Contents
Question 11 The Internet: The Internet has
dramatically altered our lives over the past few decades. Although some of
these changes have been negative, the overall effect of this technology has
been positive.
What are your opinions on this?
Model Answer A: IELTS Band 5
There
are various different opinions on the
subject of the Internet. While some people might suggest that it has negatively affected our
lives and society, I personally believe that it has actually made the world a
much better place. In my opinion, there are two main benefits to this
technology.
Firstly, I am sure most people would agree that the Internet
has improved the way we communicate. Although spending too much time using the
Internet instead of talking to real people can cause social isolation, most of
us have benefited greatly from e-mail and internet chat programs like MSN
Messenger. There useful and powerful communication tools have made it much
faster, easier and cheaper to keep in touch with family and friends in other
countries (and also to do international business).
In addition to this, the Internet provides us with all of
the information in the world at work, school and home. In the past, research
involved spending many hours in the library. Now, however, the same information
is available online. Of course, not all of the material on the Internet is
offensive and some of it is dangerous – there is everything from pornography to
instructions on how to make bombs.
Nevertheless, I feel that this free movement and sharing of
information has generally been beneficial. To conclude, I once again restate my
view that the Internet has had a positive influence on modern life because of
its effects on both communication and the flow of information. (259 words)
Model Answer B: IELTS Band 7
The Internet has
brought significant changes to our lives in recent years. Yet, there remains
some disagreement as to whether the overall effect of this technology has been
positive or negative. While there are certainly valid arguments to the
contrary, I personally believe that the benefits of the Internet far outweigh
its drawbacks. These benefits are twofold.
First of all, it is an indisputable fact that the Internet
has revolutionized the way we communicate. Despite the risk of social isolation
– a problem occasionally seen in people who spend too much time at their
computer terminal rather than relating to people in the real world – most of us
have benefited greatly from e-mail and internet chat programs like MSN
Messenger. These incredibly useful and powerful tools of communication
facilitate both contact with loved ones in faraway places and global trade.
Equally importantly, though, the Internet has placed the
entire word (and all of the information in it) at our fingertips. In earlier
times, conducting research entailed long hours searching library shelves. Now,
however, the same information can be accessed at the click of a button.
Admittedly, not all of the information available on the Internet is reliable or
helpful – there is a vast amount of material online that some would consider
offensive or dangerous, ranging from pornography to instructions on how to make
bombs.
Nonetheless, I would contend that this free flow of
information has generally been a very positive development. By way of
conclusion, I once again reaffirm my position that the Internet has had a
positive impact on modern life because of its influence on communication and
the flow of information (272 words
Question 12 Fast Food: Fast food is now universally
in most countries and is becoming increasingly popular. Some feel that this is
a positive trend, while others do not. What are your opinions in this?
Model Answer A: IELTS Band 5+
There are various different perspectives on the issue of
fast food. Some people believe that this kind of food has a positive role to
play in the world because of its convenience and low cost; however, I would
argue that it is harmful both to the people who eat it and to society at large.
There are two main reasons for this
Firstly, it is a well-known fact that eating too much fast
food is extremely unhealthy. Foods such as fried chicken, hamburgers and chips
contain a great deal of fat and salt, which cause major health problems like
high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease, although I certainly agree that
fast food is both cheap and convenient, the illnesses it causes when we get
older are very expensive and it is the taxpayer who often has to pay for this
treatment
In addition to this, many fast food restaurants advertise to
children in order to influence their future eating habits. The McDonalds clown
is a good example of this kind of advertising. Ronald McDonald’s bright clothes
and smile are clearly designed to attract the attention of children, who then
push their parents to take them to McDonalds. I believe the restaurant does
this because it feels that children who grow up eating in McDonalds also
provides playgrounds and holds children’s birthday parties to get busy parents
through the door
In conclusion, I once again restate my view that fast food
has a negative effect on our lives because of the health programs it causes and
the way that fast food chains try to change the eating habits of children. (278
words
Model Answer B: Ielts Band 7+
The past 50 years have seen a dramatic increase in the
availability of fast food. Some laud its convenience and relatively low cost;
however, in this essay I intend to argue that this kind of food is detrimental
both to the individuals that consume it and to society at large. There are two
primary reasons for this.
