Topic 1: Some students like to take distance-learning courses by computer.

Other students prefer to study in traditional classroom settings with a

teacher. Discuss both views and state your opinion.

Within a few years, online learning has been widely adopted by not only
educational institutions but also students, who have shown their preference for this kind
of course rather than traditional classes. However, there are still other students
advocating classes with teachers giving lectures directly. From my point of view, I am
inclined to be on the side of the former view and am going to suggest several useful ways
for students to organize their timetable.

When it comes to conventional classrooms, no one could neglect that they

provide students with the noticeable benefit of social interactions, which occur among
students themselves, their fellows, and teachers. Class attendance has long been
acknowledged for not only students’ academic acquisition but also for creating a small
community, where relationships are formed and growing to help develop social skills,
which are essential for students’ future. Additionally, a teacher always sets them as
examples when taking charge of a class, so he or she exerts a certain influence on the
psychological and cognitive development of students. Learning how to communicate, to
behave from people around is undeniably an advantage of traditional classes.

However, distance learning offers learners autonomy in their study. The first
reason is that a multitude of online lessons are available at any time to cater for self-
learners. Accordingly, revisions can be done by them arranged at their own pace. The
performance thereby can be improved in that lessons are learned when students feel
willing to absorb them. The more interest they take in studying from scratch, the more
effectively they will work. Secondly, technological developments have made enormous
contributions to education, so that applications in teaching and syllabus have grown
more and more practical and synchronized with actual classes. For example, they can
conduct teamwork, presentations, discussions, etc., … on various online platforms, or
moreover, keep records of learner’s progress. Therefore, to some extent, distance-
courses might be the most sought-after studying methods, because of their resemblance
with traditional classes, while empowering learners with time management and
flexibility as well.

In conclusion, both sides have their own strengths, but personally, I approve that
the distance-learning course is a clever choice for students, on account of the autonomy
and practicalities it gives to learners.
Topic 2: Some people think that the only purpose of working hard is to earn
money. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Money has been believed to be the sole reason for working hard. Although it is
crucial that people strive to earn money that could help them satisfy their basic needs, as
the society has become more civilized and people have escaped from struggles with food,
shelter, their wishes in hard work not only lie in the need for money but for spiritual
fulfillment as well. From my perspective, I am partially in favor of the given statement.

Initially, people are making strenuous attempts to have qualifications and to find
a suitable, rewarding jobs serves the purpose of earning money. As a matter of fact,
human’s needs are orderly categorized into five major ones: physical needs, safety, love
and belonging, esteem and self-actualization. This hierarchy of needs indicates that once
people fulfill their first need – physicality, the next in the order comes in the condition
that the former has already been satisfied and becomes the need people continue to
meet. In modern society, working is the only tool providing humans money and helping
them secure their survival and well-being before searching for higher ideal needs.
Therefore, the most fundamental objective of hard work is to earn money for
materialistic life.

However, regarding the nowadays civilized and developed society, people’s wants
for working have grown out of money and shifted towards the satisfaction of their
mental lives. Striving to find a place in people’s career and pursuing their dream jobs no
longer derives from their needs for money, but from their hopes to fulfill their passions,
gain more experiences and insights. People in the 21 st century devote their time and
efforts to work in order to make memorable contributions to society rather than for the
sake of themselves. Accordingly, money is not the only purpose of every attempt in the
modern world.

In conclusion, although there is no denying that working for a living is the

primary duty people need to accomplish, it is because of social movement that people
have internalized their goals for work is to achieve a desirable mental life and to do a
service to the community.
Topic 3: Some people think that all teenagers should be required to do
unpaid work in their free time to help the local community. They believe
this would benefit both the individual teenager and society as a whole. Do
you agree or disagree?

There are plenty of views supporting that unpaid work in helping the local
community should be made compulsory for all teenagers, because it is believed to do a
service to not only the society but also individual teenagers. However, I strongly
disapprove that the young are forced to do voluntary work since it will lead to
unfavorable consequences on teenagers and society as a whole.

Initially, that doing unpaid work is a requirement for the under 20-year
youngsters should be considered an unnecessary burden for themselves. The heavy
school workload has been always a pressure to those who are studying at primary and
secondary schools. Therefore, the amount of their free time should be spent on leisure
activities or work of their interests. Another reason accompanying this point is that if
teenagers are forced to fulfill unpaid jobs that they are not willing to, it might have a
counterproductive effect on them. Instead of utilizing their time at their will, being
required to do voluntary work, either accidentally or intentionally, pressurizes
communal responsibility and causes a burden on their mindset development. As a
result, although teenagers accomplish the unpaid work, they will not acquire the
satisfaction or even deem it a superfluity of time.

When it comes to benefits to society, there is no denying that when a social

requirement is not met by the young with their respect, it is deficient to the growth of
society. Considering doing voluntary work being made mandatory, this is by all means
opposed to the nature of charity, which is supposed to be conducted with people’s will
and freedom. In the case of under 20-year youngsters, if they are made to do volunteer
work, society will then damage its own image of an egalitarian and free one. Therefore,
the fact that all teenagers are forced to do unpaid work in their free time does society
more harm than good.

