Ideas For Essay Topics
19-20-21-22-23-24/24
Source: http://ielts-simon.com
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01. Advertising:
positives, negatives
02. Animal Rights:
testing on animals, vegetarianism, zoos
03. Cities:
urbanization, problems of city life
04. Crime:
police, punishments/prisons, rehabilitation, capital punishment
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)
06. Environment:
global warming, impact of humans on the environment, solutions to environment problems, waste/rubbish, litter, recycling, nuclear 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
Positives of Television--
Watching television is a good way to relax.
It is many people's favorite way to wind down after a hard day at work.
Television programs can be entertaining and enjoyable.
Viewers have access to a huge variety of entertainment channels.
Television brings the best comedians, musicians and actors into our homes.
Programmers can also be informative and educational.
News coverage makes the public aware of events around the world.
Documentaries can make learning more interesting.
Negatives of Television--
Television is having a negative impact on society.
Some people link violence on television with crime rates in the real world.
Children copy the behavior they see on the screen.
Children are less healthy because they spend less time playing.
Advertisers direct their marketing at children.
Most programs do not require much thought.
Watching TV is a waste of time.
Opinions about Television--
Television has many benefits.
However, it can be addictive.
Children should play outside rather than sit in front of a screen all day.
Behavior shown on TV can influence people.
Parents should choose carefully what their children watch.
Children should not be exposed to violence, swearing or sexual images.
Advertising during children's programs should be strictly controlled.
TV companies should make more positive, educational programs.
Positives of the Internet--
There are many advantages to using the Internet.
It gives us instant access to information on almost any subject.
Shops and other services are now available online.
People can buy goods and services from the comfort of their homes.
The Internet is starting to replace other forms of entertainment.
It has revolutionalized communication.
We can keep in touch by email or instant messenger services.
Video messaging is becoming common for business meetings.
Internet Compared to Newspapers and Books--
Newspapers and books are now published online as well as in print.
We can read the news in any language from any country in the world.
It costs nothing to publish or access information on the Internet.
The Internet allows anybody to publish their own writing.
Newspaper articles and books are written by professionals.
Professionals produce better quality writing than amateurs.
People still buy newspapers and books because they are portable.
Some people do not like reading from a screen.
Positives of Mobile Phones--
The mobile phone is the most popular gadget in today's world.
Mobile phones have changed the way we communicate.
We can stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues wherever we are.
Users can send text messages, surf the Internet, take photos and listen to music.
Mobiles have become fashion accessories.
Negatives of Mobile Phones--
Mobile phones can be a problem in some public places.
Ringing phones cause disturbance in cinemas and school lessons.
Some people are not aware that others can hear their conversations.
Mobile phones may also interfere with electronic equipment.
Their waves could cause damage to our brains.
Mobile phones can also be a dangerous distraction.
Using a phone while driving reduces the driver's concentration.
Mobile phones are a popular target for thieves.
Opinions about Mobile Phones--
The benefits of mobile phones outweigh the drawbacks.
We need to use these phones with care.
20. Traditions and Modern Life:
losing traditional skills, traditional customs
Positives of Tourism--
Tourism is a popular leisure activity.
People go on holiday to relax and have fun.
Tourists can experience different cultures.
They can sunbathe on beaches or go sight-seeing.
Travelling abroad opens our minds.
We can learn to speak other languages.
The tourist trade is vital for some economies.
It creates employment in services like accommodation, transport and entertainment.
Some areas rely on tourism for their income.
Tourists spend money.
Tourism attracts investment from multi-national companies.
It helps to improve the standard of living.
Low-cost airlines are making it cheaper to travel abroad.
Negative Effects of Tourism--
Tourism can have a negative effect on the natural environment.
The building of facilities and infrastructure can destroy the habitat of wild animals.
Beautiful beaches are spoiled by the building of hotels.
Tourism creates pollution and waste.
It puts pressure on local resources.