First of all, it is an undeniable fact that consuming fast
food to excess results in serious health problems. Foods such as fried chicken,
hamburgers and chips – which are incredibly high in fat and salt are responsible
for such ailments as high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease. Moreover,
although I certainly agree that fast food is both affordable and convenient,
the cost and inconvenience of treating the illnesses it causes in later life
are significant. In other words, while fast food is beneficial in the short
term, its long-term effects are generally negative.
Further and even more importantly, though, some fast food
chains deliberately attempt to attract children in order to shape their future
eating habits. One particularly good example of this is the character Ronald
McDonald the bright clothes and smile of the McDonalds clown are a beacon to
children. Having grown up eating in McDonalds restaurants, people are likely to
continue eating there throughout their adult lives. It is also interesting to
note that McDonalds provides playgrounds and frequently holds children’s
birthday parties in order to attract young children and their parents.
By way of conclusion, I believe that fast food will continue
to become more popular as the pace of life increases. Given the health risks
associated with this trend, I believe that public education campaigns warning
people about the dangers of fast food would be warranted (288 words.
Question 13 International Tourism: International
tourism is now more common than ever before. Some feel that this is a positive
trend, while others do not. What are your opinions on this?
MODEL ANSWER a: IELTS band 5+
International tourism has increased considerably in the last
50 years. While this industry has certainly created a great deal of wealthy for
many destination countries, I believe that it has actually caused far more
problems than it has solved. The following are just two of the main
difficulties involved with international tourism.
One particularly serious issue is that international travel
has brought western problems to developing countries. Only wealthy people can
afford to travel overseas. As a result, increasing numbers of tourists from
rich( mostly western ) countries now holiday in poorer countries like Thailand
and Indonesia. In many of these places, this flood of tourists is closely
associated with such problems as prostitution, alcoholism and drug abuse.
Although international tourism can certainly bring people together and create
greater cross-cultural understanding, this will probably not happen while it is
still such a powerful sign of western power and lack of moral standards.
Even more worrying, however, is the damage that
international tourism has caused to the environment in many parts of the world.
Australia’s great Barrier Reef is an especially good example of this – large
areas of coral reef have been slowly destroyed by the thousands of boats, scuba
divers and snorkelers that have visited it over the years. Likewise, Bali’s
famous Kuta Beach is now often covered in litter from the crowds who go there.
In order to maintain such tourist attractions, I feel we must regulate
international tourism more carefully.
To conclude, it is clear that the difficulties created by
the growing international tourist trade are complicated and many. While they
are certainly not impossible to overcome, I believe these problems will
probably continue for some time. ( 278 words.)
Model Answer B : 7+
The past 50 years have seen a considerable increase in
global tourism. Despite the undeniable economic prosperity it has brought to
many host countries, I would argue that the overall impact of international
holiday making has in fact been negative. Two of the primary drawbacks associated
with this trend are as follows.
First of all, global tourism tends to export many negative
aspects of western culture. Since it is only the wealthy who can afford to
travel abroad, developing countries like Thailand and Indonesia have become the
playgrounds of tourists from more affluent ones. In many such nations, this
influx of mainly western tourists has brought with it problems such as
prostitution as well as alcoholism and drug abuse. Admittedly, international
tourism does have the potential to foster greater understanding and tolerance
between people of different cultures. However, this is unlikely to occur while
it remains such a potent symbol of western cultural domination and moral
decadence.
Even more disturbing, though, is the environmental
degradation that international tourism has caused in many parts of the world.
One particularly salient example of this is Great Barrier Reef in Australia –
the countless boats, divers and snorkellers that have visited the reef over the
past few decades have gradually destroyed vast sections of coral. Similarly,
world renowned Kuta Beach in Bali has become heavily polluted in recent years.
In order to be sustainable, greater regulation of global tourism is required.
