Ideas For Essay Topics
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01. Advertising:
positives, negatives
Positives of Advertising--
Advertising is a key part of modern business.
Companies need to tell customers about their products.
Advertisements inform us about the choices we have.
Advertising is a creative industry that employs many people.
Without advertising we would have less choice.
Without advertising there would be higher unemployment.
Advertising is a form of modern art.
People enjoy advertising.
Negatives of Advertising--
Advertising manipulates people.
It aims to persuade people that buying a product will make them happier.
Advertisers focus on selling a brand image.
They use glamorous, successful people.
We now live in a consumer culture.
We are persuaded to follow the latest trend.
We are encouraged to associate certain brands with a higher status.
Advertisers often aim their marketing at children.
Children can easily be influenced by advertisements.
Children put pressure on parents to buy them things.
Opinions about Advertising--
Advertising should be regulated.
Advertising aimed at children should be controlled or even banned.
Unhealthy foods should not be marketed in a way that attracts children.
Products that can be risky to human health should display warnings.
In some countries it is illegal to advertise cigarettes on television.
Warnings must be displayed on cigarette packets.
Advertising creates demand for products.
Governments should only censor false information or products that are harmful.
02. Animal Rights:
testing on animals, vegetarianism, zoos
Arguments for Animal Testing--
Animals are used in important scientific research.
It is necessary to do medical tests on new drugs.
Animal testing helps to advance medical and scientific knowledge.
Many important medical discoveries involved experimentation on animals.
Researchers aim to minimize the suffering that animals experience.
Testing for the cosmetic industry is now banned in many countries.
Arguments against Animal Testing--
The benefits of research using animals do not justify the suffering caused.
There are alternative methods of research.
The lives of animals should be respected.
Humans have no moral right to do experiments on animals.
Arguments for Vegetarianism--
Vegetarians do not eat foods that are produced by killing animals.
Many people choose a vegetarian diet for moral or health reasons.
A healthy diet is possible without eating meat.
It is unnecessary to kill animals for food.
A vegetarian diet may reduce the risk of disease like cancer.
Many people question the treatment of animals in factory farms.
Arguments against Vegetarianism--
Vegetarians do not eat a balanced diet.
In many cultures, meat is the main ingredient in traditional meals.
It is completely natural for us to kill animals for food.
Our aim should be to improve farming methods.
Farms should produce organic foods.
Positives of Zoos--
Zoos play an important role in wildlife conservation.
The can help to protect endangered species.
Zoos allow scientists to study animals and their behaviors.
Zoos are educational, interesting and fun.
Children, in particular, enjoy learning about animals.
Zoos provide job opportunities.
Negatives of Zoos--
Zoo animals are kept in artificial environments.
They are kept in cages or have limited space.
Zoo animals rely on humans.
They lose the freedom to hunt for food.
The best way to save endangered species is by protecting natural habitats.
Some people believe that zoos are unethical.
Zoos exhibit animals with the aim of making money.
We have no right to use animals for entertainment and profit.
03. Cities:
urbanization, problems of city life
Reasons for Urbanization--
People move to cities in search of job opportunities.
Cities offer greater employment possibilities and a higher standard of living.
People migrate to cities from the countryside.
Traditional activities like farming need fewer workers nowadays.
Negatives of City Life--
Life in cities has its drawbacks.
The cost of living is higher than in rural areas.
Some people do not manage to find work.
Housing is usually much more expensive.
Homelessness and poverty are common in cities.
There is a gap between rich and poor.
Life in cities can be extremely stressful.
There are problems like traffic congestion and crime.
Cities lack a sense of community.
People do not even know their neighbors.
Cities are sometimes described as 'concrete jungles'.
Pedestrian Areas--
Pedestrian zones in cities can improve the local environment.
Banning cars encourages people to work or cycle.
Many modern cities have built bicycle lanes.
Dependence on cars is linked to health problems like obesity.
People who walk or cycle regularly are generally healthier.
Pedestrian areas are safer and more attractive for both residents and tourists.
04. Crime:
police, punishments/prisons, rehabilitation, capital punishment
Police and Crime Prevention--
The job of the police is to catch criminals.
They must also prevent crime and make communities safer.
