of people in power.
The natural world
Some people believe that we should spend more time in the natural world, such as walking in forests
and swimming in lakes.
• when you, or someone you know, spent time in the natural world • whether you enjoy being in the
natural world, and why • the benefits of spending time in the natural world • the view that humans only
take from the natural world, but never give anything back • the suggestion that it doesn’t matter if the
natural world disappears as a result of development.
Visitor centres
Visitor centres are educational places. They collect and display various local objects that have important
value for the community.
• whether you have been to a visitor centre, and why
• whether you enjoy learning about your local area at visitor centres
• what visitor centres should do to attract more people
• the view that more public money should be spent on visitor centres
• the suggestion that with so much information online, visitor centres are no longer needed.
Time limits
Many things in life are limited by time.
• everyday activities that you spend a long time doing, and why
• reasons why some people don’t have enough time
• the disadvantages of having a lot of free time
• the effects on people’s everyday lives of not having enough time
• the suggestion that the world would be a better place without time limits.
The importance of money
Money affects our lives in different ways
• a time when you needed money to buy something special, and why
• whether people in some jobs are paid too much money
• the idea that children should be given small amounts of money
• the opinion that education and healthcare should always be free
• the view that money can buy you happiness
Technology in education
There has been a huge increase in technology being used in education.
• what technology you use in the classroom, and why
• how using technology helps your learning
• the disadvantages of using technology in education
• the view that technology makes education available to everyone
• in the future, there will be no face-to-face learning
Making an important decision
Our lives are full of occasions when an important decision has to be made.
• times when you had to make an important decision, and how you felt
• who helps you make important decisions, and how
• the opinion that students should be allowed to decide what they are taught at school
• the suggestion that only parents can make important family decisions
• the view that leaders should always be responsible for the decisions they make
Passion
People feel strongly, and are passionate about many different things in life.
• the kinds of things you feel passionate about, and why
• other people’s passions that you find hard to understand
• the advantages and disadvantages of having a job that is also your passion
• the opinion that people should never show strong feelings in public
• the view that nowadays, teenagers are less passionate about changing the world.
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Talent
We often admire people who have a special skill or natural ability.
• what talents you would like to have, and why
• a talented person you admire, and why
• the challenges and benefits of learning with a talented person
• the view that only talented people should become famous
• the suggestion that society puts too much pressure on highly talented people
Teachers
Many people think that teachers have a very important job.
• a good teacher that you have known, and why they were good
• whether you would like to become a teacher
• the advantages and disadvantages of having a teacher as a parent
• the view that teaching is the most important job in the world
• the suggestion that in the future, online technology will replace face-to-face teaching.
Extreme sports
Adventurous action sports can be dangerous but thrilling.
• an extreme sport you know about, and what it involves
• whether you would like to take part in any extreme sports, and why
• the opinion that taking part in extreme sports makes people better at coping with everyday life
• the view that people who take part in extreme sports are selfish
• the suggestion that all extreme sports should be banned.
Working abroad
Many people choose to leave their home country to work abroad for a long period of time.
• whether you would like to work abroad in the future
• someone you know who has worked abroad, and how they felt
• the advantages and disadvantages for the family and friends who stay in the home country
• the opinion that working abroad can change a person
• the view that home countries never benefit when their people go to live and work abroad.
Non-verbal communication
There are many different ways to communicate without using words, such as through music, facial
expressions or symbols.
• how you, or people you know, show thoughts and feelings without using words
• times when you used non-verbal communication with someone who didn’t speak your language
• the advantages of using symbols instead of words
• the opinion that instrumental music can be a powerful communication tool
• the suggestion that non-verbal communication will replace the need to learn other languages.
Scientific experiments
Scientists carry out tests to discover something new or to prove an idea.
• some experiments you did in your science lessons, and what happened
• what you have learnt from experiments in your lessons
• how people’s everyday lives can benefit from the results of experiments
• the view that it is necessary for animals to be used in experiments
• the suggestion that without experiments, our world will never progress.
Being loyal
It can be challenging to always like or support someone or something, such as a sports team, during
difficult times.
• who or what you are loyal to, and why
• a time when you found it difficult to stay loyal
• the advantages and disadvantages of always being loyal
• the suggestion that it is sometimes acceptable to stop being loyal
• large companies use their customers’ loyalty to increase profits
Jobs in entertainment
Many people choose jobs to create entertainment for others, such as film directors and radio presenters
• the types of entertainment you enjoy, and why
• whether you would like a job in entertainment
• the skills you need to have a job in entertainment
• the suggestion that the entertainment we prefer influences the careers we choose
• the view that a career in entertainment is not as essential as other professions.
Holiday activities
Some people prefer to relax on holiday, while others prefer to be more active.
• whether you prefer to relax or be active on holiday, and why
• why it’s a good idea to prepare for some activities before your holiday
• the view that people should do different activities when they go on holiday
• young adults only try more adventurous activities when they go on holiday without their parents
• the opinion that local communities should also benefit from holiday activities.
Decoration
People often decorate their homes or outside spaces to improve the way they look or to celebrate an
occasion.
• how the rooms where you live are decorated
• times when you put up special decorations at home, and why
• whether it is important to decorate public places to celebrate events
• the view that decorations in offices or schools prevent people from working
• the suggestion that governments should spend money on new buildings instead of decorating old
ones.
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Thinking
Ideas, opinions and images are produced when we think.
• the kinds of things you think about, and why
• times when you find it difficult to think clearly
• whether we should spend a long time thinking before we make an important decision
• the view that organisations prefer employees who don’t think independently
• all of the world’s problems would be solved if we developed our thinking skills.
Language skills
Some students think that writing is the most challenging of the language skills to learn.
• whether you find it easy to do a piece of writing, and why
• ways that your teachers help you to learn to write
• why people might prefer speaking to writing
• the view that it’s important to have good language skills in life
• the suggestion that technology affects everyone’s language skills
Cars and bicycles
Some people prefer to travel by car, while others prefer to ride bicycles.
• whether you prefer to travel by car or bicycle, and why
• an interesting journey you took by car or bicycle
• reasons why people should stop using cars and ride bicycles instead
• the sport of car racing is more exciting to watch than cycling
• the suggestion that we judge people by the car or bicycle that they own.
Freedom
Many people think that everyone has the right to say, or do, exactly what they want.
• some things you’re allowed or not allowed to do at home, and why
• whether you like being told what to do
• the view that if you have a lot of personal freedom, you have to be more careful
• the opinion that every person can be free to think what they want
• when governments limit freedom of speech, they do this for the benefit of the people.
Practical jobs
Many people enjoy practical jobs, where they work with their hands, such as being a chef or fixing
computers.
• a time when you built something or made something
• whether you would like to do a practical job, and why
• how schools and colleges can encourage more students to do practical jobs
• what would happen to society if no one wanted to do practical jobs
• the suggestion that in the future, only robots will do practical jobs.
Living in peace
People should try to live without fighting and arguing
• whether you always get on with your friends and family
• reasons why people sometimes don’t get on
• the benefits of living in peace
• the view that leaders who want to live peacefully are not respected
• the suggestion that it’s impossible to achieve world peace.
Crime dramas
Watching dramas in which crimes are solved can be a very exciting experience.
• whether you enjoy watching crime dramas, and why
• a crime drama you have watched, and what you found interesting about it
• the idea that watching crime dramas can encourage people to join the police force
• whether real-life crimes should be made into dramas to entertain people
• the view that watching crime dramas can increase people’s fear of crime in real life
Living in the wild
Some people live in parts of the world that are very far away from towns and cities.
• whether you would enjoy living in the wild, and why
• special skills that people need to live in the wild
• whether people who choose to live in the wild still need a lot of money
• the idea that it is better for nature if humans only live in cities
• the suggestion that people limit their life opportunities if they live in the wild.
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Being curious
We are curious when we want to know more about something.
• something you would like to know more about, and why
• a time when you decided to find out more about something, and what happened
• reasons why children are curious about everything
• the suggestion that we are less curious nowadays because we can find information so easily
• the view that being too curious can cause problems.
Learning from mistakes
We all make mistakes in our lives and can learn from them.
• what you have learned from making mistakes
• how you would help someone else to learn from a mistake
• whether students should judge their own work, rather than teachers correcting everything
• jobs or situations where it is very important not to make mistakes, and why
• the view that progress is only possible if people are free to experiment and make mistakes.
Asking for advice
People often ask others for advice about things like careers, relationships or money.
• people you go to for advice, and why
• some advice you, or someone you know, received
• why advice might be better from someone who doesn’t know you
• the view that asking for advice is a sign of weakness
• the opinion that there is too much advice available nowadays.
Being a leader
A leader is a person who is in control of a group, country or situation.
• situations where leadership is important
• times when you have had to lead a group of people
• the skills and qualities that a good leader should have
• the challenges of being a leader
• the opinion that people can’t achieve anything without a strong leader.
Clubs
People join clubs to enjoy a particular interest or activity together.
• clubs you know about, and what they are like
• a club you would like to create or join, and why
• the challenges of being a new member of a club
• the idea that in the future, all clubs will be online
• the suggestion that society benefits from people being in clubs.
Becoming famous
Nowadays, it’s easier to become famous than ever before.
• a famous person you would like to meet, and why
• whether you would like to become famous
• ways that people become famous
• the challenges of staying famous
• the view that, with modern technology, even people without talent can become famous.
Sounds of nature
There are many different sounds of nature in the world, such as birdsong, rain and thunder
• sounds of nature you often hear, and where
• how different sounds of nature make you feel
• reasons why animals make sounds
• the suggestion that listening to music is more enjoyable than listening to sounds of nature
• the claim that in the future, we will not be able to hear many sounds of nature
Dreams for the future
We all hope and dream about things we would like to come true in the future.
• your hopes and dreams for the future
• a dream that came true for you, and how you felt
• whether we should tell others about our dreams for the future
• the suggestion that dreaming about the future is pointless
• the idea that everyone hopes and dreams about the same things.
Performances
A performance is something like acting, singing or dancing, and it is done in front of an audience.
• types of performances you like to watch, and why
• a time when you saw a performance, and what happened
• reasons why some people are good at performing
• the idea that everyone can be a successful performer due to social media
• the suggestion that life is a performance.
Social media
People all over the world use social media to share information, such as news, opinions and photos.
• social media sites popular with you or your friends, and why
• a time when you, or someone you know, shared something on social media
• why some people don’t use social media
• the view that the use of social media should be strictly controlled
• the claim that using social media is the most powerful way to change society
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Encouragement
People can be encouraged to do something they don’t really want to do when they think there will be a
reward.
• what encouragement you or other people need to do housework or schoolwork
• a time when you encouraged someone to do something
• the opinion that money is the best way to encourage employees to work hard
• the view that having personal goals is more effective than being encouraged by others
• the idea that governments should reward good behaviour rather than punish bad behaviour.
Characters in stories
Characters are important for the success of a story, whether they are in a novel, television series or
video game.