In conclusion, the challenges presented by the booming
international tourist industry are numerous and complex. Although they are by
no means insurmountable, it is highly unlikely that they will be resolved in
the foreseeable future. (272 words
QUESTION 14 IMMIGRATION: Nowadays, more people are
migrating to other countries than ever before. In order to become integrated
into society in their adopted countries, immigrants should abandon their old
ways and adapt to local customs and codes of behavior. Do you agree or
disagree?
Model Answer A: IELTS Band 5+
There are a variety of different opinions on whether or not
immigrants should change their behavior to fit in with their new country.
Although some people would no doubt disagree, I personally believe that
newcomers should indeed try to adapt. In my view, this means following both the
written laws and social customs of their adopted country. There are two primary
reasons for this.
Firstly, it is obvious that society would not function
properly if newcomers did not obey the law. One particularly good example of
this is road rules – image what would happen if people refused to drive on the
same side of the road. Thus, it is necessary for immigrants to make sure that
they obey the law in their new country even if laws in their home country are
different. Two other examples of things which are allowed in some countries but
illegal in others are owning a gun and gambling.
Secondly, it is important to remember that societies are
built on shared values. The social rules of a country are the glues that keep
it together, so immigrants must respect them. Certainly, having many different
cultures makes a country more interesting; however, I would argue that too much
difference weakens a society by making people feel that they do not belong
there. I believe that similarities between people bring them together, while
their differences pull them apart. A healthy society is a society with strong
sense of unity.
In conclusion, I once again restate my belief that new
immigrants to a country must try to adjust to local rules of behavior. As the
old saying goes: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” (280 words)
Model Answer B: IELTS Band 7+
These days, it seems that more people are migrating to other
countries than ever before. This raise certain question about the integration
of newcomers into society. Although there are valid arguments to the contrary,
in this paper I will argue that it is the responsibility of immigrants to adapt
to accepted rules of behavior in their adopted country, both written and
unwritten. The reasons for this are twofold.
Firstly, it is vitally important that newcomers observe the
laws of their adopted country for the sake of social order. Imagine the chaos
that would ensure if people refused to drive on the same side of the road. It
is, therefore, necessary for all-immigrants to ensure that they observe the law
in their new country regardless of any differences to laws in their home
country. Two further instances of practices which are permitted in some
countries but prohibited in others are the possession of firearms and gambling.
Secondly and more importantly, though, in order to maintain
societal cohesion it is essential that newcomers respect the social norms of
their adopted country. Of course, having a mixture of different cultures and
traditions gives a country color and vibrancy; however, I would contend that
too much cultural diversity undermines a society by alienating people from each
other. It is my belief that similarities unite people, whereas differences have
a tendency to divide. A strong society is a homogenous society with shared
values and goals.
By way of conclusion, I believe that this issue is likely to
become even more important in the future as border between countries become
increasingly blurred. It, therefore, demands out further consideration. (273
words
QUESTION 15
Jobs and Gender: Men and women are different in terms of their characteristics
and abilities. For this reason, some jobs are better done by men and others by
women. Do you agree or disagree?
Model Answer A: IELTS Band 5+
There are a variety of different perspectives on the question
of whether or not men and women are equally good at all jobs. Although many
people still believe that some kinds of work should only be done by females and
other kinds by males, it is my argument that both men and women are able to do
any job well. There are two main reason for this.
Firstly, I would argue that traditional ideas about men and
women are not always right. It is certainly true that there are characteristics
that are typically male and others which are typically female; however, not everybody
is typical. Not every woman is physically weak, in the same way that not every
man is a poor communicator – traditional gender roles do not fit everybody. A
man who wants to do a job normally performed by women or a woman who wants to
work in a male – dominated industry should be given the chance to demonstrate
his/ her ability.
Furthermore, I feel that having both male and female
employees in a workplace creates a sense of balance. The two sexes often,
though certainly not always, do things differently. Instead of seeing these
differences as weaknesses, I believe that we should view them as chances to
find new ways of doing things and thus improve the way we work. Therefore, a
person’s weak point can be turned into strengths.
To conclude, for the reasons stated above I maintain that
men and women can do any job equally well and that a person’s individual
ability is far more important than their sex in this regard. (266 words)
Model Answer A: IELTS Band 7+
These days, it seems that more women are entering “male
occupations” than ever before and vice versa. While some still hold to the
conservative view that certain jobs are better performed by men and others by
women, it is my personal belief that people of their sex are capable of doing
any job effectively. The reasons for my position are as follows.
