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- How to Write an Argument Essay
There are five main steps.
Step 1: Read the essay
Read the question. Decide what kind of essay it is - opinion,
compare/contrast, problem and solution, cause and effect, or a
mixture. The type of question will decide the layout and your ideas.
Step 2: Underline
Underline key vocabulary in the question and write words with the
same or related meaning. This will really save you a lot of time later
on. It will also help to avoid repetition of words, and will show that you
understand the question.
Step 3: Get Ideas
Decide if you are for or against the idea. Usually it is best to give
both sides (for and against - one paragraph each) and then to give
your opinion in the conclusion. However there are other ways of
laying out your essay.
Step 4: Decide Layout
You should decide on a layout. The easiest is 3773. That means
four paragraphs: introduction (3 sentences) one side (7 sentences),
the other side (7 sentences) and the conclusion (3 sentences). This
will give you 20 sentences. An average of about 12 words each,
that is 240 words. Perfect!
Step 5: Write
After you have written your plan, write your essay. Follow the steps
in this website for writing the introduction, body, and conclusion.
Check for fragments, run-ons and comma splices.
Vocabulary
Step 1: Read and Underline Key Words
Should governments spend money on space exploration, or should
they spend the money on problems here first?
Step 2: Write Down Other Words with the Same Meaning (Move your mouse over links)
Should governments spend money on space exploration, or should
they spend the money on problems here first?
- Governments = nations, countries, authorities, politicians
Spend = allocate, give, allot, provide, budget, make available, waste, award
Space exploration = space program, trips to the moon, the international space station, planets, planetary
voyages
Money = budgets, taxes, resources,
Problems = concerns, issues, worries, disasters, threats, threatening, war, famine, poverty, education,
homelessness, drugs, global warming
Here = on earth, in our own countries, closer to home, in developing countries, foreign aid,
Step 3: Use Your New Words in the Opening Sentences
With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and
pollution, many people do not think that nations should waste
money on exploring space. (One side) However, others are convinced
that expenditure on space programs is justified. (Other side)
Step 4: Add a Thesis
With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and
pollution, many people question whether nations should waste
money on exploring space. However, others are convinced that
expenditure on space programs is justified. This essay will
examine some arguments for and against space exploration.
(Thesis)
Vocabulary: Zoos
Step 1: Read and Underline Key Words
Are zoos cruel to wild animals?
Step 2: Write Down Other Words with the Same Meaning (Move your mouse over links)
Are zoos cruel to wild animals?
Zoos = nature reserves, wildlife parks, animal sanctuaries, circuses, wilderness areas, tasteless exhibitions, stuffy,
crowded, exciting, interesting, fascinating
Cruel = psychologically damaging, insulting, frightening, stressful, brutal, restricting, noisy, dirty, hot,
overcrowded, unnatural, not normal, (Opposite)
conservation, kind, well-treated, saved from extinction, well looked after
Wild = nature, natural, proud, free, endangered, not pets for man, should be free, in danger, habitat,
ecosystem, environment, natural home
Animals = animals, plants, natural environment, birds, big cats, predators, extinct, in trouble, not enough
land.
- Step 3: Use Your New Words in the Opening Sentences
Many people have had their first experience of animals from visiting
zoos as children, and feel that they are important for education and
conservation. (One side) However, others feel that zoos are unnatural
and are stressful and cruel for animals. (Other side)
Step 4: Add a Thesis
Many people have had their first experience of animals from visiting
zoos as children, and feel that they are important for education and
conservation. However, others feel that zoos are unnatural and are
stressful and cruel for animals. This essay will discuss the
importance of zoos and their essential role in conserving
endangered wildlife. (Thesis)
Introductions
One easy way to write the introduction for an argument or opinion essay is to
write THREE sentences:
• two about the topic
• one thesis sentence
You can write either Situation or Opinion introductions. There's not much
difference between them.
• Situation Introductions
• Opinion Introductions
Situation Introductions
Write two sentences to describe the two sides of the present situation. The
third sentence - the Thesis sentence - will describe what you are going do in
your essay.
Sentence 1 One side of the present situation
Sentence 2 The other side of the present situation
Sentence 3 Thesis: What you are going to do in your essay
Who should take care of our old people?