• a character you like or dislike in a story, and why
• what happens to a character in a story you know well
• whether villains are more interesting than heroes
• the view that stories are more successful when we believe in the characters
• the suggestion that characters we get to know in stories influence us more than real-life figures.
Technology in the home
Many people around the world use technology for housework, gardening or leisure.
• the technology you regularly use at home, and why
• what it would be like to live without technology at home for a week
• the disadvantages of relying too much on technology at home
• the view that in the future every home will have a robot
• the idea that technology in the home takes up more of our time than it saves
Passwords
We have passwords to stop others using our personal information or property.
• times when you use a password, and why
• what happened when you, or someone you know, forgot a password
• the challenges of creating and remembering different passwords
• the view that passwords will be replaced by a microchip in the body
• the suggestion that passwords create a false sense of security.
Looking after children
Parents and other carers have important roles in looking after children.
• what you think makes a good parent or carer, and why
• why looking after children can be enjoyable
• whether schools should teach young people how to be good parents
• the idea that the best way to look after children is to be strict with them
• the opinion that adults aren’t always responsible for the actions of children in their care.
An ideal life
Many of us aim to have a perfect life at home, at work and in our relationships.
• what is good about your life at the moment
• what you hope will be good about your life in the future
• whether a perfect life can ever be possible
• the opinion that rich people are more likely to have an ideal life
• the view that we can only enjoy an ideal life if people around us have a good life too.
Being a winner
Many people do all they can to achieve their goal of winning.
• a competition that you took part in and what you did to prepare
• what you would like to win in the future, and why
• whether you think winning is more important than taking part
• the view that being competitive has a significant effect on your quality of life
• the idea that only those who are determined to win will be successful in life.
Meeting new people
In our daily lives, there are many opportunities for us to meet new people.
• a time when you met a new person, and how you felt
• whether you like meeting new people, and why
• how people can make first meetings successful
• the suggestion that we always benefit from meeting new people throughout our lives
• the idea that it is more difficult to build relationships with people of different ages.
Solving problems
We often have to find solutions to everyday problems, such as remembering to do things.
• a time when you solved an everyday problem, and how
• whether you think you are good at solving different problems, and why
• the view that we should solve problems without asking for help
• the idea that every problem has a solution
• the opinion that global problems can only be solved if governments work together.
Online communities
People with common interests join online groups and communicate with each other using the internet.
• an online group you know about, and what it is like
• the advantages of joining an online group rather than a local group which meets face to face
• whether you would like to set up and run an online group, and why
• the view that being part of an online community stops people from meeting people in real life
• the suggestion that online communities are a powerful tool in educating people.
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Writing a diary
Many people like to write a personal account of their daily lives.
• whether you keep or would like to keep a diary, and why
• a famous person whose diary you would like to read, and why
• how people can benefit from writing down what happens in their lives
• why some people share their lives on social media rather than writing a personal diary
• the suggestion that people do not always write the truth, even in a private diary
Cities
More people live in cities now than in the past.
• a city you know, and what it is like
• a time when you, or someone you know, visited a city for the first time, and what happened
• the advantages and disadvantages of living in a large city
• the suggestion that growing up in a city makes a person more sociable
• the view that in the future, everyone will live in megacities.
Risk
Sometimes we have to do something risky and take a chance in our lives.
• a time when you did something risky, and how you felt
• why people choose to take risks
• whether parents and teachers should encourage young people to take risks
• ways that risk could be reduced in daily life
• the view that our lives are so safe nowadays that we are less able to deal with risk.
Teamwork
Working in a team is one way to achieve goals.
• times when you worked with others in a team
• whether you prefer working with others or on your own, and why
• the opinion that girls work better in teams than boys
• the view that there should always be one person in a team who is the leader
• the suggestion that the ability to work in a team is the most important skill in life.
Speaking in public
We often find it difficult to speak in front of a large group of people
a time when you spoke in front of other people, and how you felt
• how you can prepare for speaking in public
• why public speaking is very important in certain jobs or situations
• the view that a good speech or presentation does not depend on technology
• the idea that a powerful public speech can change the world.
Invitations
We receive invitations to go to events, such as a wedding or a trip to the cinema
• kinds of invitations you like to receive, and why
• a time when you, or someone you know, couldn’t accept an invitation, and what happened
• the challenges involved in inviting people to an event
• the view that an invitation should never be refused
• the suggestion that an invitation is not always a sign of friendship.
Being polite
Being polite, or respectful to others, is an important social skill
• ways that you are polite to other people
• a time when you saw someone being impolite
• the advantages of being polite
• the view that there are times when it’s impossible to be polite
• the suggestion that leaders of countries are polite to each other but not honest.
Healthy eating
It is not always easy to eat healthily.
• food that you know is healthy, and whether you enjoy it
• whether eating healthily is important to you or people you know, and why
• whether parents should always decide what their children eat
• the idea that modern lifestyles make it difficult to have a healthy diet
• the view that governments should force people to eat more healthily.
Space exploration
Exploring distant planets is now becoming a reality.
• whether you would like to travel into outer space, and why
• what qualities you think a space explorer should have
• how we can benefit from exploring space
• what would happen if we discovered life on other planets
• the view that we should learn more about our own planet before exploring space.
Looking after people
Sometimes we need to look after other people, especially those who are very young or very old.
• a time when you looked after someone, and what happened
• what qualities you need to look after others, and why
• whether it is more challenging to look after children or older people, and why
• the view that looking after people is not always the responsibility of the family
• the idea that people who look after others should be more highly valued.
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Rewards
People often get rewards when they have done something well or have achieved something special.
• types of rewards that you know about
• a time you got a reward, and how you felt
• whether rewards at school or college encourage students to study harder
• the opinion that children shouldn’t get rewards for helping at home
• the view that people only do good things because they expect rewards.
Spending time on your own
Even very active and sociable people need to spend some time alone.
• when you spend time on your own, and why
• a time when you enjoyed being on your own and what happened
• the disadvantages of spending too much time alone
• the view that the amount of time we spend on our own changes with age
• the opinion that, in the future, people will spend more time with technology than with other human
beings.
Personal image
People’s clothes, accessories or hairstyles are some of the things that create their personal image.
• the clothes, accessories or hairstyles you and your friends prefer
• situations when a person’s image is important, and why
• whether a person’s image changes throughout their life
• the view that it is wrong to judge people based on their personal image
• the suggestion that a politician’s personal image is more important than their actions.
Being successful
We all hope to be good at something and succeed in life.
• what you would like to succeed in, and why
• how you make sure you are successful in different things
• the advantages and disadvantages of achieving success very early in life
• the opinion that we can only succeed with the help of other people
• the suggestion that the real success in life is being happy.
Sports personalities
Famous sportsmen and sportswomen are admired by many people.
• a sports personality you admire, and why
• whether you would like to become a famous sports personality
• what we can learn from sportsmen and sportswomen
• whether sports personalities should advertise products
• sports personalities have a responsibility to use their fame and money to help others.
Patience
Many people can’t wait patiently for something to happen without losing interest or becoming annoyed.
• a time when you needed a lot of patience
• situations when people find it difficult to wait patiently, and why
• whether it is acceptable to lose your patience and become angry
• the view that modern technology is making us very impatient
• the suggestion that good things come to people who wait patiently.
Disagreeing with others
We don’t always agree with other people’s opinions.
• a time you disagreed with someone, and what happened
• whether we always have to agree with our friends
• reasons why younger people sometimes disagree with older generations
• disagreeing with others requires more confidence than agreeing all the time
• the idea that good politicians should always listen to people who disagree with them
Festivals
Countries all over the world have festivals at different times of the year.
• a festival in your country, and what happens on the day
• how you, or people you know, prepare for this festival
• what makes a festival successful, and why
• whether traditional festivals are still important in the modern world
• the view that festivals which attract thousands of people damage the environment.
Places to shop
There is a wide range of places to shop, such as huge shopping malls, small local shops and online
websites.
• where you, or people you know, prefer to shop, and why
• whether there are things you would never buy online
• the advantages and disadvantages of small local shops
• the view that people spend too much of their free time in shopping malls
• the opinion that large supermarket chains destroy local communities.
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Pollution
Modern life has created different types of pollution, such as water, light or noise pollution
• how different types of pollution affect you and people you know
• ways that individuals can reduce different types of pollution
• the opinion that pollution will get worse in the future
• the suggestion that the people who suffer because of pollution aren’t the people who cause it
• the view that governments around the world are doing all they can to reduce global pollution.
Following trends
People follow the latest trends in fashion, games or music, often for a short time.
• trends that you or your friends follow
• a time when a lot of people followed a trend, and why
• reasons why some people choose not to follow trends
• the view that only young people enjoy following trends
• the idea that following new trends is more important than keeping traditions
Changes in the weather
Changes in the weather affect our lives in many ways.
• your favourite type of weather, and why
• what you, and other people you know, do when the weather changes
• what could happen if our planet becomes much warmer
• the view that people can prepare for major changes in the weather
• the opinion that governments don’t take global changes in the weather seriously enough.
Eating out
We usually eat at home, but sometimes we eat out in places such as restaurants.
• a special occasion when you enjoyed eating out
• whether you prefer eating at home or eating out, and why
• the view that families should eat together at home more often
• the opinion that the quality of the food you eat in a restaurant is more important than the quality of
the service
• the suggestion that in the future there will be no more fast food restaurants
Modern buildings
The buildings we live and work in have changed with modern life.
• a modern building that you like or dislike, and why
• whether modern buildings are as comfortable to live in as traditional buildings
• the ways that modern buildings are environmentally friendly
• the idea that we should destroy old buildings and replace them with modern buildings
• the view that buildings of the future should be designed to solve the problems in society
Practice makes perfect
Practice involves doing something again and again in order to learn a skill.
• skills that you have learned, and how much practice you needed
• how you, or other people you know, prefer to practise different skills
• the disadvantages of doing a lot of practice
• nowadays, we expect instant success without the need to practise
• the view that people can only get better at doing something if they are talented.
Keeping calm
In our busy lives, it is sometimes difficult to stay calm and relaxed.
• a time when you found it difficult to stay calm, and why
• what you, or other people you know, can do to stay calm
• the view that we do things better when we are feeling calm
• the opinion that women are better at staying calm than men
• the suggestion that it is better to show our true feelings in public than pretend to be calm.
Staying in touch
There are more ways than ever of communicating with family and friends, when you are not together
• how you prefer to stay in touch with family and friends when you’re not together
• what people talk about with their family and friends when they’re apart
• advantages and disadvantages of using the internet to stay in touch
• the view that it is important for everyone to stay in touch at all times
• how staying in touch will change in the future
Competitive games
In many games and sports the players have to compete against each other.
• a competitive game you enjoy or would like to play, and why
• whether you are a competitive person, and why
• how playing competitive games can help us prepare for life
• the suggestion that playing fair is less important than winning a competitive game
• the view that competitive games, such as the Olympics, can help bring people together
Waiting
In our busy world, many people don’t like waiting.
