Relationships & Society
Do you think it's better to have many online friends or a few close real-life friends? Give two reasons for your choice.
I think it's better to have a few close real-life friends. First, real friends can support you emotionally when you have problems — they can hug you or just sit with you. Second, online friends may not be who they say they are, so it's less safe.
Do you think smartphones have made our lives better or more complicated? Give at least one reason.
I think smartphones have made our lives better. For example, I can quickly find information for my homework using the Internet, and I can call my parents if I'm late. It's very convenient.
Is recycling important? Why or why not? Give one reason.
Yes, recycling is important because it helps reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. When we recycle paper, for example, fewer trees are cut down to make new paper.
Is it important to celebrate national holidays? Give one reason.
Yes, it's important because national holidays bring families together. For example, on New Year's Eve, my whole family gathers, cooks special food, and spends time together. It's a tradition that strengthens family bonds.
Some teenagers believe that parents are too controlling nowadays. Do you agree or disagree? Provide arguments to support your opinion.
I partly agree. On one hand, some parents check their children's phones and ask where they are every hour — that's too controlling. On the other hand, parents usually worry because they love us and want to keep us safe. So maybe they are controlling, but often for good reasons.
Some schools are replacing paper textbooks with tablets and laptops. Is this a good idea? Explain your reasoning.
I think it's a good idea. Firstly, tablets are lighter than a bag full of heavy textbooks — it's better for students' health. Secondly, you can update digital textbooks easily with new information. However, the problem is that not all families can afford expensive devices, and looking at screens all day can hurt your eyes
Some people think that individual actions (like recycling) don't really help the environment — only big companies and governments can make a difference. Do you agree? Explain.
I disagree. If millions of individuals recycle, it does make a difference. Also, when people make eco-friendly choices, they send a message to companies that they care about the environment. This encourages companies to become more sustainable. So individual actions matter.
Some teenagers find traditional customs boring and outdated. Should young people still follow traditions? Explain your opinion.
I think young people should follow some traditions, but not all. Traditions connect us to our history and culture — they remind us who we are. However, if a tradition is harmful or doesn't make sense anymore (like some gender stereotypes), we should feel free to change it or let it go.
Is it important for young people to participate in community service or volunteering? Explain why or why not, giving specific examples.
Yes, it's very important. Firstly, volunteering helps you develop new skills — for example, if you help at an animal shelter, you learn responsibility. Secondly, it looks good on your university application. Also, it helps you understand other people's problems and makes you more empathetic.
Artificial intelligence is developing rapidly. Should we be excited or worried about the future of AI? Provide arguments for your view
I'm both excited and worried, but mostly excited. AI can help doctors diagnose diseases faster, and it can make our daily tasks easier — like virtual assistants. However, I'm worried that many people might lose their jobs because AI will replace them. Also, if AI is used for weapons, it could be dangerous
Should single-use plastics be banned completely? Argue for or against this idea.
Yes, they should be banned. Single-use plastics like bags and straws pollute the oceans and kill marine animals. Many alternatives exist, like paper straws or reusable bags. However, a complete ban might be difficult for some industries, so maybe we should introduce it gradually.
Globalization means cultures are mixing more than ever. Is this a threat to local traditions or an opportunity to learn from each other? Provide arguments.
I see it as both. On one hand, it's an opportunity — we can try food from other countries, learn about different holidays, and become more open-minded. On the other hand, it can be a threat because local traditions might disappear. For example, in some countries, young people prefer American fast food to their national dishes. We need to find a balance.
Social media has changed the way we communicate. Has this change been mostly positive or negative for society? Justify your point of view.
I believe it's mostly negative. Although social media helps us stay in touch with friends who live far away, it has made our real-life communication worse. People sit together in cafes but look at their phones instead of talking. Also, cyberbullying has become a big problem because of social media.
Many people share personal information online. Is it a necessary part of modern life or a dangerous trend? Justify your answer.
I think it's a dangerous trend. When people post their location, photos, and daily routines online, criminals can use this information. For example, if you post that you're on vacation, burglars know your house is empty. Also, companies collect our data to advertise to us, which feels like an invasion of privacy
Many young people are worried about climate change and participate in protests. Is this an effective way to create change? Give reasons for your answer.
Yes, it is effective. Protests attract media attention, which puts pressure on politicians to act. For example, Greta Thunberg's protests inspired millions of young people worldwide and made climate change a top political issue. Without protests, governments might ignore the problem
When traveling to another country, should tourists adapt to local customs, or should locals make allowances for tourists' behavior? Defend your position.
Tourists should definitely adapt to local customs. When you visit someone's home, you follow their rules — the same applies to countries. For example, if you visit a mosque, you should cover your head and take off your shoes. It's a sign of respect. Locals shouldn't have to change their traditions for tourists
Some people say that "blood is thicker than water" — family always comes first. Others believe that chosen friends can become closer than relatives. Which side do you take? Argue your case.
I believe that friends can become closer than family. Firstly, we choose our friends based on common interests and values, while we don't choose our relatives. Secondly, sometimes friends understand us better than parents because they are the same age and face similar problems. However, I agree that family is important too — ideally, both should support each other.
Some scientists are working on extending human lifespan significantly. Should humanity pursue longevity at any cost? Discuss the pros and cons.
I don't think we should pursue it at any cost. On the one hand, living longer means more time with loved ones and more time to achieve your goals. On the other hand, if only rich people can afford these treatments, it will create huge inequality. Also, the Earth is already overpopulated — if everyone lives to 150, we won't have enough resources.
Some argue that economic growth is more important than environmental protection, especially in developing countries. Do you support this view? Present a balanced argument.
I understand this view but don't fully support it. Developing countries need economic growth to fight poverty — people need jobs and food now. However, if they destroy their environment for short-term gain, they will face bigger problems later, like polluted water or extreme weather. I believe in sustainable development — growing the economy while protecting nature.
Some countries have "official cultures" and require immigrants to adopt them. Others celebrate multiculturalism where different cultures coexist. Which approach do you believe is better for society? Argue your case.
I believe multiculturalism is better. When different cultures coexist, society becomes richer — we have diverse food, music, art, and ideas. Forcing immigrants to give up their culture can cause resentment and make them feel unwelcome. However, immigrants should also respect the laws and basic values of their new country. Integration, not assimilation, is the key.