Admittedly, I am against the idea of making voluntary work compulsory for

school-aged youngsters on account of its disservice to both individual teenagers and
society. In my opinion, youngsters should be encouraged to pursue what they are eager
at, especially voluntary work.
Topic 4: Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to
work for a company. Why might this be the case? What could be the
disadvantages?
The trend towards self-employment is growing more and more common, in
which people would opt for working as a self-paid employee rather than as a company’
employee. Some major factors have led to this situation and possible challenges are
believed to be detrimental to individuals themselves.

Initially, recent economic dynamics and personal benefits are key contributors to
the growth of self-employment. As the matter of fact, as the world has become
increasingly globalized, demands in every aspect of lives are parallelly rising in varieties.
This drives goods and services supplies to multiply and expand greatly. Accordingly,
numerous new business models and startups have been created to meet the needs of the
ever-changing world. Moreover, that innovations and distinctive ideas are highly
encouraged more than ever is unprecedented; thus, self-working patterns beneficial to
the community are always praised in the modern era. Another reason for this case lies in
the merits of self-employment to people. Because they run the business of their own and
at their own pace, flexibility is an obvious strong point of this trend. Additionally,
building a product from scratch until they finally achieve rosy results provides people
with a much more valuable experience than being hired by a company.

Considering a different angle of this movement, self-employment has some

disadvantages as follows. Firstly, establishing a job, maintaining, and developing it on
one’s own are time-consuming. When compared to a permanent post in a company,
people choosing to be self-employed are seen to devote more time and effort into their
jobs in order that their lives and work would operate steadily and effectively even in
hard times. Secondly, self-employment embraces higher risks of failure. It is undeniable
that small and young businesses have not gained enough compound to tackle
problematic crises and they will not be sufficient financially to survive if conquering
harshness in the beginning phase. As a result, there is a high likelihood that several
individuals might become economically dependent on their families and society.

In conclusion, economic revolutions and the significant advantages of self-

employment are a casual driver for this trend’s promotion. However, the demerits of
this trend should not be neglected when people decide to take ventures.
Topic 5: In some countries, young people have become richer, healthier,
and live longer, but they are less happy. What are the causes? What can be
done to address this situation?

It is noticed that the young in contemporary times are more efficient, physically
stronger, and more economically sufficient. However, this does not align with their
mental life success because they are said to be less happy than ever. Although there are
several reasons for this phenomenon, a few methods would be suggested to be helpful to
alleviate it.
Granted, the non-stop economic development has resulted in this situation. A
higher demand from the job market, which is in need of skilled and proficient workers,
has forced young people to strive much harder to compete for their desired position.
This at the same time accounts for today's generation mostly becoming wealthier,
healthier, and living longer. In times of stiffly rising living standards, it is advisable that
youngsters equip themselves with knowledge and suitable skills to secure them a
rewarding job, which then canvas for their life, otherwise, they might lead their lives in
misery and struggles. For these points mentioned, it is thinkable that young people lack
time spent on relationships, which are sources of motivation and happiness. Due to the
regimented schedule, little amount of time would be used to nurture the connection
with family and close friends. Therefore, despite a successful individual and material
life, young people tend to be mentally unhappy.
To address the harshness the young suffer, both youngsters and businesses
should take some measures to mitigate it. On the individual level, each worker under the
age of 30 needs to project positive attitudes towards attempts he or she has made and to
be aware of the integrality of knitted relationships. A come-what-may spirit over life
would do them good in that they have already understood a material and solitude life
cannot be their happiness. Allowing themselves to enjoy some pauses regardless of
heavy workload and having a conversation with loved ones are certain to revitalize one’s
mood and strengthen one’s relationships. On the business level, workplaces should be
facilitated with green trees, sports equipment, or perhaps music to boost workers’
energy levels, therefore, minimizing the stress that young officers would suffer and
creating a happy environment within the office.
In conclusion, the pressure from work and dynamic economic development has
left youngsters deprived of family and friend interactions, which leads to an unhappy
life. Notwithstanding, if individuals and businesses pay attention to young workers’
mental life with an open attitude and some helpful arrangements, this situation is
believed to be less serious

