1. Many countries aim to improve their living standard by economic development, but some important social values are lost as a result.
Do you think the advantages of economic development outweigh the disadvantages?
2. In many countries women no longer feel the need to get married. Some people believe that this is because women are able to earn their own income and therefore do not require the financial security that marriage can bring.
To what extent do you agree?
3. Most societies have homeless people. Some people think that the best way to help them is to give them money.
To what extent do you agree?
4. More developing countries are given aid from international organisations to help them in their development plans. Some people argue that financial aid is important but others suggest that practical aid and advice are more important.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
5. Globalisation has both advantages and disadvantages.
Discuss both and give your opinion.
6. In many countries, people are moving away from rural areas and towards urban areas.
Why do you think that is?
What problems can this cause?
7. With the development of modern society is the loss of traditional ways of life.
Is it important to keep our traditional ways of life?
How can this be achieved?
8. Every culture, throughout time, has recorded its history in one way or another.
In what ways can history be passed on to the next generation?
Why is history important to society?
9. All societies have their own music and art.
In what way are music and art important for society and for the individual?
10. The population of most cities is growing as people move to cities to find work and new opportunities.
What problems does overpopulation in cities cause?
How can these problems be solved?
11. In many cities there is a lack of space to develop and as a result, in order to modernise, old buildings are demolished and replaced with new buildings.
Do you think this is a positive development?
12. Some people think that a life is good for people while others believe that constant change can be too demanding on people.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
13. It is sometimes thought that people who travel outside of their own country are more tolerant and understanding of others.
To what extent do you agree?
14. Every year several languages die out. Some people think that it is not important because life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the world.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
15. It is becoming increasingly popular for people to travel to tourist destinations during public holidays.
What problems does this cause?
What solutions are there to these problems?
16. Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not the real needs of the society in which they are sold.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
17. Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behaviour. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
18. At present the media affects people’s lives significantly.
What impact does this have on society? Is it a negative or positive development?
19. Young people say that traveling to different countries benefits them and society.
Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion.
20. These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work.
What are the main reasons for this? Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
21. Immigration has a major impact on the society.
What are the main reasons of immigration?
To what consequences can it lead?
22. In many countries the proportion of older people is steadily increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.
23. Some believe that people should not continue to work once they reach the age of retirement. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your experience.
24. Nowadays families move to different countries for work. Some people think it has a negative effect on children, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
25. Childcare training courses should be mandatory for all parents. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion and include relevant examples.
26. Women and men are commonly seen as having different strengths and weaknesses.
Is it right to exclude males or females from certain professions because of their gender?
27. Nowadays the way people interact with each other has changed because of technology.
In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships people make?
Has this become a positive or negative development?
28. Multinational companies are becoming increasingly common in developing countries.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
29. Some people think paying taxes is a big enough contribution to their society, while others think people have more responsibilities as members of society than only paying taxes.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
30. Some people want the government to spend money on researching life on other planets. Others, however, think it is a waste of public funds and there are too many problems on our own planet to be fixed first.
Discuss both views and give you own opinion.