First of all, I believe it is a mistake to base our views on
broad generalisations about the characteristics of men and women as such
stereotypes are often inaccurate. Although there are certainly traits which are
typical of men and others which are typical of women, there are exceptions to
every rule. Not all women are physically weak, just as not all men are poor
interpersonal communicators; conventional gender roles are not appropriate for
everybody. If a man and woman desires to pursue a career which is traditionally
reserved for the opposite sex, I believe he/ she should be provided the
opportunity to prove him/ herself capable. Secondly, I would contend that the
presence of both males and females in a workplace brings a sense of balance.
Men and women frequently, though by no means always, have different methods of
doing things. Rather than judging these differences to be weakness, I feel that
we should view them as opportunities for innovation and the discovery of more
effective and efficient work practices. A person’s weakness can thus be
transformed into strengths.
In summary, I once again reaffirm my position that both male
and female employees are an asset to any industry and as our stereotypes about
men and women are not always appropriate, we must not discourage anyone from
choosing an occupation simply because of his/ her gender. (285 words
Question 16 Cigarette Smoking: Smoking is a major
cause of serious illness and death throughout the world today. In the interest
of the public heath, governments should ban cigarettes and other tobacco
products.Do you agree or disagree?
There are range of different views on the question of
whether tobacco should be banned or not. Some people would argue that smoking
is a personal choice and that introducing laws to prevent people form smoking
would be repressive. However, I feel that tobacco should indeed be made
illegal. There are two main reasons for this.
----Firstly, it is
important to remember that tobacco is actually a drug. Most countries around
the world have strict laws against selling or using recreational drugs.
Therefore, if governments want to consistent in the way they handle the problem
of drug abuse, I believe they must ban tobacco as well. This is especially true
considering the fact that many drugs which are now illegal, such heroin and
marijuana, could be used by doctors to treat various real medical problems.
-----On the other hand, tobacco is useless. Further and even
more importantly, though, smoking should be banned for the sake of public
health. It is a proven fact that smoking causes serious illnesses, such as lung
cancer and heart disease. Although cigarette companies and pro-smoking groups
may claim that people have the right to decide what to put into their own
bodies, I would argue that the rights of society are more important than those
of the individual. The medical treatment smokers need when they get sick is
often very expensive , and it is usually governments and society who pay the
bill. Thus, I believe that anti-smoking laws would be a good idea.
To conclude, although
governments will probably not ban tobacco in the near future, I feel this
should be the long-term goal as there are few habits as pointless and
destructive as smoking
(283 word)
There are widely differing views on the issue of whether
tobacco should be banned or not. Some people would suggest that it is their
right to smoke and that prohibiting cigarettes would be a violation of their
civil liberties; however, I personally believe that tobacco should indeed be
made illegal. There are two principal reasons for this.
One point which I believe to be absolutely pivotal is the
fact that tobacco is a drug. The majority of governments around the world take
a prohibitionist approach to the problem of substance abuse. If the governments
wish to be consistent in pursuing their “war on drug”, therefore, I believe
they must ban tobacco as well. This is particularly so given the fact that many
currently illicit drugs – including heroin and marijuana - have legitimate
medical applications, while tobacco has none.
However, perhaps the strongest argument in favour of banning
cigarettes and other tobacco products is that of public health. It is
irrefutable fact that smoking leads to lung cancer and other such potentially
fatal diseases. Pro-smoking groups would no doubt argue that each individual
has the right to determine what goes into his/her own body. Nevertheless, I
would suggest that the interests and rights of society at large must override
those of the individual. The medical treatment that smokers require is often
incredibly costly, and it is frequently governments and society that cover
these costs rather than the individual smoker. Hence, I feel laws prohibiting
smoking would be entirely justified.
In reality, of course, the widespread prohibition of smoking
is unlikely in the near future. However, given the seriousness of the problems
that it causes, I believe that this should be the ultimate goal. (282 word)
Question 17 Endangered Species: Trying to save
endangered animal species from extinction is a waste of valuable resources. Do
you agree or disagree?