Local traditions and cultures may be endangered.
A rise in the cost of living affects local people.
The price of goods, services and housing may increase significantly.
The Future of Tourism--
Governments should introduce laws to protect natural environments and local cultures.
Tourism should have a low impact on wildlife.
Renewable resources like solar or water power should be used.
Waste should be recycled.
Local businesses such as farms should be supported.
21. Traditional vs. Modern:
Losing traditional Skills--
Because of industrialization and global trade, many traditions have disappeared.
Global advertising encourages everyone to buy the same products.
Many products are now made in factories.
Machinery has replaced skilled human labor.
Factory work is boring and leaves people feeling unfulfilled.
Goods are produced very quickly and in large numbers.
Products are cheaper, which means that more people can buy them.
Examples--
Clothes are mass produced in standard sizes.
People wear similar clothes rather than traditional costumes.
Jeans and T-shirts are now worn throughout the world.
Historic buildings took skilled craftsmen years to build.
Modern concrete, steel and glass buildings are built in only weeks or months.
There are fewer people who can create hand-made goods.
Traditional Customs--
Traditional customs are still important during weddings and religious festivals.
People wear traditional costumes and eat special foods.
It is important to maintain our different cultural identities.
We should celebrate festivals, teach traditional skills and protect historic places.
22. Transport:
traffic problems and solutions, public transport, road safety
Traffic Problems--
Traffic congestion is caused by commuters travelling to work.
Most people live in the suburbs outside city center.
Commuters tend to travel at the same time of day.
They tend to travel alone.
Cars and road space are not used efficiently.
This causes traffic jams during the rush hour.
Traffic Solutions--
In order to reduce traffic we should change our working habits.
The Internet can now be used to connect people.
More people could work from home.
Meetings can be held as video conferences.
Workers could be given flexible timetables.
Another solution would be to tax drivers.
Workers should share their cars and travel together.
In some cities, for example, there is a congestion charge.
This helps to raise money for better public transport.
Public transport needs to be reliable and efficient.
Positives of Public Transport--
We need to reduce our dependence on cars.
Parking a car can be extremely difficult in big cities.
Well-designed transport systems are comfortable and convenient.
Modern public transport can be fast and cheap.
Public transport can help to reduce pollution in cities.
Investment in buses and trains will ease traffic congestion.
Buses can be given special lanes to avoid traffic.
Negatives of Public Transport:
Public transport could be often slow and unreliable.
Metro systems and trains are often dirty and crowded.
People feel like 'sardines in a can'.
Cars are much more comfortable.
Road Safety:
Driving while tired or drunk is extremely dangerous.
Mobile phones can be a dangerous distraction for drivers.
They draw the driver's attention away from the road.
The use of phones while driving has been banned in many countries.
Punishments are becoming stricter.
Television campaigns are used to remind people to drive safely.
Speed cameras have become more common.
Speed bumps are another form of traffic calming.
Many streets are designed with the aim of slowing traffic down.
23. Water:
importance of clean water, water supply, water should be free, bottled water
Importance of Clean Water--
Water is a necessary natural resource.
Humans need access to clean, safe drinking water in order to live.
Poor water quality is a major cause of disease and death in some countries.
Water usually needs to be treated before we can drink it.
Developing countries often lack the means to treat and supply water to citizens.
Developed countries tend to have much better sanitation.
Citizens have access to clean tap water.
Drinking water is not contaminated by sewage or waste water.
The supply of clean water would improve public health in many developing countries.
Water Supply--
Urban life would be impossible without water supply systems.
These systems are massive engineering projects.
Many professionals are involved in their planning, construction and maintenance.
The supply and distribution of water are major concerns.
Water is becoming scarce in some countries.
Areas that suffer droughts often need to import water.
As populations grow, there is more pressure on water supplies.
This could lead to water crises.
Water and Politics--
The supply of water is also an important political issue.
Guge amounts of water should be needed for agriculture and industry.
