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1
Maya Angelou once said “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” What do you think of this quote? Who is one person that has personally influenced your life? How did they influence it? Describe a situation where you had a good feeling about someone.
2
In Harry Potter, Dumbledore, his headmaster, says to Harry “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” What does this quote mean? Describe a time when you had to make a difficult choice. Do you think our choices show who we are more than our abilities? Why?
3
Ukraine is a country with a rich culture and history. What is one thing you wished more people knew about Ukraine? Are you proud to be Ukrainian? Why or why not? What is your favorite Ukrainian holiday? How do you celebrate that holiday?
4
Should people be judged on the clothes they wear? What are the disadvantages of judging people by their clothing? What sorts of clothes create a good impression? What sort of clothes do you think create a bad impression? What are other ways a person may be judged by?
5
Are art classes in school, such as music or drawing, as important as core subjects such as maths, science and literature? Can students receive useful skills in art classes? Do all students benefit from art classes?
How important (or unimportant) are the arts to the world?
6
Travelling is a unique way to see the world and learn about other cultures. If you could travel to any 3 destinations, where would you go? Why? Which country do you wish to visit for the culture? If you met a traveller from another country in Ukraine, what would you show them? Why?
7
Body art, in the form of tattoos and piercings, has become very popular among many different types of people in the last several decades. Evaluate your own culture. Is it acceptable in your culture to get a tattoo? Discuss the types of body decoration that are common in your culture and whether they vary by generation. Relate this to your personal experience. Would you get one if you had the chance? If so, what would you get and why?
8
Many people around the world think that “volunteer work” is a valuable thing, but some people think it is a waste of time. Think about the concept of “volunteer work” and give your opinion. What are the advantages and disadvantages of “volunteer work” for a community? Why do you think most people volunteer? What motivates them?
9
With the advent of the Internet and super technological phones has arisen a change in the way people communicate. Texting has replaced calling; emails have replaced letter writing. Analyse and explain the benefits and disadvantages of texting and email. Predict the effects of the popularity of texting and email on speaking and writing skills.
Is it still important for people to be able to write and speak properly? Why or why not?
10
Halloween is a popular American holiday where people dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating around the neighbourhood to collect candy. What are your impressions of this holiday? If you could wear any Halloween costume, what would you choose?
Do you wish that Ukraine celebrated this holiday? Why or why not?
11
Some people take advantage of the anonymous nature of the Internet to re-invent or express different sides of themselves. Why, in your opinion, do people like this anonymity? Evaluate and weigh the benefits of cyber-anonymity versus its dangers.
Use examples to illustrate the ways that cyber-anonymity can be both empowering and dangerous.
12
Some people measure wealth in money and material possessions, others in health and family, and still others in experiences and memories. Why should you measure wealth in different ways? What are the benefits? How do you personally measure your wealth? What are some of the negatives of how you measure your wealth?
13
It can be said that the world is getting smaller because of advances in technology. Do you believe this to be true? Why or why not? What are some advantages of a smaller world? Some negatives?
14
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What is beauty to you? Is beauty more than appearance? Is anything more beautiful than nature?
15
“Knowledge is power” is a popular saying in English. Why do you think it is commonly used? What situations would knowledge be powerful? Have you ever felt powerless, being lost.
16
It is important to be active every day for at least 20 minutes. What benefits are there to an active lifestyle? Why do you think people have trouble being active?
Do you have any ideas for how to remember to stay active?
17
Is a good education a right or a privilege? Why do you think so? What is a right? What is a privilege? Are only certain people entitled to these things, or are they for everyone?
18
Modern electric cars are amazing inventions. With improvements in battery and electric motor technology, electric cars look set to become the best cars of the 21st century. What factors have pushed consumers towards electric vehicles today?
How will the adoption of electric transportation transform motorways? What is your ideal form of transportation? Why?
19
You can transform into one animal for the day if you please… Do you choose to transform? Why or why not? If yes, what animal? What do you do with your time as an animal? What does your day look like?
20
You suddenly have got $10 million in your bank account. What would you do with the money? Predict what your family and friends would suggest you to do with the money. If you had to give away half of the $10 million, who would you give it to? Explain your criteria and reasoning for choosing this person.