Sentence 1 In my country, most old people live happily with their children.
Sentence 2 Increasingly however, many families cannot take care of their parents
This essay will describe some of the problems involved with taking care of
Sentence 3 (Thesis)
old people, and discuss who should be responsible.
- Does Aid to Poor Countries Work?
For the last fifty years, poor countries have been receiving huge sums of
Sentence(s) 1
money from rich donor countries.
Some of this money has improved lives, while much of it has disappeared or
Sentence 2
made no difference.
Sentence 3 (Thesis) In this essay, I will discuss some arguments for and against foreign aid.
Should dangerous sports be banned?
Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in sports such as
Sentence 1
boxing or motor-racing.
Because of this, many people are opposed to such sports, and want them to
Sentence 2
be stopped or controlled.
This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against banning
Sentence 3 (Thesis)
dangerous sports.
Opinion Introductions
In this kind you give two opposite opinions in the first two sentences. The third
sentence says what you are going to do.
Does space exploration benefit mankind?
Sentence For Many people are excited about space exploration.
Sentence Against However, others feel it is a massive waste of money
This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against space
Sentence 3 (Thesis)
exploration.
(32 words)
Does space exploration benefit mankind?
Space, for many people, really is the final frontier. They are excited by the
Sentence For
exploration and potential of space.
However, not everyone agrees that this money is well-spent. Many people
Sentence Against feel that we should solve problems here on earth before beginning our
journey to space
This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against space
Sentence 3 (Thesis)
exploration.
(58 words)
- Do Athletes Deserve Their High Salaries?
Everyday, we read about new record contracts and salaries earned by
Sentence(s) 1
sportsmen and women. Some people do not agree with these huge payments
Sentence 2 Others believe that our sports heroes deserve every penny.
This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against the high
Sentence 3 (Thesis)
salaries of athletes.
Finally, if you are having problem thinking about an introduction, leave some
space and write it later - AFTER you write the body or conclusion.
Are cash incentives a good way to motivate employees?
(Some companies give their employees bonuses or cash awards for excellent
work, in addition to salary. Do you think this is a good idea?)
Is Money a Good Motivator? Introductions
This page has six different introductions to the above topic. As you look at them,
try to decide if they are opinion or situation openings. Also look at the thesis
sentences, and guess if the writer agrees or disagrees.
Intro 1
Money makes the world go round, and nowhere is this more true
than in the workplace. Employers know that money is one of the
best motivators. However, are bonuses or cash awards always the
best way to reward employees? In this essay, I will look at some of
the arguments for cash as a reward.
Intro 2
Money makes the world go round, and nowhere is this more true
than in the workplace. Employers know that money is one of the
best motivators. However, are bonuses or cash awards always the
best way to reward employees? In this essay, I will look at some of
the arguments against using cash as an incentive.
Intro 2
Many people argue that cash incentives are an unfair means of
motivating employees. Others love the simple, practical, down-to-
earth gift of money for a job well done. I feel that while there are
some circumstances where money is the best recognition for extra
work, there are other times it is inappropriate.
- Intro 4
Many companies give outstanding members of staff bonuses for
good work. I firmly believe that this is demeaning, trivializing, and
bad for morale.
Intro 5
People are motivated by different things. Some employees have
financial goals, others have professional goals, and others have
personal goals. The same incentives cannot work for all. This essay
outlines some of the reasons why cash is not always a suitable
motivator for excellent employees.
Intro 6
The primary reason why people have to work is because of money.
Employers know this, and many companies reward outstanding
employees with bonuses and cash rewards. In this essay, I will
show that most people are motivated by money, and cash is a fair
and effective way for management to show appreciation to
hardworking staff.
Who should protect the environment - individuals or governments?
Protecting the Environment: Who is Responsible?
Intro 1
Today we live in a global consumer society. People across the
world purchase, use, and dispose of a huge variety of products
which make our lives easier and more comfortable. However, the
result of this is massive damage to our environment. This essay will
examine how authorities and individuals need to work together to
protect our resources and our planet.