Topic 6: Everyone should become vegetarian because they do not need to

eat meat to have a healthy diet. Do you agree or disagree?
 It is argued that vegetarianism brings people more benefits than a usual diet.
From my viewpoint, I disagree that people who change to a plant-based diet would only
plague the lives of thousands of farmers and ranchers and do little good to public health.
Granted, shifting to a vegetarian diet causes harm to nowadays cattle ranchers
and farmers. It is obvious that when demands for meat decline, the ones who suffer
most seriously are them. Ranch owners would gradually lose their livestock if no one
paid for meat and there was no revenue for compensating farm maintenance expenses.
The case could be even worse because, in some regions, it is hard for them to find
alternative solutions due to the lack of access to other fields such as industrial
production. Furthermore, a surplus of cattle in times of reduced demand can lead to
undernourishment and even fatalities due to inadequate care and resources. When a
herd of more than 100 cows is raised in the time of restricted demands and the switch to
plant-based diet, this herd of cattle can be underfed and dead because of insufficient
care for limited resources. Therefore, the only vegetarian diet for everyone can
significantly damage ranchers’ lives.
It is also irrational that this kind of diet is more salubrious than meat-included
one. Although there is no denying that cutting meat minimizes the risks of cholesterol-
related and heart diseases, the insufficiency of protein in meat can result in other fatal
illnesses. For example, there is a higher percentage of people who are following a meat-
free diet, so the benefits of avoiding heart diseases might be weakened. Moreover, the
lack of meat is likely to degrade the quality of muscle, and that is why hardly any fitness
trainer recommends this way of eating. This is because protein is most generously
provided through meat, despite some people might say plant is a good source of every
kind of vitamin and mineral. Hence, in a larger perspective, a plant-only diet cannot
help to improve overall public health.
In conclusion, it is one-sided that people should become vegetarian. On account
of the chances this does harm farmers’ lives and people’s health, the plant-only diet
should not be approved considerably.

Topic 7: Nowadays, more and more older people who need employment
complete with the younger ppl for the same jobs. What problems does this
cause? What are the solutions?
The participation of seasoned employees in the workforce has recently gained
enormous attention from the public because they are directly competing with the
younger workforce. Although this can lead to several problems, some measures can be
taken to address the effects of it.
Granted, it is believed to be a huge challenge for the older ones to apply for the
same work positions as the young, and this can result in disadvantages for companies to
some extent. Older people are likely to be inapt for jobs that require continuously
updated knowledge about technologies and innovations. That also means a major hurdle
for them to be able to surpass younger applicants, and whether they are admitted or not
can cause them distress. To be specific, if accepted to the post, they also need to compete
with other bright young employees; given family burdens are on them, competing with
the young even causes further damage to mental health, which tends to have an effect on
their family as well. Combining this fact, companies can suffer from the shortened
commitment time from old workers. With all the pressure personnel have, their
productivity can be lowered, although they still receive perks and wages as any full-time
employee, let alone their time involvement is shorter than that of younger ones.
Therefore, no matter how experienced an old worker is, companies are still at a
disadvantage if they employ them.
However, if proper duty division is provided, this competition between young and
old work forces and the obstacles to an aged employee can be tackled. There should be a
clear differentiation for posts that young and old people are applying for. In detail, it is
advisable that organizations only recruit highly-adaptable candidates for work that
always need replenishment in ideas and technological applications and experienced
ones for posts that relate more to human management. If this distinction comes into
effect, there will be no competition between the young and the old, which can leave
society wasting efficient workers. Moreover, sufficient allowance for old people without
income should also be offered because this is likely to address their needs of being hired
in the work force and competing with younger counterparts. This financial subsidy can
alleviate seasoned employees’ burdens, and deter mental and familial breakdown likely
to happen if they can not earn a living.
In conclusion, the fact that aged people compete with the young for the same jobs
causes unnecessary competition and loss for companies. To solve this problem, a clear
division of job requirements between young and old employees should be applied so
that the society will not lose bright and efficient workers and social allowance can help
the old ones who have to work for families with economic support.

Topic 8: Some people think that children should do their best at whatever
they do. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The fact that teenagers are encouraged to try as hard as possible in every
situation has been argued by many people. However, I believe it is greatly detrimental
that children have to force themselves in achieving anything they are doing.
It is granted that being excellent in every aspect is worth aiming for, although the
side effects of overdoing it on children can be undesirable. Teaching young children to
be persevere and determined when they are involved in a project, a competition or an
examination is essential. This is because, to explore the young potential and prepare
them for competitive advantages, vigorous attempts should be made, and regular
practices are needed. Notwithstanding, it can also be counter-effective if 5-to-15
children are forced to stretch themselves on every matter. Their mental strengths have
not been prepared to bear intense training and pressures for a long time; therefore,
when the goal of a young child is always to be best, there tends to be several serious
mental injuries incurred. Children are likely to overthink from a young age and
traumatize themselves if some efforts are not successful. These can lead to anxiety, and
failure-obsession witnessed in children when they grow up.
Moreover, in personality development, the situation could even worsen if
children were educated to do their best at whatever they do. Another side effect of this
can be children’s victorious traits when they become adults. As mentioned, besides this
tendency causing them to be vulnerable to failures, it might drive them to crave for
perfection and success. This means there is a likelihood that they are structured to think
they always win and succeed, but this seems impossible because at work or in social
relationships, there are still other people more learned, delicate, and efficient than
them. The second consequence might be moral deficiency because yearning for
perfection could lead them to uncontrollably do anything as long as they gain what they
want, which can be a harmful act to others. Hence, this way of education should not be
approved towards young children.
In conclusion, it is recommended that doing best is projected as a motto in
children. To avoid the counter effects on children's mental health and personality
development, I contend that children should not force themselves to be perfect at
whatever they do.

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