• when you waited a long time for something, and why
• what you do and how you feel when you have to wait a long time
• whether people in the past were happier to wait than we are nowadays
• the view that it’s acceptable to keep people waiting
• the opinion that it is always better when things happen as quickly as possible.
Natural resources
As the population increases, we are using more natural resources such as water, wood and oil
• natural resources that you use in your daily life
• how people can reduce the use of natural resources
• whether we have a responsibility to preserve natural resources for future generations
• the suggestion that a lack of natural resources will mean that people will have to live their lives very
differently in the future
• the only solution to the shortage of natural resources is to explore other planets.
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Being distracted
Sometimes we find it difficult to concentrate because we are distracted by noise or other people.
• things that distract you at home or at school, and why
• a time when you were distracted from doing something important
• whether being distracted can be a good thing
• the view that modern life has created too many distractions
• the media shouldn’t use celebrity gossip to distract us from important news.
Creative people
People can be creative in many ways, such as cooking new foods, inventing new things or thinking of
new solutions.
• whether you think you are creative, and why
• something you would like to create, and how you would do it
• if there are enough opportunities in schools for students to be creative
• the idea that everyone has the ability to invent or create something new
• the view that society doesn’t need creative people.
Recycling
Recycling is collecting things and reusing them to make something new.
• kinds of things you, or people you know, collect for recycling
• how recycling can help the environment
• reasons why recycling everything can be challenging
• the view that some manufacturers don’t want to encourage their customers to repair or recycle their
products
• the claim that all governments should work together to promote recycling
School trips
Many schools organise visits for their students to different places
• a time when you went on a trip with your school, and what you learnt
• whether you like going on school trips, and why
• what can happen when you spend a lot of time with classmates on school trips
• the advantages and disadvantages of parents accompanying their teenage children on school trips
• the view that parents’ money should be spent on extra lessons and not on school trips
Traffic
City roads are full of cars, vans and lorries.
• the kinds of problems that traffic can cause, and why
• a time when you were late because of bad traffic, and what happened
• reasons why people prefer to drive
• how we can persuade people to use their cars less
• the view that, in the future, new technologies will solve traffic problems.
Live entertainment
Being present to watch an event, such as a concert, a play or a football match, is often more enjoyable
than seeing it on television or on the internet.
• a time when you were at a live event, and what it was like
• a live event you would like to go to, and why
• the disadvantages of going to see live entertainment
• whether more live entertainment should be provided free for young people
• the suggestion that international live events bring countries together.
National sports
Many countries have a sport that their citizens are passionate about, for example football or baseball.
• the most popular sport in your country, and whether you like it
• what people in your country do when there is an important match
• whether it is important to support national sportspeople
• the view that national sports stars should always be role models for young people
• the suggestion that video gaming will become the national sport of many countries.
Parks and gardens
Parks and gardens can be large or small and have flowers and trees
• a park or garden you know, and what you like about it
• things that people do in parks and gardens
• the advantages and disadvantages of having your own garden
• the suggestion that everyone should pay to use a park
• the claim that parks and gardens are a waste of space.
Instant decisions
Sometimes people make decisions very quickly
• a time when you, or someone you know, made an instant decision, and what happened
• whether you are good at making instant decisions, and why
• situations when it is better to take your time rather than make an instant decision
• reasons why some people find making decisions challenging
• the suggestion that leaders must never make instant decisions alone.
What we remember
Some people are good at remembering things, even after a long time
• what you find easy to remember, and why
• ways you can improve your ability to remember things
• the benefits of having a good memory
• the idea that smells, sounds and sights remind us of things from our past
• the fact that people often remember the same event differently.
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National monuments
Every country has national monuments. These could be buildings or statues which celebrate important
people or events.
• a national monument that you, or someone you know, has visited
• the difference between visiting a national monument and seeing it in pictures or videos
• monuments that should be built for future generations
• the suggestion that it is a waste of money to preserve national monuments
• the view that national monuments remind us of the past when we should think about the future.
Our neighbours
Most of us have other people living close to us.
• people who live next to you, and what they are like
• how people can be good neighbours to each other
• the disadvantages of having neighbours
• the idea that people in the countryside have closer relationships with their neighbours than people in
the city
• the suggestion that neighbouring countries should help each other.
Quick thinking
Sometimes people have to think and act fast.
• a time when you had to think and act quickly, and what happened
• jobs in which you have to think quickly, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of doing things quickly
• whether technology helps us do things more quickly
• the idea that not everything can or should be done quickly.
Losing and finding things
We all lose things sometimes and finding them can be challenging.
• what happened when you lost or found something
• things that people often lose, and why
• ways to stop people losing things
• whether people who find valuable things should be allowed to keep them
• the idea that losing electronic data is more serious than losing physical objects.
Surprises
Sometimes things happen when we don’t expect them.
• a time when you were surprised
• how people react to surprises
• the challenges of preparing a surprise for somebody
• the idea that children enjoy surprises more than adults
• the view that life would be easier without surprises
Parties
Parties are a way of having fun with other people, or celebrating important events together.
• a party that you have been to, or have helped to organise
• an occasion when a party may not be enjoyable, and why
• whether parties to celebrate important family events should only take place at home
• the suggestion that good parties are always noisy
• the view that parties for whole communities are better than private parties.
Older and younger generations
A generation is a group of people who are of a similar age.
• somebody from a different generation you like, and why
• things that older and younger generations can learn from each other
• reasons why different generations often misunderstand each other
• whether life for the older generation is more difficult than for the younger generation
• the suggestion that in the future more politicians should come from the younger generation
Playing
Everyone enjoys playing games
• a game you played when you were younger or play now
• whether you prefer to play indoors or outdoors
• if you enjoy playing games as part of your lessons, and why
• the view that boys and girls play differently
• the idea that adults enjoy playing games as much as children do.
Working while you study
Many people have a job while studying at school or university.
• the kinds of jobs students could do while studying
• a job you do, or would like to do, while you study, and why
• the challenges of working and studying at the same time
• the opinion that all young people must have some work experience before they leave school
• the view that governments should pay students to study.
Confidence
If you are a confident person, you feel sure about your knowledge and abilities.
• someone you know who is confident, and how they behave
• a situation when you felt confident, and what happened
• jobs where confidence is very important, and why
• how parents and teachers can help children become more confident
• the view that being very confident isn’t always a good thing
Keeping things
Some people like to keep things, such as clothes, phones and toys, for a long time. Other people like to
throw things away
• something special that you have kept for a long time, and why
• reasons why some people keep things for a long time
• the advantages of not keeping things
• the suggestion that having a lot of expensive things doesn’t make you happy
• the view that people should keep things for as long as possible rather than always buying new things
Brands
Popular products or companies are known by their brand name
• some brands you like, and why
• whether there are brands you would never choose, and why
• whether people should judge others based on the brands they choose
• the view that only big companies can develop a successful brand
• the opinion that companies use brands simply as a way to manipulate people.
Heroes
Every country has its own heroes. These are people who are admired for what they have done.
• whether your country has a national hero, and what they did
• who can become a national hero, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of being a hero
• the suggestion that ordinary people, such as nurses and teachers, are the real heroes
• the view that young people are more inspired by international heroes than heroes from their country.
• different ways that people you know travel, and where
• a time you enjoyed travelling, and why
• why some people prefer to travel by car instead of by train, plane or boat
• whether governments should encourage people to travel more on foot
• the opinion that all students should have the opportunity to travel to other countries.
Virtual reality
Virtual reality is when a computer produces images and sounds that make you think an imagined
situation is real.
• a virtual reality experience you have had, or would like to have
• why some people prefer to play virtual reality games
• the disadvantages of spending a lot of time in a virtual world
• the advantages of using virtual reality to train people for certain jobs, such as doctors and pilots
• the idea that, in future, we can make all our dreams come true in a virtual world.
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Day trips
People often go somewhere for a day trip, either alone or with their school, friends or family.
• a place you would like to go to for a day trip, and why
• a day trip you, or someone you know, went on and what happened
• whether a day trip with friends is different from a day trip with family
• whether day trips need a lot of planning, and why
• the opinion that several day trips are better than one long holiday
Understanding others
It is not always easy to understand how other people feel or what they think.
• someone who understands you well, and why
• a situation when it was difficult to understand somebody, and what happened
• how we know when someone feels happy or sad
• the view that some people can never understand each other
• there should be one global language so that people around the world can understand one another.
Being impressed
We are impressed when we respect or admire people or events that are special.
• something or someone that impressed you, and why
• ways you could impress your parents or friends
• when it is important to make a good impression
• why some people are easily impressed by celebrities
• the suggestion that the most impressive things are found in nature.
Special occasions
There are some occasions that we experience with other people, such as weddings or sports events.
• a special occasion you shared with family or a friend, and what happened
• whether you prefer to share special occasions with friends or family
• difficulties of planning a special occasion
• what makes an occasion special
• the view that people should never share their experiences of special occasions on social media.
Awards
Often people who achieve something special win awards, such as certificates or medals.
• an award that you, or someone you know, has won, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of winning an award
• whether awards always encourage people to do their best
• the view that awards aren’t important and we shouldn’t care about them
• the opinion that awards are often given to famous people who don’t deserve them.
Fresh air
Fresh air is important for our health.
• whether you like being outdoors in the fresh air, and why
• how people in your local area can keep the air clean
• what people should do to protect themselves from air pollution
• the view that governments are not responsible for making sure that the air we breathe is clean
• the suggestion that we cannot have progress and development without air pollution.
Taking a break
Sometimes we stop doing an activity for a shorter or longer period of time
• what you, or people you know, do when taking a short break from work or studies
• reasons why we need regular breaks at school or work
• the disadvantages of taking a break from an important piece of work
• the view that modern technology prevents people from taking a proper break
• the opinion that young people should visit other countries before starting their working life.
Being bored
Sometimes we are bored when we have to do an uninteresting task or have nothing to do.
• a time when you were bored, and why
• what you, or people you know, do to stop being bored
• different people find different things boring
• the idea that having nothing to do is better than having too much to do
• the suggestion that people are bored nowadays because they have too much free time.
Making music
People make music in different ways, such as composing, playing instruments or singing.
• people you know who make music, and what they do
• reasons why people make music
• whether it’s easier to make music alone than with other people
• the suggestion that being a musician is a good career choice
• the idea that we can communicate with anyone around the world through music.
Cash
Nowadays, fewer people use cash such as banknotes and coins to pay for things
• whether you and your family pay in cash when you go shopping, and why
• the disadvantages of using cash to buy an expensive item
• whether using electronic ways of paying makes it easier to spend your money
• the suggestion that there will be less crime if people don’t use cash
• the view that in the future no one will use cash anymore.
Films
Many people enjoy watching films either at home or at the cinema.
• a film you have seen recently and your opinion about it
• whether you prefer going to the cinema or watching films at home, and why
• the differences between watching a TV series and a film
• whether films should always teach people something
• the view that spending large sums of money to produce some films is wasteful.
Interviews
People both ask and answer questions in different situations such as job interviews, press conferences
and chat shows.
