Environment and sanitation

Task Prompt:
In most countries today the numbers of plant and animal species are declining.
What is causing this situation?
What can be done about it?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Habitat destruction impact on species
– Deforestation and species loss
– Climate change and biodiversity
– Causes of species extinction
– Effects of species extinction on ecosystems
– Conservation strategies for endangered species

Task Prompt:

In many countries, there is not enough recycling of waste materials (e.g. paper, glass, cans).
What do you think are the reasons for this situation?
What can be done to encourage more recycling?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Barriers to effective recycling
– Public awareness and recycling habits
– Government policies on recycling waste
– Environmental impact of low recycling rates
– Economic consequences of poor recycling practices
– How to increase recycling rates

Task Prompt:
Some people think that one of the best ways to solve environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel for cars and other vehicles.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Impact of fuel taxes on carbon emissions and environmental problems
– Effect of higher fuel costs on the environment
– Transportation and its role in climate change
– Encouraging renewable energy through fuel price increases
– Economic impact of higher fuel costs
– Alternatives to raising fuel costs for environmental protection
– Electric vehicles and environmental benefits

Task Prompt:
Some people say that it is possible for a country to be both economically successful and to have a clean environment. Others disagree.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Relationship between economic development and the environment
– Benefits of renewable energy for the economy
– Economic costs of climate change
– Carbon neutrality and economic competitiveness

Habits, hobbies, and leisure activities

Task Prompt:
Some people think it is best to have a detailed plan for activities in their free time. Others disagree.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Benefits of planning free time activities
– Psychological benefits of planning your day
– Disadvantages of overplanning free time
– Impact of leisure planning on work-life balance
– Cultural differences in planning free time
– Famous personalities and their leisure time strategies

Task Prompt:
Some people say that it is important for everyone to do something creative in their free time. Others disagree.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Creativity and leisure time connection
– How creative activities reduce stress and anxiety
– The importance of passive leisure
– Physical activities vs creative activities in free time
– How creative hobbies improve emotional health
– Does creativity make people happier?

Sports and exercise

Task Prompt:
People who take part in dangerous sports, such as scuba-diving or mountain-climbing, should take responsibility for their own lives. They should not expect rescue workers to risk their own lives to save them when they are in danger.
Do you agree or disagree?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Responsibility in extreme sports
– Should rescue workers risk their lives for extreme sports participants?
– Ethics of dangerous sports rescues
– Personal accountability in high-risk sports
– Risk to rescue workers in extreme sports emergencies
– Public funding for search and rescue operations
– Preventing accidents in extreme sports through better regulations

Task Prompt:
It costs a lot of money for a country to host an international sports event, such as the Olympic Games or football World Cup. Some people think that this is wasted money, while others believe the opposite.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Costs and benefits of hosting international sports events
– Economic benefits of hosting international sports events
– Infrastructure improvements due to sports events
– How sports events promote national pride and unity

Education

Task Prompt:
In some countries, there has been an increase in the number of parents who are choosing to educate their children themselves at home instead of sending them to school.
Do the advantages of home education outweigh the disadvantages?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Why do parents choose homeschooling?
– Homeschooling vs traditional schooling
– Social skills development in homeschooled children
– Challenges faced by parents who homeschool

Task Prompt:
Despite better access to education, a significant number of adults cannot read or write.
In what ways are people disadvantaged without these skills?
What could governments do about this problem?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Causes of adult illiteracy worldwide
– Challenges in eradicating adult illiteracy
– Barriers to education in underserved communities
– Impact of illiteracy on economic development
– Social consequences of adult illiteracy
– Psychological effects of being unable to read or write

Task Prompt:

Some people feel that children should receive formal training at school on how to be a good parent.
Do you agree or disagree?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Should parenting skills be taught in schools?
– Parenting classes in schools pros and cons
– Importance of teaching empathy and child development in schools
– How parenting education can improve family relationships
– Cultural differences in parenting and the role of schools
– Social skills and their link to future parenting abilities

Task Prompt:
Some people say that strict discipline in the classroom is necessary for children to learn. However, other people say that children will learn better from a friendly teacher.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Pros and cons of strict discipline in schools
– Strict discipline vs. student engagement
– How discipline affects student behavior and focus
– Benefits of friendly teachers in the classroom
– Role of empathy in teaching
– Student-centered teaching methods and their benefits
– Psychological impacts of strict discipline on students
– Classroom management strategies for effective learning