The question of whether nor not we should try to save
endangered species is definitely a controversial one. Although some people
argue that these animals are not useful and we should let them die in the same
way that many others (like the dinosaurs ) have die out before, I personally
believe that endangered species are actually worth saving. There tow main
reasons for this.
First of all, it is important for us to recognise the key
role that endangered species play in nature. The environment is made is for fragile
ecosystems, where plans and animals all rely on one another to survive. If one
animal disappear or a new one is introduced, it upsets the balance of nature
and affects other animals above and below it tin the food chain by changing the
environment that they live in. These changes often come back to affect us in
ways that we do not expect. In the same way that rabbits introduced Australia
by the British now eat the plants that many native animals need to live and
ruin farmer’s crops, the extinction of a predatory animal would allow its prey
to reproduce out of control and would probably cause plagues. Thus, because
environment change is actually a danger to us, we clearly have an interest in
saving endangered species.
======However, maybe the strongest argument for saving
endangered species is that all life is valuable in and of itself. Even of these
animals do not have any practical use, they should still be saved. Furthermore,
because human activity has destroyed the natural living environment of many
endangered species, we should do the best we can to save them.
To conclude, i feel that endangered animal are indeed worth
saving. They not only their own value, but the balance of nature would be
disturbed if that died out. ( 311 word)
The issue of whether we should attempt to save endangered
species from extinction or not is certainly a contentious one. Despite the
arguments of some people that such animals serve no useful purpose and should
be allowed to die out just as many others ( including the dinosaurs ) have in
the past, it is my personal belief that they should in fact be preserved. Two
of the principal reasons for this are as follows.
====Firstly, it is vital that we appreciate the importance
of endangered species on maintaining the balance of nature. Ecosystems are
delicate arrangements where plants and animals all depend on each other for
survival. The disappearance or introduction of any animal species disrupts the
balance and negatively impacts upon other plants and animals by breaking the
food chain and altering the habitat in which they live. Such imbalances
frequently returns to haunt us in unexpected ways. Just as rabbits that were
introduced to Australia soon after European settlement now compete with native
species for food and destroy farmer’s crops, the extinction of a predator can
cause plagues by following its prey to multiply unchecked. Therefore, since
ecological change constitutes a potential risk to us and our environment, it is
clearly in our own interest to protect endangered species.
====Yet, perhaps the strongest argument in favour of
preserving endangered species is that all life has intrinsic value; even if
endangered species are not useful to us in any practical way they should be
preserved nevertheless. Further, given that humans are responsible for
destroying the natural habitat of many endangered animals, we should make every
possible effort to save them. In conclusion, i once again restate any view that
saving endangered species is worthwhile. Not only do they help to maintain
balance of nature, but they also have value in and if themselves. ( 305 words
Discuss : Causes and effects / and Solutions:
Question 18 Rural depopulation: These days, it seems that an increasing number
of people are leaving rural areas to live in the city. Discuss some of the
effects of rural depopulation (migration from the country to the city ) and
suggest some ways on which this trend could be reversed.
Rural depopulation is a very important issue in many parts
of the world today. In this essay, I will discuss some of the main effects of
this problem and also offer some possible solutions to it.
Firstly, it is clear that migration away from the country
negatively affects life in the city. Serious environmental and social problems
often occur when cities become overcrowded. Problems such as air, water and
noise pollution are increasing common in urban areas around the world because
there are simply too many people living there. Pollution can make city life
very uncomfortable indeed and can even cause illness. Beijing is a very good
example of this. Overcrowding in cities can also lead high unemployment
(especially in poorer parts of the world) and crime.
In order to prevent people from moving away from the country
and reduce the size of cities, I feel we make country life more attractive. In
my view, the best way of doing this would be to improve services in the
country. One of the main reasons that so many people have left the country is
that facilities like shopping centres, cinemas, swimming pools, restaurants,
libraries, schools and hospitals are generally batter in the city. If such
facilities were available in the country, more people would choose to live
there. Another effective solution would be for the government to subsidies
businesses and workers who move the country.