Intro 2
What can one individual do to protect the environment? Very little, it
may seem, especially compared to the power of governments and
huge industrial companies. However, working together with dozens,
hundreds, or millions of other people, we can influence and change
policies which are destroying our environment. This essay will
discuss ways in which individuals can take responsibility for their
world.
Intro 3
- The world is an increasingly interlinked place. Huge multinational
corporations trade across the planet. Countries are joining together
in vast economic zones and creating enormous markets. These
powerful corporations and groups increase trade and movement
and have the capacity to dominate global politics and economy. In
this essay I will discuss how the individual is becoming powerless
to change his world.
Intro 4
The only way to protect the environment is for individuals to take
responsibility for their own lifestyle and to force their governments
to implement good environmental policies.
Some companies reward employees for exceptional work by giving them
extra money.
Is this a good way of encouraging employees to work hard?
Money as a Motivator: Ideas
Ideas
You need at least three or four ideas to support whatever point of view you come
up with.
Money awards are effective;
1. Money motivates people, and extra money motivates people to work extra
2. Employees compete to raise productivity or standards
3. It is not always possible to promote people, so money is a simple way to reward workers
4. Money is acceptable for all workers - some may not appreciate a particular present, or some gifts
may be insulting
Money is only sometimes effective, or sometimes does not work:
1. If employees are highly paid, money may not be sufficient. They may prefer other benefits, such as
an award ceremony or dinner, a club membership, a travel ticket, a car, a window office, etc
2. Money may set employees against each other, leading to conflict in the office
3. It may be difficult to determine the standard or basis for the decision to award the employee
4. Employees may feel forced to compete
Money is not effective:
1. Employees work for a salary - they do not want to perform like circus animals if paid more
2. Money trivializes work, which for many professional employees should be its own reward
3. The amount may not bear relation to what the employee does
- 4. If the employer finds it motivating to award money, perhaps the salaries are too low
5. There are many other ways to motivate employees
Are cash awards a good way to motivate employees?
Money - A Good Motivator? Layout
You can
35553 Layouts
A. Disagree only and give three or four very full reasons with examples
and/or supporting information in three paragraphs
B. Agree only and give three or four very full reasons with examples and/or
supporting information in three paragraphs
3773 Layouts
C. Agree in one paragraph and disagree in another, or vice versa. You need
three reasons and examples in each in each paragraph (two long
paragraphs)
D. Look at the problem from two or three perspectives: the employer's, the
workers', the moral aspects, the productivity concerns, etc. (two or three
paragraphs)
E. Examine the effects of cash awards in half of your essay, and other types
of motivation in the second half, or vice versa (two long paragraphs)
- Thesis Sentence
A thesis statement is a sentence (or two) that states what you are going to do in
your essay. It is a kind of signpost or map that shows the reader what direction
you will take. It usually comes at the end of the Introduction.
In this essay, I will outline
the arguments for and
against sex education in
schools.
In this essay, I will
examine some reasons for
the growth of the tourism
industry.
You can leave out "I."
This essay looks at ideas in favour of and against early marriage.
This essay will discuss the benefits of having universal free health care.
Show how many parts your essay will have
Sometimes the reader can tell which paragraphs will follow the thesis statement.
I am going to analyse the effects of drugs on the individual, the family, and society.
- In an essay with the thesis statement above, there will clearly be
three parts - one on the effects of drugs on the individual, one part
with the effects on the family, and another with the effects on
society.
Be Strong
Sometimes you don't need a "will" or "going to". Your thesis statement is so
strong that it is clear what your opinion is.
Beating children brutalizes parents, damages the parentchild relationship, and is
completely unnecessary.
In an essay with the thesis statement above, there will clearly be
three parts - one on the effects of corporal punishment on parents,
one part with the effects relationship, and another which claims that
beating is not needed.
Words to use in the thesis sentence
analyze, look at, examine, discuss, outline, consider, describe
The Body
Two words: Use Paragraphs! Students who don't have paragraphs fail!
The body of the essay should ALWAYS be divided into paragraphs. Never write
just one long paragraph. Why?
• The white space makes your essay easier to read.
• Having paragraphs shows that you have (probably) put related ideas together.
How many paragraphs in the body? Either two paragraphs (3773) or three
(35553).
When do I use 3773 or 35553 layouts?