• situations when you, or people you know, have been interviewed
• an interview you enjoyed watching or reading
• a famous person you would like to interview, and what you would ask them
• the opinion that giving interviews is a requirement of being a celebrity
• whether politicians should always share all the information they have with the public
Clothes people wear
Many people pay a lot of attention to fashion and the clothes they wear.
• the clothes you like to wear, and why
• an occasion when you had to wear special clothes
• whether only women are interested in fashion
• the view that we communicate our personality by the clothes we wear
• the opinion that clothes designed by famous designers are too expensive.
Being helpful
Many people enjoy helping others.
• an occasion when you helped a friend or a family member, and why
• ways in which other people have helped you
• a charity or organisation that you think deserves support, and why
• whether it is always a good idea to help others
• the view that only helpful people can be successful.
The media
We get news from a variety of sources such as television, newspapers and the internet.
• how you prefer to find out about the news, and why
• the type of news stories you enjoy finding out about
• how much we should trust what we read and see in the media
• whether you would like to work in the media in the future
• the view that the media is too powerful.
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Thoughts and feelings
People communicate their thoughts and feelings in different ways, such as in writing, by singing or how
they dress.
• how you express your thoughts and feelings in different situations, and why
• if you can easily tell what other people are thinking and feeling
• the advantages and disadvantages of sharing your thoughts and feelings with others
• whether wearing a uniform can stop people from fully expressing themselves
• the view that public figures should always keep their thoughts and feelings private
Buying and selling
Buying and selling things is a part of everyday life.
• things you, or people you know, like to buy, and why
• whether you would enjoy selling things to other people, and why
• the qualities that make a good salesperson
• how advertising makes us buy things
• the view that it is possible to buy anything, anywhere, anytime
Handwriting
Nowadays, many people prefer to type rather than write by hand.
• when you, or people you know, write by hand, and why
• the disadvantages of writing long essays by hand
• whether a handwritten note or letter is more special than a typed one
• the idea that we can learn a lot about someone from their handwriting
• the suggestion that nobody will write by hand in the future.
Charity
Charity is help or money given by a person or organisation to those who need it.
• how you, or someone you know, helped others
• different ways of helping others who need it
• whether you would like to do charity work without being paid
• the view that helping animals is just as important as helping people
• the idea that governments should give people all the help they need.
Aunts and uncles
Many of us have an aunt or uncle who is an important part of our lives.
• an aunt or uncle you know, and what they are like
• whether you would like to be an aunt or uncle, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of having a large family
• the view that we are closer to our friends than our relatives
• the idea that celebrities influence us more than older relatives
Taking a year off
Some young people spend a year travelling or doing a range of jobs before starting a career or going to
university.
• whether you would like to take a year off, and why
• what preparations are necessary before taking a year off
• the best time in life to take a year off
• the advantages and disadvantages of working during your year off
• the suggestion that governments should pay for students to take a year off.
Visiting places
Many people like to visit interesting places when they travel.
• an interesting place you, or someone you know, visited
• why many people like to take photos when they are visiting places
• whether it is better to go sightseeing in a group, or on your own
• the view that there should be a limit to how many tourists can visit a place
• the idea that, in the future, everyone will use virtual reality to see the world without leaving their
homes.
Friendships
Many people spend a lot of time with their friends.
• your friends and how you spend time with them
• how you first met one of your friends
• what makes someone a good friend
• whether it’s difficult to stay friends with people who live far away
• the suggestion that for teenagers, their friends are more important than their family
Comedy
Many people enjoy watching actors or performers that make them laugh.
• the kinds of things that make you laugh, and why
• an actor or performer that makes you laugh a lot, and what they do
• the view that watching a comedy film is better than watching an action film
• the idea that female actors are not as funny as male actors
• the suggestion that people should be much more serious about life.
Organising
We all have to organise things sometimes, for ourselves or for others.
• an event or an activity that you, or someone you know, organised
• what makes someone a good organiser
• the challenges of organising an important event, such as a wedding
• the idea that you have to be an organised person to be successful in work or studies
• the suggestion that life is more interesting when it is not organized
Music
People listen to music in many different situations.
• the sort of music you, and the people you know, like and why
• a live music performance you have seen or heard about
• benefits of being taught music as a subject
• the view that you can’t be friends with people who have different tastes in music
• the opinion that music can influence people’s behaviour
Fast food
Many people think that we eat too much fast food and that we should have a more natural and healthy
diet.
• examples of fast food you like to eat, and why
• reasons why people choose to buy fast food
• whether fast food can be healthy
• the view that fast food advertising should be banned
• the opinion that what we eat is less important than who we share the meals with.
Achievement
Many people believe it is important to set goals in life and try to achieve them.
• the type of things people usually want to achieve in life
• something you would like to achieve in the future
• a recent achievement that you feel proud of
• the view that people’s goals change as they get older
• whether we can learn from other people’s achievements.
Being active
It is important to keep physically active in order to stay healthy.
• how physically active you currently are
• people you know who are either very active or not active enough
• whether people are less active nowadays, and why
• the idea that a holiday should always be restful and not active at all
• the view that it is the government’s responsibility to make people more active
Nature around us
Natural places such as parks, mountains or beaches play an important role in people’s lives.
• a natural place that you have recently visited and what it was like
• a place of natural beauty you would like to visit, and why
• benefits and challenges of spending time in the natural world
• the suggestion that people can survive without nature around them
• the view that the government is responsible for protecting the natural world.
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Choosing a career
There are many things to consider when choosing the job you want to do.
• a career you would like to have, and why
• the best people to help you choose a career, and why
• why some people change their career as they go through life
• the opinion that we need more than qualifications to have a successful career
• the suggestion that choosing a career is the most important decision in life.
Keeping fit
Many people try to stay fit and healthy by doing exercise.
• what you, or people you know, do to keep fit and healthy
• the challenges of trying to have a healthy lifestyle
• if becoming a fitness instructor is a good career choice
• the suggestion that you do not need to do a lot of sport to keep fit
• the view that international sports stars should do more to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Day and night
Modern 24-hour lifestyles mean that people can choose to work, rest and play whenever they want.
• your favourite time of the day or night, and why
• things that you prefer to do during the day rather than at night, and why
• why some people find it difficult to sleep at night
• whether it is important for everyone to spend some time outdoors during daylight
• the idea that, in the future, the difference between day and night won’t be important for people’s
lifestyles.
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Sharing meals
Some people have meals with family or friends every day, while others often eat on their own.
• people you have meals with, and when
• a special meal that you enjoyed
• reasons why people eat meals at different times
• whether it’s important for people to eat meals together
• the idea that television and social media are changing the way families eat together.
Young people
Life for young people can be both exciting and challenging.
• whether you find this time of your life exciting, and why
• the opportunities young people have nowadays
• ways that parents and teachers can make life easier for young people
• the view that life becomes more challenging as you get older
• the idea that society doesn’t listen to the views of young people.
My favourite team
Sports teams often have many fans who support them.
• a team supported by you, or someone you know, and why
• how people can show which team they support
• the opinion that a person’s local team should always be their favourite team
• the idea that a person should always support the same team, even when it loses
• the view that a team can never be successful without its fans.
Being kind
A kind person is helpful and generous and thinks about others.
• times when you have been kind
• ways that some people have been helpful to you
• jobs where kindness and generosity are necessary qualities
• the suggestion that successful business people should not show kindness
• the idea that being kind always earns respect.
Dancing
People all over the world enjoy many different types of dance.
• the occasions when you, or people you know, dance
• the skills and qualities needed to be a good dancer
• whether people can learn to be good dancers
• the suggestion that traditional types of dance need more skill than modern types of dance
• the view that dance can express emotions better than words.
Doing your best
There are many situations when we make an effort to do our best.
• situations when it is important to do your best
• an occasion when you did your best, and what happened
• ways that other people can help us do our best
• the idea that people only do their best when there is a financial reward
• the view that there is too much pressure on sports people to always do their best and win.
Slow down
Some people are always in a hurry and should learn to slow down.
• situations when you, or people you know, are always in a hurry, and why
• something you did very slowly or in a hurry, and what happened
• some things that should always be done slowly, and why
• the idea that the speed of electronic communication makes people decide and act too quickly
• the view that as life gets busier in the future, we won’t have time to slow down
The seaside
Some people love being at the seaside, while others don’t
• whether you, or people you know, enjoy being at the seaside, and why
• a place by the sea where you would like to live or visit, and what it’s like
• if it is better to live by the sea than in the mountains
• the idea that too many people visiting the seaside has a negative effect
• the view that environmental changes are making it more challenging to live and work at the seaside.
Facts
A fact is information that is known to be true, for example about science, history, your family or local
area.
• how and where you find information about subjects which interest you
• different ways of remembering facts
• whether facts are all we should learn at school
• the opinion that you need to know a lot of facts to be good at your job
• the view that we shouldn’t believe all the facts we read on the internet.
Planet Earth
Earth is our planet and it is our home. That is why we all need to protect it.
• special places on Earth you would like to explore, and why
• things people can do to protect our planet
• whether it would be possible to live on other planets
• the view that people living in the countryside care more about planet Earth than people in cities
• the opinion that we can only save our planet if all countries agree to work together.
Ways of travelling
People use various forms of transport to go on holiday, to school or to work.
• different forms of transport you use, and why
• how you plan and prepare to travel somewhere
• the advantages or disadvantages of long-distance travel
• the opinion that travelling to other countries is the best way to learn about their culture
• the view that governments should limit the number of people who travel to popular places
Public art
Different types of art, such as statues, sculptures and posters, are on show in town squares and parks.
• some public art you have seen or know about, and what it’s like
• types of public art you like or dislike, and why
• the challenges of being an artist
• the opinion that people should pay to see art
• the view that art improves people’s lives.
Fitness
People do various sports and activities to keep fit.
• the things people can do to keep fit
• fitness activities you enjoy doing, and why
• reasons why people might find it difficult to keep fit
• the suggestion that it is not necessary to do sports to be fit and healthy
• the opinion that it is the school’s responsibility to ensure that students stay fit.
Water
Water is an essential resource we all use in our daily lives.
• how you use water in your everyday life
• ways you could use less water in your daily activities
• the consequences of not having enough water
• the view that bottled water should be banned
• whether it is possible to make sure that everyone has enough water.
Working in sport
For people with an interest in sport, there are many job opportunities.
• some people who work in sport, and what they do
• whether you would like to work in sport, and why
• the benefits and challenges of being a world-class athlete
• the view that you need sporting ability to have a job in sport
• the opinion that some people working in sport earn far more money than they deserve
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Protecting wild animals
Some wild animals may soon disappear from the planet because there aren’t very many of them left.
• a wild animal you would like to protect, and why
• actions people can take to help protect wild animals
• whether wild animals should be kept in zoos
• the view that wild animals are best protected when people leave them alone
• the opinion that looking after people’s needs is more important than protecting wild animals.
