1 Only governments and large companies can make a difference in environmental protection. Individuals can do nothing to improve the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

2 Some people think that the time and money spent on the protection of wild animals and plants should be spent on humans instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

3 The only way to improve safety on the road is to impose stricter punishment on driving offenders. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

4 Many people are afraid of leaving home because of crime. Some believe that more action should be taken to prevent crime, while others feel that little can be done. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

5 In countries where there is a high rate of unemployment, most students should only receive primary education. There is no point in offering secondary education to those who have no hope of finding a job. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

6 Team activities can teach students more life skills than activities that are performed alone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

7 Once children start school, teachers have more influence than parents on their intellectual and social development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

8 Many students find some subjects, such as mathematics and philosophy, too hard to learn. They think that these subjects should be optional rather than compulsory. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

9 Unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of secondary school education. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

10 Many people fail to achieve a balance between their work and other parts of their lives. What are the causes of this situation? How can they solve this problem?

11 With the increasing use of mobile phones and the Internet, fewer people write letters. Some people think that the traditional skill of letter writing will disappear completely. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

12 People living in large cities face many problems today. What are these problems? Should the government encourage people to live in rural areas or small towns?

13 Some people believe that air travel should be restricted because it causes serious pollution and uses up fuel resources in the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

14 News has no connection with most people's lives. It is a waste of time to read news in newspapers or watch news programmes on TV. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

15 International travel makes people more prejudiced rather than board-minded. Do you agree or disagree?

16 Some people think it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that people lead healthy lifestyles, play sports and eat well. Others, however, think that people should be free to choose their own lifestyles. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.