The irrigation of crops accounts for a large proportion of water use.
A water crisis could lead to political conflicts or even wars.
Argument: Water Should be Free--
Some people believe that water should be free for everyone.
Governments should supply water to all homes at no cost.
Private companies should not be allowed to profit from this natural resource.
Money from taxes can be used to pay for water supply systems.
Argument: Water Should Not be Free--
If water is free, people take it for granted.
They do not think about how much water they waste.
They leave taps running while washing or brushing their teeth.
If we have to pay for water, we will use it more responsibly.
Water supply systems are extremely expensive.
Investment is needed to maintain and improve water supply systems.
Private companies may provide a better service than governments.
If they provide an efficient service, they will make money.
They will repair leaks to avoid losing money.
Bottled Water: Opinions
Some people carry bottles of water wherever they go.
For example, they take bottles of water to work or to the gym.
They believe that bottled water is healthier than tap water.
They also argue that it tastes better.
However, other people believe that we should consume less bottled water.
Plastic water bottles add to litter and waste problems.
Companies should not be able to make a profit from water.
It is unethical to make money by selling packaged water.
There is no difference in quality between bottled and tap water.
24. Work:
same job for life, self-employment, unemployment, work/life balance, technology and work, child labor
The Bebefits of Staying in the Same Job for Life--
Employees have a sable career with one employer.
They have a good pension and health insurance.
Their salaries gradually increase.
They may be promoted within the organization.
They demonstrate lyalty.
Experienced staff can be trusted with more responsibility.
They become part of a team.
There is clearly defined path for development.
The Benefits of Not Staying in the Same Job--
People often change jobs in order to further their careers.
Another company may offer a promotion or a higher salary.
People who change jobs can gain experience.
They can learn different skills.
Changing jobs is interesting and challenging.
In a fast-changing world, workers need to be flexible.
People need to develop a range of experience and skills.
Self-employment--
Nowadays, it is easy to set up a company.
The Internet provides a global marketplace.
Self-employment offers greater freedom than working for a company.
However, there are risks to starting a new business.
Self-employed people may face financial difficulties.
Many businesses fail to make a profit.
There is less stability in self-employment.
There are no benefits like pensions, sick pay and holiday pay.
Self-employment may involve hard work, long hours and total responsibility.
Unemployment--
Umemployment is a big problem for individuals, communities, and societies.
Some people are unable to find a job.
They may not have the sufficient level of education or qualifications.
They may find themselves homeless.
Unemployment causes frustration and stress.
Jobless people may become involved in crime as a means to get money.
The unemployed need career advice.
Governments need to provide vocational courses and training.
Unemployment Benefits: Positives--
Some people claim benefits rather than working.
They become dependent on the government.
They are not motivated to find a job.
The benefits system is a burden on taxpayers.
All citizens should work to earn a living and support themselves.
Receiving benefits affects people's self-esteem.
Work-Life Balance--
It is important to achieve a balance between work time and leisure or family time.
Too much work can result in stress and poor health.
'Workaholics' may neglect their families and friends.
People need to take regular holidays.
Nowadays, any people work part-time or have flexible working hours.
Technology allows people to work from home.
Many companies provide childcare facilities,
A good work/life balance can raise job satisfaction.
Happy, healthy workers care more productive.
Technology and Work--
Internet and mobile phone technologies have revolutionized working life.
Workers can communicate via email, online networks and video conferencing.
Technology can connect workers in different countries.
It gives people more freedom.
It can also save time and money.
Some people believe that offices could disappear in the future.
Virtual online offices may replace traditional offices.
Child Labor--
In some countries, children are exploited.
They do repetitive jobs for very low pay.
Children are often used in agriculture and factory work.
The employment of children is prohibited in other countries.
Many people think that children should be free to enjoy their childhood.
Governments should make education a priority.
They should build new schools.
They should supply the resources to educate children.
Children need to be given the knowledge and skills for adult life.