Competitions
People enter competitions to see if they are better than other people at doing things
• a competition you, or someone you know, took part in and what happened
• ways you can prepare for a competition
• what people can learn from taking part in a competition
• the suggestion that it’s acceptable to cheat to win
• the view that life would be more enjoyable without competitions
Cafés and restaurants
Many people enjoy going to cafés and restaurants
• a café or restaurant you know, and what it is like
• a time when you, or someone you know, went to a café or restaurant and what happened
• whether you would like to work in a café or restaurant
• the view that cafés and restaurants should only serve local food
• the suggestion that cafés and restaurants are more than just places to eat and drink.
Times of the day
We do different activities at different times of the day.
• your favourite time of the day, and why
• how your daily routine changes at the weekend
• whether young people should be allowed to plan their own daily routine
• the advantages and disadvantages of working at night
• the suggestion that, in the future, people will have much more free time.
Holidays at the seaside
Many people enjoy going to the seaside for their holidays.
• a holiday you, or someone you know, took at the seaside
• the activities that can make a beach holiday especially enjoyable
• whether it is better to spend time sightseeing rather than relaxing at the beach
• the view that the seaside is not the best holiday destination
• the opinion that holidaymakers cause problems for people who live by the sea.
Traditions
Traditions are ideas and activities that continue from one generation to the next.
• some traditions and customs that are popular in your country
• a traditional event your family celebrated, and what happened
• why people continue to keep traditions
• the difficulties of always following traditions
• whether traditions are changing in our international world.
Studying at university
Many young people want to go to university
• whether you would like to study at university, and why
• what young people do to prepare for university
• the advantages and disadvantages of studying at university abroad
• the view that university education should always be free
• the opinion that you don’t need to go to university to be successful in life.
A rainy day
Some people love rain, while others don’t.
• whether you enjoy rain, and why
• a day when you were outside and it rained unexpectedly, and what happened
• the different ways that rain can affect your plans
• what life would be like without rain
• the suggestion that scientists should find a way to control the weather.
The news
We often read the newspapers or watch the news on TV or the internet to find out about sport, fashion
or what is happening around us.
• what type of news you, or people you know, like to follow, and why
• whether you would like to be a news reporter
• the opinion that people are only interested in news about celebrities
• the suggestion that reporters should focus more on reporting positive news
• the view that not all news stories are true.
Ball games
People everywhere love playing or watching ball games.
• a ball game that you enjoy playing or watching, and why
• the challenges of playing a ball game
• whether women are as good at playing ball games as men
• the view that you don’t need to train hard to become a great ball game player
• the opinion that top players of ball games such as football or tennis are only interested in money.
History
Learning about the past can be useful to people all around the world.
• some things you know about the history of your local area or your country
• a time in history you are interested in knowing more about, and why
• the best ways of learning about history
• the suggestion that people who study history can understand different cultures better
• the claim that we can never know exactly what happened in ancient times.
Digital images
Photographs and video clips are used for a variety of reasons.
• occasions when people take photographs or record video clips, and why
• a photograph or a video clip that is special to you, and what it shows
• whether recording devices should be banned during concerts and performances
• the view that nowadays everyone can be an expert at creating digital images
• the opinion that journalists should always use images and not words to report events.
How we communicate
People use many different ways to communicate with each other
• the different ways you communicate with friends and family
• a time when you, or a person you know, had problems with communication
• whether writing is always the best way to communicate important information
• the idea that to be successful, people need to be able to communicate well
• the view that nowadays most effective communication is through images.
Watching sports events
Many people enjoy watching matches and competitions, both live and onscreen.
• a sports event you have seen or heard about
• reasons why watching sports events is enjoyable
• the disadvantages of watching matches and competitions onscreen
• whether watching major sports events inspires people to do sports
• the opinion that sports personalities have a responsibility to be good role models for young people
Designing objects
Every object we use in our daily lives, for example a mobile phone, a chair or an item of clothing, has
been designed by someone.
• products or devices you use every day, and why
• reasons why people choose to buy particular products
• whether you would like to be a product designer, and why
• the suggestion that a well-designed product should be expensive
• the view that designers of modern technology have improved everyone’s life.
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Life with computers
Computers and other electronic devices are part of everyday life for many people today.
• times when you enjoyed or didn’t enjoy using a computer
• reasons why people you know use computers and other electronic devices
• whether people nowadays could live without computers
• the suggestion that nobody should use a computer for more than two hours a day
• the view that, in the future, electronic devices will control our lives.
Improving
Most of us have something in our lives we would like to make better, such as a skill or a situation
• something that you learned to do well, and how
• something you would like to improve, and why
• ways people can work together to improve their local area
• how technology will improve our lives in the future
• the view that we should stop trying to improve everything and accept things as they are.
Activities at school
Many students do sports, drama or other activities at school before or after lessons.
• school activities that you or your friends have taken part in, and why
• activities that you would like your school to offer, and why
• the disadvantages of doing a lot of activities before and after lessons
• the view that all school activities should only be about having fun
• the opinion that students should be able to decide how much time they spend in lessons.
Famous places
There are many famous places in the world, for example cities, buildings and mountains.
• a famous place in your country, and why people like it
• a famous place you would like to visit, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of living near a famous place
• whether we can learn everything about a famous place without visiting it
• the opinion that, in the future, people won’t be able to visit some famous places.
Animated films
An animated film uses moving images and actors’ voices.
• an animated film you know, and what it is about
• whether you enjoy animated films, and why
• whether animated films are made only for young people
• the view that it is easier to create an animated film than a film with real actors
• the suggestion that characters in animated films are good role models.
Changing your mind
We often make decisions or plans, or have opinions, and then change them.
• a plan you changed, and what happened
• a situation when you changed your opinion about something or someone
• reasons why some people often change their mind or never change their mind
• the suggestion that young people do not have enough experience to make good decisions
• the view that leaders should never change their minds when they have made a decision, even if the
decision is wrong.
Outdoor jobs
Many people often work outside, for example, farmers, police officers and builders.
• people you know about who work outdoors, and what they do
• whether you would prefer to work inside or outside, and why
• the view that school lessons should include some outdoor work
• whether people who work outdoors should be paid more than indoor workers
• the suggestion that all outdoor jobs will be done by machines in the future.
Public holidays
Public holidays are special days when people don’t go to school or work, often to celebrate a historical
or religious event.
• a public holiday that is important for your country, and what happens
• things you and your family do on public holidays, and why
• a new public holiday you would like to introduce, and why
• whether people in all jobs should stop work during public holidays
• the idea that, in the future, public holidays will be banned as they cost countries too much money.
Exercise
Doing physical activities, such as cycling, swimming or walking, is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
• the type of exercise you take, and where
• whether your parents and grandparents like to take exercise
• whether it is possible to do too much exercise
• the view that most types of exercise are too expensive
• the suggestion that schools and workplaces should make everyone take daily exercise.
Being generous
People who are generous like to give things to others or offer help.
• an occasion when someone was generous to you, and what happened
• whether you enjoy helping others, and why
• the disadvantages of being very generous
• the view that rich people should always be generous to others
• the idea that people benefit more from giving than receiving.
Getting older
In the future, people may live much longer.
• how you, and people you know, celebrate birthdays and getting older
• what age you would prefer to be, and why
• ways of keeping everyone active as they get older
• the advantages and disadvantages of living forever
• the view that a person’s age is not important.
Driving a car
Many people travel by car every day, either as drivers or as passengers.
• if you want to learn to drive, and why
• whether traffic causes problems in your area, and why
• skills and knowledge people need to be a good, safe driver
• why some people prefer driving their own car to using public transport
• the view that, in the future, we will have driverless cars and nobody will need to learn how to drive.
Names
When we are born we are all given names by our parents.
• whether you like your name, and why
• ways of choosing names for children in your family or country
• reasons why some people change their names
• the opinion that people’s names can affect their personality and life
• the suggestion that a company’s name is the most important factor in making it successful.
Taking part in competitions
Many people enjoy taking part in events where they can try to win a prize.
• a competition you or someone you know entered, and what happened
• a competition you would like to organise, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of being very competitive
• whether we should take part in competitions, even if we don’t think we can win anything
• the view that it is better to compete on your own rather than as part of a team.
Our food
Nowadays, a lot of people don’t grow or cook their own food, so they don’t always know where it comes
from
• what types of food you like to eat, and why
• whether you or your family prepare or grow your own food
• the view that schools should teach all young people how to cook
• the opinion that people don’t always know how their food is produced
• the suggestion that people should only eat the food that comes from their country.
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Instructions
We follow instructions when we want to learn how to make or do something, for example bake a cake
or play a game.
• times when you followed instructions, and what happened
• whether you prefer to give or follow instructions
• reasons why some people don’t follow instructions
• whether it is easier to watch someone showing you how to do something rather than read instructions
• the idea that, in the future, we will get all instructions from a robot.
Owning a business
Many people work for themselves. We say they own a business, for example a shop or a factory
• someone you know who owns a business, and what it is
• whether you would like to own a business, and why
• the qualities and skills needed to run a successful business
• the view that people who own a business should employ family members
• the suggestion that successful business people are the best role models.
Ways of learning
People have different ways of learning, such as making notes or watching videos.
• something that you learned recently, and how
• whether you prefer to learn on your own or with other people
• reasons why people use technology in learning
• the view that you don’t need a teacher to learn new things
• the idea that people should continue to learn new skills throughout their lives.
Appearance
Your appearance is the way you look to other people, for example your choice of clothes and hairstyle.
• how you and your friends like to dress, and why
• whether you change your appearance for different situations, and how
• the view that your appearance is more important than how you behave
• the view that the way people appear on social media is different from how they are in real life
• the opinion that you must have an unusual appearance to become successful.
Old and new things
Some people keep things for a long time, while other people replace them with new things.
• something old that you like or dislike, and why
• a time when you wanted something new, and what happened
• whether new technology always makes our lives better
• the idea that advertising makes people want things they don’t need or can’t afford
• the view that nothing should be thrown away as long as it can still be used.
Making decisions
When we make a decision, we make a choice between different options.
• the kinds of decisions you make every day
• the people who have helped you to make decisions, and how
• whether decisions made very quickly are the best
• the view that only older people can make good decisions
• the opinion that you should never change your mind once you have made a decision.
Landscapes
The landscape is what we see when we look around us, whether we are in the city or in the countryside.
• what the landscape around your home is like
• how the landscape of your area could be improved
• whether we need to protect our natural landscapes
• the suggestion that living in a city is more enjoyable than living in the countryside
• the opinion that the landscape around us affects how we feel and behave.
Journalists
The work of journalists involves producing news and articles in newspapers and on TV, the radio and the
internet.
• the topics journalists write about, and whether you find these topics interesting
• whether you would like to work as a journalist, and why
• the skills and qualities a journalist should have
• the view that journalists often change the facts to make stories more interesting
• the suggestion that only journalists have the power to influence society
Having an opinion
An opinion is a thought or belief about something or someone.
• a time when you disagreed with someone’s opinion, and what happened
• whether you have the same opinions as your friends and family
• whether social media influences your opinions
• the suggestion that our opinions on different topics change as we get older
• the view that it’s necessary to have an opinion on every topic.