There should be an increase in the number of police officers on the streets.
Police officers should be seen as part of the community.
They should be involved with education and prevention.
The police should be in close contact with schools.
They should focus on young people who have dropped out of school.
These teenagers may become involved with gangs.
Punishments/Prisons--
Fines are used as punishment for minor crimes.
If the crime is more serious, prison is the most common punishment.
Some criminals pose a threat to society.
Serious criminals are put in prison to ensure the safety of other citizens.
Negatives of Prisons--
Criminals are put together.
They make friends with other offenders.
Many prisoners re-offend when they are released.
A criminal record makes finding a job more difficult.
Rehabilitation--
Another aim of prisons is rehabilitation.
Prisoners receive education of vocational training.
Prisoners should learn personal skills and specific job skills.
Punishment could make prisoners' behavior worse.
Rehabilitation aims to make criminals better citizens.
Rehabilitated prisoners are less likely to re-offend.
Capital Punishment--
Supporters say that capital punishment deters crime.
Fear of death penalty stops people from committing offences.
The death penalty shows that crime is not tolerated.
It is a form of revenge.
The cost of imprisonment is avoided.
The offender cannot pose a threat to others.
Against Capital Punishment--
Innocent people could be wrongly convicted and executed.
Crime rates are not necessarily reduced.
Many criminals do not think they will be caught.
Capital punishment is not a good deterrent.
Executing prisoners creates a violent culture and encourages revenge.
We have no right to take another human life.
Community Service--
Community service is a way to reform offenders.
It could be a solution to prison overcrowding.
It avoids the cost of imprisonment.
It makes offenders useful in their local communities.
They are required to clean streets.
Offenders repay their community.
They avoid the negative influence that prison can have.
Against Community Service--
Community service is not a sufficient punishment.
Criminals should be locked up, away from their victims.
Crime in the Media--
Crime is one of the main subjects of most news programs.
The mass media focus on violent and sensational crimes.
This may lead to fear of crime among the public.
Sensational crime stories attract more viewers or readers.
The media report crime stories in order to increase their audience.
05. Education:
studying abroad, technology in education, education in developing countries, higher education, home-schooling, bad behavior, corporal punishment, single sex education, streaming (grouping children according to ability)
Benefits of Education--
Education gives people knowledge and skills.
People with good qualifications are more likely to find work.
They can earn a higher salary.
They can contribute positively to society.
Schools aim to teach young people moral values such as tolerance and sharing.
Schools prepare children to be members of a society.
Benefits of Studying Abroad--
Foreign institutions may offer better courses.
Many students want to attend a prestigious university.
The best universities employ teachers who are experts in their fields.
Qualifications gained abroad can open the door to better job opportunities.
Living abroad can broaden students' horizons.
Overseas students are exposed to different cultures and customs.
They become more independent.
They will learn a foreign language.
Drawbacks of Studying Abroad--
Living and studying abroad can be difficult.
Students have problems with paperwork such as visa applications.
The language barrier can be a problem.
Living alone in an unfamiliar culture can cause homesickness.
Technology in Education: Advantages--
Technology is a powerful tool to engage students.
Technology can make lessons much more interesting.
Students can do research using online resources.
Students can study at their own places.
Adults can take distance learning courses.
Students can study whenever and wherever they want.
Students can also learn skills which are useful for their future jobs.
Technology in Education: Disadvantages--
People rely too much on computers.
Young learners do not become sufficient in some basic skills.
They use word processors and spelling may suffer.
People should be able to write a letter by hand.
Technology is no substitute for a real teacher.
Learners need a structured course.
An experienced teacher knows what materials to choose.
Computers are expensive to maintain and can be unreliable.
Technology in Education: Opinion--
Institutions should supplement traditional teaching with the use of technology.
Technology is part of everyday life.
It can enhance a teacher's lessons.
Students can use online resources to help with homework.
Students must still learn to write by hand.
They should still use traditional sources of information such as books.
Education in Developing Countries: Problems--
Children often have to work from an early age.
There are no schools in many areas.
Families do not have access to books or computers.
Literacy rates are often low.
People in developing countries need knowledge and skills.
Education is the key to improving the economy of these countries.