When do I use two paragraphs or three paragraphs in the body? When do I use
3773 or 35553? It depends on your ideas.
Use TWO paragraphs (3773) if you are giving both sides of the
argument or situation - one paragraph for, and one against (or the
opposite).
Use THREE paragraphs if you are only giving one side.
So...
3773 3773 35553 35553
Intro Intro
- Para 1 Para 1
Para 2 Para 2
Conclusion Para 3
Conclusion
Use TWO paragraphs (3773) to agree in one paragraph and then
disagree in the second paragraph.
Use TWO paragraphs (3773) to disagree in one paragraph and then
agree in the second paragraph.
Use THREE paragraphs (35553) if you are agreeing in all three
paragraphs.
Use THREE paragraphs (35553) if you are disagreeing in all three
paragraphs.
Finally, even if you are completely confused and your ideas are all mixed up, you
should still make a paragraph. Just skip a line somewhere. Your essay will be
easier to read.
What Makes a Body Look Good?
Paragraphs, that's the answer! If your paragraph is in good shape, your body will
look good and feel good.
Here's what you need to have in a body paragraph.
Topic Sentence
Argument or Reason 1
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
Argument or Reason 2
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
Argument or Reason 3 (Three is a magic number. Always aim to have 3 ideas.)
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
- Paragraph summary (optional)
Let's look at an example.
Is Education Being Devalued?
Topic Sentence People have several arguments against the need for degrees.
Argument or Reason 1 They say that having so many graduates devalues a degree.
Example,
Explanation,
People lose respect for the degree holder.
or supporting
detail
It is also claimed that education has become a rat
Argument or Reason 2
race,...
Example,
Explanation, ...since graduates have to compete for jobs even after years of
or supporting studying.
detail
Another point is that studying for such a long time leads to learners
Argument or Reason 3
becoming inflexible.
Example,
Explanation, By that I mean that they know a lot about one narrow subject, but are
or supporting unable to apply their skills.
detail
Example,
Explanation,
or supporting
detail (You
Employers, on the other hand, prefer more flexible and adaptable
can have
workers.
one, two, or
even more of
these for
every idea)
People have several arguments against the need for degrees. They
say that having so many graduates devalues a degree. People lose
respect for the degree holder. It is also claimed that education has
become a rat race, since graduates have to compete for jobs even
after years of studying. Another point is that studying for such a
long time leads to learners becoming inflexible. By that I mean that
they know a lot about one narrow subject, but are unable to apply
- their skills. Employers, on the other hand, prefer more flexible and
adaptable workers.
Conclusion
The conclusion is the end of the essay. It is the last part of the essay and it is the
part that the reader may remember most. It should be clear and avoid confusing
the reader.
The reader expects the conclusion to do some or all of the following
• rephrase the question
• summarize the main ideas
• give your opinion, if you haven't given it already
• look to the future (say what will happen if the situation continues or changes)
The reader DOES NOT expect new information in the conclusion. Never add a
new idea just because you have thought of it at the end!
You must do all of this in just three or four sentences!
Vocabulary is Important
The conclusion is very similar to the introduction. However, you should avoid
repeating the same words. This is why a few minutes spent at the start of the
exam writing down synonyms (words with the same meaning) and related words
is very helpful.
After all, if you only have a 250-word essay but use the same word 10 times, this
will not show the examiner what you know
Wrapping Paper
Another way to look at the Introduction and the Conclusion is to think about gift
wrapping paper. Your intro and conclusion wrap around your essay like a piece
of bright paper "wraps" a present. They are not the main part of the essay, but
they do make your essay look good.
Your conclusion 'wraps' up the essay. We don't put something valuable, like
money or gold, hidden in the wrapping paper, so don't put new information or
important ideas in the conclusion.
Conclusions
A good conclusion will
• rephrase the question
• summarize the main ideas
- • give your opinion, if you haven't given it already
• look to the future (say what will happen if the situation continues or changes)
but will
• NEVER add new information
Should we test products on animals?
I agree that we need to make sure that animals who are used for
testing new products have the minimum of suffering. However, I am
convinced that animal testing is necessary, and that it will continue
to benefit humans in new and wonderful ways.
Should we beat children?