Writing on social media
Many people spend time writing blogs, messages or reviews on social media.
• the type of writing that you or your friends do on social media, and why
• something interesting you have read on social media
• how writing on social media is different from the writing you do at school
• the view that people are less honest when they write on social media
• the opinion that, in the future, people will only communicate on social media.
Busy life
Some people have busy lives, with a lot of things to do
• how busy your daily life is
• whether you enjoy doing a lot of things in your free time, and why
• whether people have busier lives nowadays than in the past
• the view that when people do many things quickly, they don’t do them well
• the idea that busy people achieve more in life.
Entertainment
People enjoy different types of entertainment, such as films, music or sporting events.
• your favourite type of entertainment, and why
• whether you would like a job in entertainment
• the idea that watching live entertainment is better than watching a recording
• the view that people in the entertainment business are paid too much
• the suggestion that, in the future, people will have no time for entertainment.
Moving house
Many people choose to move from one home to another in their lifetime.
• whether you, or people you know, have moved home, and what the experience was like
• the type of house or apartment you would like to move to, and why
• reasons why people decide to move home
• the advantages and disadvantages of living away from home when you are at college or university
• the idea that new homes should only be built in cities, not in the countryside.
Growing up
Growing up is an important stage in everyone’s life.
• whether you feel grown up, and why
• whether it is better to grow up in a town or in the countryside
• the advantages and disadvantages of being an adult
• the view that teenagers are too young to vote
• the idea that teenagers nowadays should be more independent.
Travelling
In their free time people travel to go on holiday or visit family and friends.
• a holiday you had recently, and what it was like
• whether you like long journeys, and why
• whether travelling by road is better than other forms of transport
• the view that travelling is the best way to learn about the world
• the suggestion that we all have to stop travelling to reduce pollution.
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Prizes
People often receive prizes when they win a competition.
• different types of prizes people can win
• a prize you or someone you know won, and what happened
• whether it is a good idea for schools to give prizes to students for doing well
• the disadvantages of winning a large sum of money as a prize
• the idea that taking part in competitions is more important than winning prizes.
Writing as a career
There are many jobs that involve writing, such as an author, a blogger or a journalist.
• an occasion when you had to write something, and what happened
• whether you would like a job that involves a lot of writing
• the advantages and disadvantages of writing by hand
• the view that successful writers need a lot of knowledge and experience
• the suggestion that, in the future, we will stop communicating with each other through writing.
Being interviewed
When people are interviewed, they are asked questions, for example about their lives or abilities and
experience.
• a famous person you would like to interview, and why
• questions you would like to ask this famous person
• how you would prepare for a job interview
• whether it is easy to interview other people
• the idea that people are never honest in interviews.
Being told what to do
Throughout our lives, we are often given orders by people such as parents, teachers and managers.
• an occasion when someone told you to do something, and what happened
• situations when it is important to follow orders, and why
• why parents often tell young children what they can and can’t do
• whether parents have the same responsibility as teachers for children’s behaviour at school
• the view that people can only be successful if they always do what they are told to do.
Homes of the future
Our homes in the future will be very different because of population growth and developments in
technology.
• the technology you and your family use in your home
• what you think your home will be like in the future
• whether the technology in our homes makes us lazy
• the view that the most important thing about designing a home is to be environmentally friendly
• the idea that a hundred years from now, houses will never be built on land.
Confident people
Confident people are certain about what they can achieve and believe that they will succeed.
• a situation when you felt confident, and what happened
• what helps you to feel more confident, and why
• the disadvantages of being too confident
• the view that we become more confident as we grow older
• the idea that to be successful you need confidence rather than skills or knowledge.
Learning a new sport
Many people try a sport they haven't done before because they like a new challenge.
• a sport you or other people enjoy, and why
• whether you would like to learn a new sport, and why
• the preparations and challenges people have when trying a new sport
• the suggestion that people are never too old to learn a new sport
• the idea that soon, all sports will only be played using virtual reality
New experiences
Many people enjoy trying new experiences, such as bungee jumping or going to a new place.
• a new experience that you have had or would like to have, and why
• the benefits of having new experiences
• how people can record and share their new experiences
• whether paying for a new experience is better than buying a new object
• the view that you are never too old to enjoy new experiences
Children’s television
Many television programmes are made especially for children.
• a television programme you liked watching as a child, and why
• whether you would enjoy working as a children’s television presenter
• whether television advertising should not be aimed at children
• the view that there must be time limits on children watching television
• the idea that children’s television programmes should only be used for educational purposes.
Time to relax
When we relax, we often become calmer and happier.
• the different ways people you know relax
• your favourite way of relaxing, and why
• whether schools should give students more opportunities to relax during the day
• the idea that people can only relax when they are at home
• the idea that working people have so much to do nowadays that they haven’t got any time to relax.
Finding information
Nowadays it is easy to look for the information we need and find it very quickly.
• the kind of information you often look for, and why
• different ways people prefer to find information, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of using the internet to find information
• whether schools should teach young people how to protect their personal information
• the view that having a lot of information to choose from is not always helpful.
Healthcare
Doctors, dentists, nurses and other medical professionals provide healthcare to people.
• different things people do to stay healthy
• whether you would like to work in healthcare
• the skills and qualities people need to work in healthcare
• the opinion that healthcare should always be free
• the view that, in the future, all jobs in healthcare will be done by robots.
Your clothes
We decide how we want to look each time we choose what clothes to wear.
• your favourite item of clothing, and why
• why you might decide to stop wearing an item of clothing
• the advantages and disadvantages of wearing formal clothes
• the view that you can judge people by the clothes they wear
• the suggestion that it’s better to wear clothes that are handmade.
Being prepared
When you are prepared, you are ready for a situation.
• some different events people like to prepare for, and why
• a social event where you, or people you know, were well prepared
• the advantages and disadvantages of being prepared
• the idea that people can’t plan for every situation in life
• the suggestion that, in the future, technology will plan our daily lives for us.
Collections
Collections of objects can be kept in people’s homes or in art galleries and museums.
• things you or people you know collect, and why
• whether you enjoy visiting art galleries or museums
• the disadvantages of looking after a large collection of items
• the idea that museum collections are the best way to learn about history
• the suggestion that famous works of art should not be owned by private collectors.
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Visiting somewhere
Visiting a place for the first time can be a challenging and exciting experience.
• a place you visited recently for the first time, and what happened
• how you make people welcome when they visit your home
• the benefits of travelling to other countries
• the view that you should always learn about a place before you go there
• the opinion that people always change their behaviour when they go somewhere different.
Climbing
There are many things that people can climb, such as stairs, hills or trees.
• something that you, or someone you know, climbed, and what happened
• whether you would like to climb a very high mountain, and why
• whether climbing is a good holiday activity
• the opinion that people should risk their lives to rescue climbers
• the view that mountains are a good place for people to live.
Inspiration
Other people can give us new ideas about what to do or how to do things in a new way.
• a person who inspired you to do something, and what happened
• why and how some people copy others in the way they dress or behave
• whether it is better to be original or do the same thing as everyone else
• the view that only successful people are an inspiration to others
• the opinion that the media have too much influence on what we do.
Sight
The ability to see is one of our senses. We can also hear, smell, touch and taste.
• things that you like to look at, and why
• your favourite picture or photograph, and what it is like
• whether people rely on their sight more than their other senses
• the idea that you can only believe something to be true if you see it yourself
• the suggestion that we no longer need to travel because we can see the world on our computer
screens.
Fruit and vegetables
Fruit and vegetables can be part of a healthy, balanced diet.
• whether you like fruit and vegetables, and why
• how often you, and your family, eat fruit and vegetables
• whether we should only eat fruit and vegetables grown in our own country
• the opinion that schools should teach students how to have a healthy, balanced diet
• the view that, in the future, fast food will replace cooking at home.
Listening to music
Music plays an important part in many people’s lives.
• times when you listen to music, and why
• whether you prefer to listen to recorded music at home or live music at concerts
• the advantages and disadvantages of listening to music through headphones
• how music can change the way we feel
• the opinion that we should never have to pay for any music we want to listen to.
Numbers
Numbers play an important part in our daily lives.
• different ways that you, and people you know, use numbers every day
• reasons why some people don’t like maths
• how using numbers can be fun
• the idea that being good with numbers is important in all jobs
• the view that, in the future, machines will do all mathematical calculations for us.
Habits
Habits are things that we do regularly, sometimes without realising.
• things you do regularly every day
• a good habit you would like to have, and why
• whether your habits have changed since you were a child
• the disadvantages of keeping the same habits all your life
• the suggestion that people achieve success in life because of their habits
Plastic
Plastic is one of the most common materials in the modern world.
• some plastic items you and your family use in daily life, and how
• the advantages of making things from plastic, such as bottles or shopping bags
• how people could reduce the amount of plastic they use
• the idea that life without plastic would be easy
• the view that plastic pollution will soon be the most serious threat to our planet.
Laughter
People enjoy laughing when sharing a joke and watching comedy shows.
• things that make you laugh, and why
• whether you and your parents laugh at the same things
• the idea that laughter is good for people
• whether being a comedian is a difficult job
• the view that a good sense of humour is the most important quality for a person to have.
City life
Cities are interesting places to live in, but they are often very noisy and expensive
• where you live and what it is like
• whether you would like to live in a big city when you are older
• ways that city life can be made better for everyone
• the idea that more people should be encouraged to live in the countryside
• the view that, in the future, people will only live in cities.
Happiness
There are many different things which make people feel happy or pleased.
• things that make you happy, and why
• a situation when you felt really happy, and what happened
• whether people who are successful at work are happier in life
• the view that we are happiest when we are with happy people
• the idea that money can’t buy happiness.
Design
Designers create plans and drawings of items such as clothes, buildings and cars, before they are made.
• some items which you think have been well designed, and why
• what the perfect design of your ideal house would be like
• whether you would like a job as a designer, and why
• the view that everything should be carefully designed and tested before use
• the suggestion that, in the future, computers will be used to design everything.
Mobile phones
A mobile phone is one of many electronic devices we use these days.
• the different ways you use your mobile phone
• what it would be like if you lost your mobile phone
• whether the mobile phone has replaced all other electronic devices
• the advantages of not having a mobile phone
• the idea that, in the future, people will only communicate with each other by mobile phone.
Watching films and television programmes
Nowadays, many people watch films and television programmes on their laptops or mobile phones.
• the types of films and television programmes you like to watch, and why
• whether you enjoy watching television with other people
• the different ways people watch films and television programmes, and why
• the disadvantages of spending too much time looking at a screen
• the suggestion that, in the future, cinemas will no longer exist
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Taking photos
Many people like to take photos of places, people or events.
• whether you prefer taking photos of places, people or events, and why
• what people do with photos they take
• how you feel about people taking photos of you, and why
• the view that you can only take a good photo with an expensive camera
• the suggestion that, in the future, photography will be the most popular type of art.