Education in Developing Countries: Solutions--
Developed countries could help developing nations by providing money.
They could invest in schools and technology.
They could supply the funds to build schools and pay for teachers.
Children need to have access to free schooling.
Computer equipment could be donated.
The internet can expose students to a world of knowledge and information.
Governments should make education compulsory for all children.
They should encourage parents to send their children to school.
Governments of developed and developing countries must work together.
Higher Education: Advantages (also see 'Bebefits of Education')--
There are many benefits to going to university.
A degree can open the door to better employment prospects.
Economies are becoming increasingly knowledge-based.
Most jobs require specific knowledge and skills.
Skilled workers are needed for sectors such as information technology and engineering.
Repetitive manual jobs are now done by machine.
Many factories have moved to developing countries.
Higher Education: Disadvantages--
A healthy economy needs a wide range of workers.
Some manual workers will always be needed.
A university degree is not necessary for many service professions.
Practical training is more important in some industries.
In the more developed countries, for example, there is currently a shortage of plumbers.
Their services are therefore becoming more and more expensive.
Advantages of Home-schooling--
Some parents decide to educate their children at home.
Some families live in isolated areas with poor transport.
Other parents are not satisfied with local schools.
Parents can respond to what their children need and how they learn best.
One-to-one lessons allow much faster progress.
The child can work at his or her own pace.
Discipline problems are avoided by home-schooling.
Disadvantages of Home-schooling--
Most parents do not have the time to educate their children at home.
One parent would need to give up work.
School subjects are normally taught by up to ten different teachers.
Most parents do not have the necessary knowledge or resources.
Private tutors are expensive.
Children will miss out on the social experience that school offers.
At school, children learn how to get on with each other.
Home-schooled children may lack social skills.
Schools offer a better overall educational experience.
Bad Behavior in Schools: Causes--
Bad behavior is due to a lack of discipline.
There are too many children in some classes.
Large classes are difficult to manage.
Many disruptive students come from an unstable family background.
Other parents are too lenient and spoil their children.
Some children are used to getting whatever they want.
Schools can do little if they are not supported by parents.
Bad Behavior in Schools: Solutions--
Schools need a clear code of conduct.
Schools need a clear set of rules about behavior.
They need to create a positive working atmosphere.
Teachers must have the power to punish disruptive students.
Schools should remove difficult children from lessons.
Schools need to work closely with parents.
Discipline could be lacking at home.
Parents must support the school rules.
They should take the responsibility for their children's behavior.
Corporal Punishment: Opinion--
Corporal punishment is not a good idea.
Physical punishment is a way of controlling children using fear.
This does not promote trust between adults and children.
Children who are punished physically may become shy or resentful.
Corporal punishment creates an atmosphere of fear and anger.
Single Sex Education: Advantages--
Some people believe that male and female students should go to separate schools.
This is often for religious or cultural reasons.
Disciple problems might be avoided by separating boys and girls.
Boys and girls may learn in different ways and have different needs.
Students at single-sex schools often get better exam grades.
Single Sex Education: Disadvantages--
Separating boys and girls is unnecessary.
It is unhealthy in terms of children's social development.
Many coeducational schools are extremely successful.
A mixed-sex environment is more representative of rel life.
Coeducational schools provide children with better social skills for adult life.
Advantages of Streaming (grouping children according to ability)--
Some schools separate students according to their academic ability.
Teachers can work at the right speed for their students.
Teachers can plan more suitable lessons.
High-level groups may progress faster.
Lower level groups can benefit from a slower pace.
Some teachers and parents support streaming for these reasons.
Disadvantages of Streaming--
Grouping by ability may have a negative impact on students.
Children do not want to be seen as less intelligent than others.
Streaming could damage students' self-esteem.
They may lose motivation.
Students from wealthier families tend to be better prepared.
Children from poor families may receive less support from parents.
Mixed ability classes encourage everyone to achieve their potential.
06. Environment:
global warming, impact of humans on the environment, solutions to environment problems, waste/rubbish, litter, recycling, nuclear power
Global Warming--
Gases such as carbon dioxide trap heat from the sun.
This causes global temperatures to rise.
This process is known as the greenhouse effect.
Human activity is a major factor in the rise of the greenhouse gases.