In conclusion, physical punishment can be a useful method of
discipline. However it should be the last choice for parents. If we
want to build a world with less violence we must begin at home,
and we must teach our children to be responsible.
Is education important?
In conclusion, although there are undoubtedly some problems with
increased levels of education, I feel strongly that the country can
only progress if all its people are educated to the maximum of their
ability.
Who are the better parents - men or women?
I think this is not an either/or question. Both men and women have
strengths and skills that are important for children's psychological
growth. We need to ensure that both parents play an important role
in the family in order to give children a good start in life.
Who learns quicker - adults or children?
Finally, I feel that we cannot generalize about children or adults
being better learners. It depends on the situation and the
motivation of the person, and the level of enthusiasm he or she has
for learning.
Should dangerous sports be banned?
In summary, our society would be healthier if more people took part
in sports of all kinds. We should continue to try to prevent accidents
and injuries. However, we should also ensure that sports are
challenging, exciting, and, above all, fun.
TWE Topics
- 1. People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example,
new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge). Why do you think
people attend college or university? Use specific reasons and examples to
support your answer.
2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best
teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
3. Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the
way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
4. It has been said, "Not everything that is learned is contained in books."
Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge
gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?
5. A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your
community. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on
your community. Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position.
6. If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you
change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
7. How do movies or television influence people's behavior? Use reasons and
specific examples to support your answer.
8. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television has
destroyed communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and
examples to support your opinion.
9. Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city.
Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to
support your answer.
10. "When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do
with success." Do you agree or disagree with the quotation above? Use specific
reasons and examples to explain your position.
11. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Universities should
give the same amount of money to their students' sports activities as they give to
their university libraries. Use specific reasons and examples to support your
opinion.
12. Many people visit museums when they travel to new places. Why do you
think people visit museums? Use specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.
13. Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer
to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and
examples to support your answer.
- 14. Some people believe that university students should be required to attend
classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students.
Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to
explain your answer.
15. Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the
qualities of a good neighbor? Use specific details and examples in your answer.
16. It has recently been announced that a new restaurant may be built in your
neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons
and details to support your answer.
17. Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a
teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you
prefer? Use specific reasons to develop your essay.
18. What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)? Use specific
details and examples to explain why these qualities are important.
19. Should governments spend more money on improving roads and highways,
or should governments spend more money on improving public transportation
(buses, trains, subways)? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your
essay.
20. It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you
agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.
21. In general, people are living longer now. Discuss the causes of this
phenomenon. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
22. We all work or will work in our jobs with many different kinds of people. In
your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker (someone
you work closely with)? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these
characteristics are important.
23. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Sometimes it is better
not to tell the truth. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
24. In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you
think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and
details.
25. A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do you
think this person would like and dislike about living in your town or city? Why?
Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
26. It has recently been announced that a large shopping center may be built in
your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific
reasons and details to support your answer.
- 27. It has recently been announced that a new movie theater may be built in your
neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons
and details to support your answer.
28. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should
sometimes do things that they do not enjoy doing. Use specific reasons and
examples to support your answer.
29. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television,
newspapers, magazines, and other media pay too much attention to the personal
lives of famous people such as public figures and celebrities. Use specific
reasons and details to explain your opinion.
30. Some people believe that the Earth is being harmed (damaged) by human
activity. Others feel that human activity makes the Earth a better place to live.
What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.
31. It has recently been announced that a new high school may be built in your
community. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and
details in your answer.
32. Some people spend their entire lives in one place. Others move a number of
times throughout their lives, looking for a better job, house, community, or even
climate. Which do you prefer: staying in one place or moving in search of another
place? Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.
33. Is it better to enjoy your money when you earn it or is it better to save your
money for some time in the future? Use specific reasons and examples to
support your opinion.
34. You have received a gift of money. The money is enough to buy either a
piece of jewelry you like or tickets to a concert you want to attend. Which would
you buy? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
35. You must select a person to teach others to do a job. Which one of the
following is the most important for you to consider in making your selection? " the
person's education " the person's work experience " the quality of the person's
previous work Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
36. Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives. Do you agree or
disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
37. Countries, businesses, and schools are three areas that need good leaders.
Choose one of these three areas and describe the most important qualities of a
leader in that area. Explain why these qualities are important, using specific
examples and details.