Excitement
Many people experience exciting moments in their life, such as enjoying a fast ride at a theme park or
going to a special event.
• an exciting experience you had, and what happened
• an exciting event you would like to go to, and why
• whether your friends or family prefer experiences which are more relaxing
• the suggestion that an experience is only exciting if it’s risky
• the idea that having nothing to do is better than constant excitement.
Where we live
People live in many different places and in different types of homes
• what the area where you live is like
• a place where you would like to live, and why
• whether it is better to live in the same place all your life
• the view that nowadays people spend too much time in their homes
• the idea that our lifestyles are influenced by where we live
Wildlife
Many people are interested in wildlife, for example, insects, birds and animals
• your favourite wildlife, and why
• where you might find wildlife in the area where you live
• whether you would be interested in studying or working with wildlife
• the suggestion that the best place to see wildlife is in a zoo
• the view that some wild animals should be protected more than others.
Interesting places
There are places that people find interesting because of their history, beauty or importance to local
people.
• a place in your country that you are interested in, and why
• an interesting place that you would like to visit in another country, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of having many interesting places in your area
• the view that not everyone finds the same places interesting
• the opinion that there is no need to visit interesting places because we can see them on the internet.
Luggage
People use luggage, such as backpacks or suitcases, to take what they need when they go on holiday or
on business trips.
• the things you always take with you when you travel, and why
• how you packed for a special trip, and what the trip was like
• the advantages and disadvantages of taking a lot of luggage on a trip
• whether it is better to go on an organised trip or travel independently
• the view that expensive designer luggage is a waste of money.
Reading habits
Reading is an important skill in everyday life.
• what you and people you know read every day, and why
• whether you enjoy reading in your free time
• the benefits of reading
• the view that how people read depends on what they are reading
• the idea that, in the future, people will only read e-books and online newspapers.
Snacks
Many people eat snacks between their main meals.
• snacks you and your family like to eat, and when
• whether you think it’s unhealthy to eat snacks, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of eating snacks in the cinema or at sports events
• the view that big food companies encourage young people to eat too much
• the opinion that, in the future, our busy lifestyles will mean that we only have time to eat snacks.
Presents
Many people like to give and receive presents.
• occasions when you and your family give presents
• a present that you received, and why it was special
• how people choose presents for others
• the view that it is better to give money as a present
• the idea that the best present you can give to someone is your time
Working hard
People often say that it is important to work hard.
• a time when you worked hard to achieve something
• what motivates you to work hard
• a hardworking person you know
• the idea that if we don’t have enough leisure time, we can’t work effectively
• the suggestion that success in life comes from good luck rather than hard work.
Important people
Different people are important to us for different reasons.
• someone who is, or has been, important to you, and why
• a situation when you played an important role in someone’s life
• whether someone you have never met can be important to you
• the idea that friends can be more important to young people than their parents
• the suggestion that social media sites give too much importance to the wrong people.
Communication skills
People communicate with each other in different ways, such as speaking and writing.
• your favourite way of communicating with family and friends, and why
• the topics you like discussing with your family and friends, and why
• whether technology has improved the way people communicate with each other
• the idea that an image can say more than words
• the suggestion that, in the future, we will only communicate in writing.
Recycling plastic
Plastic is a big problem for the environment as it can’t all be recycled.
• the plastic items you use every day, and why
• whether you and people you know recycle plastic items, and how
• different ways people can reduce the amount of plastic they use
• whether people who don’t recycle should have to pay fines
• the idea that people’s activity has only negative effects on the natural environment.
Exploring our world
People of all ages enjoy exploring new places.
• a place you would like to explore, and why
• whether you would like to be an explorer
• how children explore the world around them
• the opinion that space exploration and underwater exploration are a waste of money
• the view that there are places in the world that tourists should never explore.
Modern life
The way we live has changed a lot over the last hundred years.
• a typical day for you and your family
• whether the teenage years were different for your parents and grandparents
• how modern technology has changed our lives
• the opinion that nowadays people are busier than in the past
• the view that modern lifestyles have a damaging effect on the natural environment.
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Jobs
Jobs such as a waiter, a builder or a teacher are popular job choices for many people.
• popular jobs in your country, and why people choose these jobs
• a job that you would like to have, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of working far away from home
• the opinion that some jobs are more important than other jobs
• the suggestion that, in the future, all jobs will be replaced by technology.
Your home
People’s homes are often important to them.
• your home and who lives there
• the things that make a perfect home, and why
• whether you think you will be living in the same home in ten years’ time, and why
• the view that studying at home is easier than studying at school
• the idea that governments should provide free homes for anyone who needs them.
Films
Watching films is a popular free time activity.
• types of films you enjoy watching, and why
• whether you prefer watching films in English or in your own language
• whether films from different countries help people understand other cultures
• the suggestion that popular films don’t reflect real life
• the view that, in the future, people will no longer watch films in cinemas.
Science fiction
Science fiction is the name we give to stories about the future, especially about space travel or life on
other planets.
• a science fiction book, film or television series that you like, and why
• whether you would enjoy travelling in space
• the view that science fiction stories are only for children
• the suggestion that science fiction makes young people more interested in science
• the idea that people prefer stories set in the present day to stories set in the future
Household chores
Cleaning the house, washing clothes and cooking are necessary jobs. We call them household chores.
• who does all the different household chores in your home, and why
• whether young people should help with the household chores, and why
• the disadvantages of not doing household chores regularly
• the view that there is no point in doing any household chores as they always need doing again
• the opinion that, in the future, we will have more free time because machines will do all the chores.
Cities and villages
Some people live in big cities and some live in small villages.
• whether you live in a city or a village, and what it’s like
• if it’s easier to make friends in a small village than in a big city
• the disadvantages of living in a small village
• the difficulties people may have after moving from a small village to a big city
• the view that, in the future, everyone will want to live in large cities.
Going abroad
Many people enjoy going abroad to visit other countries.
• a time when you, or someone you know, went abroad, and what happened
• whether you prefer visiting places in your own country or going abroad
• the advantages and disadvantages of travelling abroad alone
• the view that it is better to go somewhere new rather than always visit the same place
• the opinion that it isn’t necessary to visit a country to discover more about it
Travelling on foot
There are some places where cars can’t go so people have to go on foot.
• a place that you had to walk to, and what happened
• things we can do to make travelling on foot more fun
• the advantages and disadvantages of travelling on foot
• the view that cars should be banned from all cities
• the suggestion that, in the future, people will no longer need to walk anywhere
Staying connected
Staying connected to the internet by phone or by computer is very important to most people.
• ways you use the internet to contact friends and family, and why
• what you would do if you had to live without access to the internet
• whether being connected to many people on social media makes our lives better
• the opinion that everyone should have free access to the internet
• the view that internet providers should be allowed to share our personal details.
Exhibitions
Exhibitions in galleries and museums are a way of showing paintings, or other cultural objects, to
visitors.
• whether you enjoy going to exhibitions, and why
• objects you would like to see displayed in an exhibition, and why
• ways organisers can attract young people to exhibitions
• whether people should always pay to visit an exhibition
• the suggestion that, in the future, online exhibitions will make it unnecessary to visit galleries and
museums.
Practical skills
Being able to make or repair things is a useful practical skill.
• practical skills that you, or people you know, have
• things that people often repair, and why
• the advantages of being able to repair things
• whether it is better to have academic skills or practical skills
• the view that schools should teach practical skills like cooking or woodwork to all students.
Water activities
People use water for different activities, such as sport, travel or leisure
• a water sport you have done, or would like to try, and why
• places where people can do water activities, and what these places are like
• the challenges of doing water sports
• whether it is better for the environment to travel by boat or train
• the idea that, in the future, water will be our most precious natural resource.
How we behave
People behave in different ways in different situations.
• a situation when you behaved extremely well, and what happened
• whether teenagers behave differently from young children
• whether we should judge people by their behaviour
• the view that celebrities have the responsibility to behave well
• the suggestion that, in the future, we will have to change our behaviour to protect the environment.
Reviews
When someone writes a review, they give their opinion of something.
• whether you would like to write a review of your favourite film, book or game
• an occasion when you, or people you know, were influenced by a review
• whether we should always believe reviews
• the idea that people are more likely to give negative than positive reviews
• the suggestion that nowadays too many people share their opinions online
Machines
People use many different machines every day, such as washing machines, cars and computers.
• machines you and your family use every day
• a machine you think is difficult to use, and why
• whether buying a new machine is always a good idea
• the suggestion that the computer is the worst machine ever invented
• the opinion that our lives would be better without any machines.
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Feeling excited
Different things make us feel excited, happy and enthusiastic.
• an exciting event that you went to, and what happened
• different things that make people feel happy or excited
• reasons why people feel enthusiastic about going on holiday
• the view that young children get more excited about ordinary things than older people
• the idea that people need a lot of adventure and excitement in their lives to be happy.
Making arrangements
When we make an arrangement, we plan when and how we want something to happen.
• different arrangements you make with friends or family
• a time when you changed your plans, and what happened
• the difficulties people sometimes have when arranging a family party or a special celebration
• reasons why some people don’t like making arrangements
• the view that using technology helps people make arrangements to socialise.
Intelligent machines
Some machines and robots work in a similar way to humans.
• the types of work or jobs that machines can do
• whether you would like to have a robot in your home, and why
• reasons why a robot would make a good friend
• the view that, in the future, only robots will take care of young children and older people
• the idea that machines will never become more intelligent than humans.
Staying at home
More and more people work from home and some children are educated at home.
• how much time you spend at home each day, and what you do
• whether you would like to be educated at home, and why
• the types of jobs that are impossible to do from home, and why
• the view that the best holidays are spent at home
• the idea that all young people should leave home when they are 18 years old.
Spending money
People spend their money on many things, such as food, clothes or holidays.
• things that you, or people you know, spend money on
• the last time you spent some money, and why
• how you would spend a large sum of money to help your community
• the advantages and disadvantages of being able to buy things online at any time
• the view that it is better to spend money than to save money.
Enjoying art
Many people enjoy creating or looking at art, such as photographs, paintings or sculptures.
• pictures and posters you have in your house, and what they are like
• a time when you, or someone you know, went to an art exhibition, and what it was like
• the suggestion that everyone can become a successful artist
• the view that all art galleries and museums should be free to enter
• the opinion that famous paintings or sculptures are not worth the large sums of money paid for them.
Jewellery
Most people enjoy wearing jewellery, such as watches, earrings and necklaces.
• whether you, or people you know, enjoy wearing jewellery, and why
• other things people do to make themselves look good
• whether jewellery is an important part of special celebrations in your country
• the idea that people should spend their money on more useful things than jewellery
• the view that people only wear jewellery to show off their wealth.
Improving fitness
Fitness is how strong and healthy you are.
• what you do, or would like to do, to improve your fitness
• whether it is easy to keep fit in your local area
• reasons why some people nowadays are obsessed with keeping fit
• the suggestion that keeping fit should be compulsory for all people
• the view that, in the future, technology will help people improve their fitness.