Factories and vehicles produce emissions and exhaust fumes.
Many developing countries are becoming industrialized.
The number of cars on our streets is growing.
Cheap air travel is allowing more people to fly.
Effects of Global Warming--
Global warming will have a significant impact on our planet.
Rising temperatures will cause melting of the polar ice caps.
Sea levels will rise.
We can expect more extreme weather conditions.
Flooding and droughts may become more common.
Impacts of Humans on the Environment--
The increasing world population is putting pressure on natural resources.
Fossil fuels like oil and gas are running out.
We are destroying wildlife habitats.
We have cut down enormous areas of rainforests.
This had led to the extinction of many species of animals and plants.
Solutions to Environment Problems--
Governments could introduce laws to limit emissions from factories.
They could invest in renewable energy from solar, wind or water power.
They could impose 'green taxes' on drivers and airlines companies.
Government campaigns should promote recycling.
Natural areas and wild animals should be protected.
Individuals should also try to be greener.
We should take fewer flights abroad for holidays.
We should take public transport rather than driving.
We should choose products with less packaging.
We should recycle as much as possible.
Waste/Rubbish--
The amount of waste we produce has increased.
This problem is a result of our consumer culture.
Products are not made to last.
If something breaks, we throw it away and buy a new one.
Advertisers encourage us to buy the newest fashions.
Packaging is an important part of selling.
Most foods are sold in plastic packaging.
The amount of household waste is growing.
This waste ends up in landfill sites.
Litter--
People do not think about the consequences of dropping rubbish.
They assume that somebody is paid to clean the streets.
Plastic packaging does not break down easily.
Most of the litter seen on the streets is fast food packaging.
Recycling and Other Solutions--
Companies should make goods that last longer.
They should not use so much packaging.
Governments should be stricter about waste produced by manufacturers.
They should put legal limits on packaging.
Consumers should avoid buying over-packaged products.
We should recycle and reuse materials.
There should be collection banks for glass, paper and plastic bottles.
Households can use several rubbish bins to separate different kinds of waste.
Recycling saves energy and raw materials.
Nuclear Power: Positives--
There are several benefits to building more nuclear power stations.
Fossil fuel like oil and gas are running out.
Nuclear power is sustainable energy source.
It can be used to produce electricity without wasting natural resources.
It could be used to replace the use of natural resources like coal, oil or gas.
Nuclear power stations are cleaner than fossil fuel power stations.
They could help to reduce carbon emissions that cause global warming.
The risks of accidents are being reduced.
Nuclear Power: Negatives--
Opponents of nucler power worry about the safety of power stations.
The building of new nuclear power stations is unpopular.
Nobody wants to live near a nuclear power station.
Nuclear waste disposal is a significant problem.
There is currently no way to decontaminate radioactive materials.
People worry that terrorists could steal radioactive materials.
It is safer to produce energy from solar, wind or water power.
07. Family:
family size, working parents, negative effects on children, divorce, care for old people
08. Gender:
gender and education, gender and work, women's and men's role in the family
09. Genetic Engineering:
positives, negatives, genetically modified foods
10. Global Issues:
problems in developing countries, how to help developing countries, immigration, multicultural societies, globalization
11. Government and Society:
what government can do, public services, censorship, video cameras in public places
12. Guns and Weapons:
gun ownership and possession, police and guns, nuclear weapons, armed forces
13. Health:
diet, exercise, state health systems, private healthcare, alternative medicine, stress
14. Housing and Architecture:
state housing, old buildings, modern/green buildings
15. International Language:
English as an international language
16. Money:
money and society, consumerism
17. Personal Development:
happiness, success, nature or nurture
18. Sport and Leisure:
professional/competitive sport, sport salaries, sport and politics
19. Tourism:
positives, negative effects on environment, future of tourism
20. Traditions and Modern Life:
losing traditional skills, traditional customs
21. Transport:
traffic problems and solutions, public transport, road safety
22. Television, Internet and Mobile Phones:
positives and negatives, internet compared to newspapers and books
23. Water:
importance of clean water, water supply, water should be free, bottled water
24. Work:
same job for life, self-employment, unemployment, work/life balance, technology and work, child