- 38. Choose one of the following transportation vehicles and explain why you
think it has changed people's lives. " Automobiles " Bicycles " Airplanes Use
specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
39. Do you agree or disagree that progress is always good? Use specific reasons
and examples to support your answer.
40. Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present. Do
you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.
41. The expression "Never, never give up" means to keep trying and never stop
working for your goals. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Use
specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
42. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? With the help of
technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more
quickly. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
43. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Games are as
important for adults as they are for children. Use specific reasons and examples
to support your answer.
44. Awards and prizes are given for excellence in various fields. Do these awards
and prizes serve a useful purpose? Use specific reasons and examples to
support your opinion.
45. Some people think that human needs for farmland, housing, and industry are
more important than saving land for endangered animals. Do you agree or
disagree with this point of view? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and
examples to support your answer.
46. What is a very important skill a person should learn in order to be successful
in the world today? Choose one skill and use specific reasons and examples to
support your choice.
47. Resolving problems between individuals or groups is important. What should
be considered or kept in mind in resolving problems between individuals or
groups? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
48. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Self-confidence is the
most important factor for success in school or at work. Use specific reasons and
examples to support your opinion.
49. Why do you think some people are attracted to dangerous sports or other
dangerous activities? Use specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.
50. Which is more important for success: the natural ability you are born with or
hard work? Explain your opinion, using specific reasons and examples.
- 51. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents or other adult
relatives should make important decisions for their older (15 to 18 year-old)
teenaged children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
52. Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel
alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your
choice.
53. Some people prefer to get up early in the morning and start the day's work.
Others prefer to get up later in the day and work until late at night. Which do you
prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
54. What are the important qualities of a good son or daughter? Have these
qualities changed or remained the same over time in your culture? Use specific
reasons and examples to support your answer.
55. Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a
small company. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and details to
support your choice.
56. People work because they need money to live. What are some other reasons
that people work? Discuss one or more of these reasons. Use specific examples
and details to support your answer.
57. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face
communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, e-
mail, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
58. Some people like to do only what they already do well. Other people prefer to
try new things and take risks. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and
examples to support your choice.
59. Some people believe that success in life comes from taking risks or chances.
Others believe that success results from careful planning. In your opinion, what
does success come from? Use specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.
60. What change would make your hometown more appealing to people your
age? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
61. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The most important
aspect of a job is the money a person earns. Use specific reasons and examples
to support your answer.
62. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? One should never
judge a person by external appearances. Use specific reasons and details to
support your answer.
- 63. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person should
never make an important decision alone. Use specific reasons and examples to
support your answer.
64. A company is going to give some money either to support the arts or to
protect the environment. Which do you think the company should choose? Use
specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
65. Some movies are serious, designed to make the audience think. Other
movies are designed primarily to amuse and entertain. Which type of movie do
you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
66. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Businesses should
do anything they can to make a profit. Use specific reasons and examples to
support your position.
67. Some people are always in a hurry to go places and get things done. Other
people prefer to take their time and live life at a slower pace. Which do you
prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
68. Some people think governments should spend as much money as possible
exploring outer space (for example, traveling to the Moon and to other planets).
Other people disagree and think governments should spend this money for our
basic needs on Earth. Which of these two opinions do you agree with? Use
specific reasons and details to support your answer.
69. People have different ways of escaping the stress and difficulties of modern
life. Some read; some exercise; others work in their gardens. What do you think
are the best ways of reducing stress? Use specific details and examples in your
answer.
70. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Teachers should be
paid according to how much their students learn. Give specific reasons and
examples to support your opinion.
71. If you were asked to send one thing representing your country to an
international exhibition, what would you choose? Why? Use specific reasons and
details to explain your choice.
72. You have been told that dormitory rooms at your university must be shared
by two students. Would you rather have the university assign a student to share
a room with you, or would you rather choose your own roommate? Use specific
reasons and details to explain your answer.
73. Some people think that governments should spend as much money as
possible on developing or buying computer technology. Other people disagree
and think that this money should be spent on more basic needs. Which one of
these opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support
your answer.
nguon tai.lieu . vn