In conclusion, I believe we must all recognise how serious
this problem is. For the sake of the environment and our own quality of life it
is vital that we preserve rural communities. ( 271 word
While country towns were once vibrant and growing places,
these days many appear to be dying as people move to the city in search of work
and excitement. In this essay, I intend to discuss the impact of this problem
as well as how more people could be encouraged to live in the rural areas.
===Surprisingly, the most serious consequences of rural
depopulation are often felt in urban areas. As a result of overcrowding, cities
throughout the word today are increasing prone to environment problems like
air, water and noise pollution. Beijing is a particularly good example of this.
Further, the uncontrolled growth of cities also gives rise to social problems
such as high unemployment, crime and in less affluent countries, the creation
of slums. Clearly, there is a limit to how many people can live in one area
before living standards are negatively influenced.
=== In order to stem the tide of rural depopulation, I
believe we must first address its root causes. At the heart of the matter is
the disparity between services and facilities in the country and those in the
city. I firmly believe that urban and rural dwellers alike would find the idea
of country life far more appealing if high quality shopping centres, cinemas,
swimming pools, restaurants, libraries, schools and hospitals were more readily
available in the country. One further method of attracting people to the
country would be for government to provide financial incentives to business and
professional workers who willingly relocate to rural areas.
====In reality, this problem is unlikely to be resolved in
the short term. However, it is by no means insurmountable, and I am convinced
that more people will choose the country as city life becomes less comfortable
and more expensive. ( 291 word
Question 19 Distance within Modern Families: With
divorce rates and family breakdowns increasing globally, it is generally
accepted that families today are not as close as they used to be. Discuss the
causes of this problem and offer some possible solutions to it.
Lack of communication and closeness between family members
is a vitally important issue in many societies today. In this essay, I will
firstly discuss the causes of this problem and then offer some possible
solutions to it.
====In my view, the primary cause of this problem is the
modern lifestyle. Most parents today work much harder than ever before. In the
past, one parent – usually the mother – stayed at home to take care of the
children. In recent times, however, it has become increasingly common for both
parents to work. As a result, more and more children now grow up with neither
parent at home. It is unsurprising, then, that families are no longer as close
as they once were. One other factor adding to this problem is that people today
spend too much time on solitary activities like watching television.
==In order to overcome this problem and make families
closer, people’s lifestyle must change. I feel more parents should stay at home
and take care their children. Perhaps governments could subsidise parents who
choose to look after their families rather than working. Of course, these
subsidise would probably not fully cover the income a family would reduce the
financial pain of surviving on one income and afford to do so. Another positive
step would be to promote active pastimes through public education programmes.
====To conclude, while it is improbable that any solution
will be found in the near future, I feel that the abovementioned measures would
be a good first step. (280 word Divorce
and family breakdown were virtually unheard of just 100 years ago. Now,
however, almost half of all marriages fail. This phenomenon is symptomatic of
the growing distance between family members in modern society. In this essay, I
intend to explore the sources of this problem along with some possible
solutions to it.
=====Chief among the causes of this problem is the modern
lifestyle. Today’s parents have to work harder than those of previous
generations to support their families. Traditionally, one parent assumed the
role of breadwinner, while the other – typically the mother – acted as the
homemaker. Recently, though, double income families have become the norm.
Consequently, an increasing number of children now grow up in a parentless
environment. Little wonder, then, that they feel alienated. Another
contributing factor is the passive and solitary nature of many modern forms of
entertainment.
====== In order to resolve this sense of alienation within
families, I believe we must first address its root causes. Perhaps the most
effective method of doing this would be for governments to offer financial
incentives to parents who choose to remain at home and take care of their
families. Admittedly, such incentives would probably not fully compensate
couples for lost income; however, they would at least soften the hardship of
living on a single income and provide an alternative for parents who would
rather remain at home but are unable to do so because of financial constraints.
One further measure would be to promote more interactive leisure activities in the
community through public education campaigns. In conclusion, I believe that
this is clearly a problem of such complexity that no solution is likely in the
short term. However, I believe that the measures outlined above would
constitute a good first step. (292 word
Question 20 Declining Educational Standards: Many
people believe that educational standards have declined in recent times,
particularly in the areas of literacy and numeracy. Discuss the causes of this
problem and offer some possible solutions to it
This issue of falling educational standards is of great
importance in the world today. In this essay, I will briefly discuss some of
the main causes of this problem and also offer some possible solutions to it.