Brothers and sisters
Many people have at least one brother or sister
• what you like, or would like, about having a brother or sister
• whether brothers and sisters can be good friends
• the advantages and disadvantages of having many brothers or sisters
• the view that being an only child makes you independent
• the idea that, in the future, we will all have a robot as a family member.
Getting up early
Some people find it difficult to get up early in the morning
• whether you, and people you know, enjoy getting up early, and why
• a time when you got up too late, and what happened
• jobs where people sometimes have to work at night and during the day, and why
• the view that school lessons should start later in the day
• the suggestion that sleep is a waste of time
Following fashion
Many teenagers are interested in fashion and want to have the latest clothes, hairstyles and music.
• some new clothes you got recently, and why
• whether your hairstyle and clothes have changed since you were a young child
• whether or not you listen to the same music as your friends, and why
• reasons why some people like to buy expensive clothes
• the suggestion that being fashionable is important for people of all ages.
Land or sea
Even though most of the planet is covered by sea, we spend more time on land.
• some fun activities you would like to do by the sea, or on the sea, and why
• whether you would prefer to live by the sea or far away from the sea, and why
• the challenges of exploring land and sea
• the suggestion that travelling on land is a better choice than sea travel
• the idea that it is more important to protect the seas than the land.
Group activities
Many activities, such as team games and class projects, are done with other people
• a group activity that you have done, or would like to do, and why
• whether you prefer to learn in a group or alone
• advantages and disadvantages of spending your free time in a large group
• the suggestion that technology makes it easier to take part in group activities
• the view that every group needs a leader
Always busy
Nowadays, many people have a lot of things to do in a very short time, which makes them very busy
• a time when you were very busy, and what happened
• whether you prefer to be very busy all the time, and why
• things that keep different people busy, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of parents being very busy
• whether busy people have the most interesting lives.
Working life
Most people spend a lot of time at work.
• a job you would like to do in the future, and why
• whether you would prefer to work on your own or as part of a team, and why
• the opinion that women are better at some jobs than men
• the idea that all students should have work experience before starting a paid job
• the suggestion that people in all jobs should be paid the same salary.
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Making a video
Nowadays, many people make videos on their mobile phones
• a time when you, or someone you know, made a video, and what happened
• events you would like to make a video about, and why
• whether you would choose a job making videos or films, and why
• the view that making videos for the public should only be done by experts
• the suggestion that photographs and videos can communicate more than words
Family and friends
People often have good relationships with their family and friends.
• what you and your friends enjoy doing together, and why
• a family member you have a good relationship with, and why
• how relationships with family and friends are different
• the advantages and disadvantages of being in a large family
• the suggestion that we can’t have a close connection with someone who lives far away.
Useful jobs
Some people think that being a nurse or a firefighter is more useful to society than other jobs.
• a time when you helped someone, and how it made you feel
• different jobs that you think are useful to society, and why
• whether you would like a job where you help people, and why
• the view that doing a useful job is more important than earning a lot of money
• the suggestion that, in the future, robots will do most jobs better than humans.
Making choices
People often have to make choices, such as what to wear or what to study
• some choices you make every day
• an important choice you, or someone you know, made recently, and what happened
• whether it is best to make choices on your own or with the help of others, and why
• the suggestion that the choices we make as young adults are the most important choices we make
• the view that having a lot of choice means we can’t make decisions easily.
Sport at school
Many young people around the world do sport as part of a school day
• a sport you do, or would like to do, at school, and what it is like
• the advantages and disadvantages of doing sport at school
• whether there should be sports competitions at schools, and why
• the idea that it is more enjoyable to play sport in a team than to play sport as an individual
• the suggestion that, in the future, everyone will only exercise using technology at home.
Being popular
A person or thing that is popular is liked by many people
• someone you know who is popular, and why
• a TV show or a game that is popular in your country, and why
• whether being popular is always a good thing
• the view that anything can become popular if it is advertised a lot
• the opinion that the most popular leaders are not always the best leaders.
A typical day
Many people do the same things every day.
• some activities you do every day, and whether you like doing these things
• how your typical day now is different from when you were a small child
• the advantages of doing the same things every day
• the view that the best thing about a holiday is not having a daily routine
• the opinion that people’s daily routines will change completely over the next hundred years.
International competitions
Most countries take part in international sports competitions such as the Olympic Games.
• a popular sport in your country, and whether you like it
• a time when you, or someone you know, watched an international sports event, and what happened
• the advantages and disadvantages of international sports competitions
• the view that all schools should have time for students to play sport during the day
• the suggestion that international sports stars are paid too much money.
Persuading others
We persuade people when we make them change what they believe or what they do.
• a time when you tried to persuade someone to do something, and what happened
• ways that companies try to persuade people to buy things
• reasons why people are not easily persuaded to change their opinions
• the view that the most important skill of a leader is to be able to persuade others
• the idea that using social media is the best way to persuade people to change.
Watching a screen
Most people spend some time every day looking at a screen, either on their phones, TVs or computers.
• the different types of screen you, or people you know, look at, and why
• a time when you spent a long time looking at a screen, and what you watched
• the advantages and disadvantages of watching films on smartphones
• the idea that children should spend as much time as they want looking at a screen
• the view that watching events, like concerts or football matches, on a screen is better than seeing
them in real life.
Being comfortable
Being comfortable is important for many people.
• some clothes you find comfortable, and what they are like
• how you would make your room or home more comfortable
• whether classrooms should be comfortable, and why
• the view that what something looks like is more important than how comfortable it is
• the idea that people always feel most comfortable with the people they know.
Shopping habits
Nowadays, many people shop online and then have their shopping delivered to their homes
• items people often buy online, and why
• a time when you went shopping with friends or family, and what happened
• reasons why people still enjoy going out shopping
• the advantages and disadvantages of items being delivered to your home
• the idea that, in the future, all shopping will be done online and cash will no longer exist.
Style
We like to look a certain way and this is known as our style
• how you like to dress and the style that you create
• someone’s style you admire, and why
• the suggestion that uniforms stop people from showing their own style
• the view that style is important only to young people
• the idea that everybody looks the same nowadays and nobody has their own style.
Personal belongings
Everyone has some personal belongings, such as a bag or a mobile phone.
• your favourite personal belongings, and what they are like
• whether you like to keep things for a long time or prefer to replace them
• the advantages and disadvantages of lending your personal belongings to others
• the view that other people judge us by our personal belongings
• the suggestion that people care more about their belongings than about other people.
Near or far
Some people live very close to their school or workplace, other people live further away.
• whether you live near your school, and what your journey is like
• a place close to your home that you like, and why you like it
• the disadvantages of travelling long distances
• the view that it is not possible to remain friends with people who move far away
• the idea that, in the future, all students will have all their lessons at home rather than travel to school.
Our planet
Planet Earth is an amazing place to live.
• an interesting place you would like to visit, and what you would like to do there
• how you, or people you know, like to discover things about our planet
• whether you would like a job that allows you to travel around the world, and why
• the view that young people are doing more than adults to help the environment
• the idea that humans will have to move to another planet in the future.
Walking
Some people walk every day while others only walk in their free time.
• places where you and people you know walk, and why
• how you would prepare for a long walk
• reasons why some people prefer not to walk
• the view that a walk in the city is more interesting than a walk in the countryside
• the idea that, in the future, we won’t need to walk anywhere.
Opinions
People give their opinions when they say what they think about something or someone
• a time when you were asked for your opinions, and what happened
• whether you and your friends have similar opinions
• whether it is easier to write what you think than to say it
• the suggestion that young people don’t have strong opinions on important topics
• the view that people should always listen to other people’s opinions.
Being busy
Sometimes people have a lot of things to do.
• times when you are busy, and what you do
• whether you like being busy, and why
• the advantages and disadvantages of having nothing to do
• the idea that people achieve better results if they work more slowly
• the view that working hard is more important than spending time with family and friends
Weekends
The weekend is the time when many schools are closed and most people don’t go to work.
• things that you, or people you know, like to do at the weekend
• what you did last weekend
• jobs where people have to work at weekends, and why
• the view that the weekend is the most important part of the week
• the opinion that people should be allowed to choose the days of the week when they have their
weekend break.
Asking for help
Sometimes it’s better to ask people for help instead of trying to do something on your own.
• a time when you helped someone, and what happened
• a person you always go to for help, and why
• whether you should only help someone if they ask for help
• the view that when one person helps another, it makes both people feel good
• the view that governments should always help the least fortunate people in society
Outdoor sports
Many people enjoy outdoor sports, such as sailing, cycling or horse riding.
• an outdoor sport you, or people you know, like to watch, and why
• outdoor sports you would like to try, and why
• whether outdoor sports have more benefits than indoor sports
• the view that people who do sport are better students or workers
• the opinion that, in the future, no sports will be played outdoors
Ways of listening to music
There are many ways of enjoying and listening to music, for example, live concerts, CDs or online.
• the different types of music you, and people you know, enjoy listening to, and why
• whether you prefer listening to music with other people, and why
• situations when music is not enjoyable
• the advantages and disadvantages of going to a live concert
• the view that people only enjoy listening to music from their own country.
A green lifestyle
When people live in an environmentally-friendly way, we say that they have a green lifestyle.
• a time when you, or someone you know, did something that was good for the environment
• things people do that damage the environment
• reasons why we should try to protect the environment
• the suggestion that for some people it is impossible to live in an environmentally-friendly way
• the view that saving the environment is the biggest challenge we face.
Goals
Our goals are the things we want to achieve.
• things you want to achieve over the next year
• a goal you have achieved, and how
• reasons why it is important to have goals
• the suggestion that we always need other people to help us achieve our goals
• the idea that people all over the world have similar goals
Differences
Differences are the ways in which things are not the same.
• how your life has changed as you’ve grown older
• ways that you are different from your family or friends
• reasons why people like visiting different places or countries
• whether it is good to talk to people of different ages and interests
• the view that the internet encourages differences of opinion.
Communities
A community is a group of people living in one area or having a common interest.
• what you know about people who live in your local area
• ways your local area could be improved for the community
• the advantages and disadvantages of being part of a community
• the view that all communities need a strong leader
• the idea that technology helps create a global community
Keeping fit
Many people exercise to keep fit.
• ways you, or people you know, keep fit
• someone you know who is not fit, and why
• whether it is more enjoyable to exercise on your own or play a team sport
• the view that electronic games can be used to help people keep fit
• the opinion that, in the future, it will be much harder to keep fit.
Theme parks
Theme or amusement parks have rides, games and other entertainment.
• a theme park you know about, and what it is like
• whether it is better to go to a theme park with family or friends
• reasons why theme parks are popular
• the view that a day in the countryside is more enjoyable than a day at a theme park
• the suggestion that building a theme park is always bad for the natural environment.
Art
There are different types of art, such as drawing, painting, music and dance.
• your favourite type of art, and why
• whether you would like a career as an artist, and why
• whether students should have to learn art at school
• the view that being creative is more important than being academic
• the suggestion that governments should make all types of art free for everybody.