In my view, one of the main reasons for poor quality
education is that school students are not disciplined properly. In the past,
teachers could smack or cane children who misbehaved. Now, however, this kind
of punishment is not allowed and many teachers are losing control of their
students as a result. If student do not listen, teachers cannot teach and
learning becomes impossible. Clearly, discipline must be restored if we are to
improve educational standards. Of course, there are many other ways to discipline
children; however, I would argue that physical punishment is still the most
effective method.
====Another reason for poor reading, writing and
mathematical skills among students today is that many schools waste too much
time teaching “soft” subjects like music, art and drama. These subjects are
certainly interesting. However, they tend to distract students from more
important subjects like mathematics and English. The more time a student spends
learning how to paint, the less time they spend learning how to read. Thus, in
order to improve basic literacy and numeracy, I would argue that schools should
focus their attention on core subjects.
======In conclusion, this is such a complex problem that I
don’t believe any real solution will be found in the near future. However, I am
convinced that the steps mentioned above would be helpful. (258 word There is a widely held perception in many parts
of the world today that educational standards are in decline. In the following
essay, I aim to identify the sources of this problem as well as some viable
solutions to it.
====From my perspective, one of the most significant
obstacles to learning in schools today is lack of discipline. While the
teachers of previous generations were able to maintain order through the use of
corporal punishment, such methods are no longer permitted. This has left many
teachers powerless to control unruly students. The resultant misbehaviour and
inattention on the part of students seriously undermines the learning process.
If educational standards are to be raised, therefore, it is crucial that
classroom discipline be restored. Admittedly, there are numerous alternatives
to corporal punishment, which is frowned upon by many these days. Nonetheless,
I remain firmly convinced that physical forms of punishment are often the most
effective method of behaviour management.
======Another major contributing factor in the sub-standard
academic achievement of today’s students is the undue attention that many
schools give to “soft” subjects like music, art and drama. Interesting though
they may be, these subjects simply serve to distract students from more
important and practical subjects like mathematics and English. The more time a
student spends learning how to paint, for instance, the less time they spend
learning how to read. In order to improve educational outcomes, therefore, we
must ensure that core subjects are not neglected.
======In reality, of course, this is a vast
oversimplification of the issue. Solutions such as the reintroduction of
corporal punishment would be problematic in themselves. However, I believe that
the hard way is sometimes the best way. (281 words
Popular events like the Football World Cup and other
international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tension
and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.
Every four years, the whole world stops to watch
international sporting events such as the Olympics and the Football World Cup
in which athletes show their best performance to make their country proud.
These sporting occasions have proved to be helpful in easing international
tension in difficult times when powerful leaders were trying to control the
world’s economy and other governments were fighting over the land.
The Olympic Games are one of the best examples which prove
how sporting events can bring nations together, at least temporarily. From the
ancient History, when Greeks and Romans would interrupt battles to participate
in the games, to the more recent international disputes, when athletes from
Palestine and Israel would forget their differences, compete peacefully and
even embrace each other after an event. Moreover, these popular events have
called the world’s attention to the terrible consequences of wars; thus some
leaders have tried to reach agreements to end their disputes and live
peacefully.
Similarly, international sporting events show benefits in
some developing countries which live in a daily internal civil war. For
example, Brazil has a high rate of unemployment, lack of education, hunger,
crime, poverty and corruption which leads to an immense embarrassment of being
Brazilian and a low self-esteem. However, when the Football World Cup starts,
the Brazilian squad, which is considered the best team in the world, provokes
an amazing feeling of pride in their country. Most people seem to forget all
their problems and even the criminal activity decreases. They paint roads with
the national colors, wear the Brazilian team shirts and buy national flags.
Moreover, the competition brings families and neighbors together and even rival
gangs watch the games and celebrate peacefully.
In conclusion, popular sporting events play an important
role in decreasing international tensions and liberating patriotic feelings as
history has shown.
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