Technology

Task Prompt:
Some scientists believe that very soon computers will be more intelligent than human beings. Some people think that this will be a positive development, while others worry it will have negative effects.
Discuss both these points of view and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Artificial Intelligence vs Human Intelligence
– Benefits of superintelligent AI
– Risks of artificial superintelligence
– AI and ethical considerations
– Impact of AI on society and jobs
– Human-AI collaboration

Task Prompt:
Mobile phones and the internet could be of great benefit to old people. However, this is the section of the population that uses such technology the least.
In what ways could mobile phones and the internet be useful to old people?
How could old people be encouraged to use this technology?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Technology adoption among seniors
– Digital literacy programs for seniors
– Social media usage by the elderly
– Technology training for older adults
– Bridging the digital divide in aging populations

Society and culture

Task Prompt:
Some people say that when buying a product (e.g. a mobile/cell phone), or choosing a service (e.g. medical treatment), price is the most important thing to consider.

Do you agree or disagree?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Consumer decision-making factors
– Factors influencing service selection
– Economics of consumer choice
– Brand loyalty vs cost consideration

Task Prompt:
During the 20th century, contacts between different parts of the world developed quickly, thanks to air travel and telecommunications.
To what extent do you think societies benefit from the increased contact and closer relationships with foreigners brought about by international tourism and business?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Globalization’s impact on air travel
– Globalization and technology development
– Cultural exchange through air travel
– Economic effects of global connectivity

Task Prompt:
Some people think that it is good for a country’s culture to show imported foreign films and TV programs. Other people think that it is better for countries to make their own films and TV programs instead.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Globalization of cinema and television
– Impact of foreign films on local culture
– Media diversity and cultural identity
– Protecting national culture through local filmmaking

Task Prompt:
Important historical objects in museums around the world should be returned to their country of origin.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Repatriation of historical artifacts
– Impact on museums with returning objects
– Cultural diplomacy and artifact return

Task Prompt:
Ordinary people often try to copy famous people that they read about in magazines or see on TV.
Why do you think this happens?
Do you think it is a good idea to copy famous people?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Celebrity influence on public behavior
– Role models and celebrity impact
– Psychology of celebrity idolization
– Consumer behavior influenced by celebrities
– Copycat behavior in pop culture

Government policies and international relations

Task Prompt:
The best way for governments to solve the problem of traffic congestion in cities is to provide free public transport 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Solutions to urban traffic congestion
– Benefits of free public transport
– Economic effects of free transit
– Challenges of implementing free transport

Task Prompt:
It is impossible to help all the people in the world who need help, so governments should focus only on helping people in their own countries.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– International aid vs domestic aid
– Government responsibilities in global assistance
– Ethics of foreign aid prioritization
– Moral obligations in global vs local aid

Task Prompt:
The restoration of old buildings in major cities throughout the world often involves enormous government expenditure. This money would bring more benefits if it was used to provide new housing and road development.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Government spending on heritage sites
– Urban renewal vs preservation projects
– Economic impact of building restoration
– Challenges of urban road development

Transportation

Task Prompt:
In some countries, the number of people using bicycles as their main form of transport is decreasing, even though cycling has many benefits.
Why is this?
What can be done to encourage more people to use bicycles as their main form of transport?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Benefits of cycling as transportation
– Cycling infrastructure and safety
– Cultural attitudes towards cycling
– Environmental impact of cycling
– Strategies to increase bicycle use

Task Prompt:
Some people say that it is the government’s responsibility to transport children to school. Others say it is the responsibility of parents to get their children to school.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Government responsibility in school transportation
– School transportation policy debates
– Safety in school commute
– Parental involvement in education logistics
– Impact of transportation on school attendance
– School busing and equal access to education

Business and Money

Task Prompt:
In many countries, a few people earn extremely high salaries. Some people say that this is a good thing for the country. Others say that governments should not allow salaries above a certain level.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Arguments for and against salary caps
– Economic effects of high salaries
– Income inequality and economic growth
– Government policy on executive pay
– Taxation policies on high earners
– Social mobility and income distribution

Task Prompt:
Not having money may lead to unhappiness, but having money does not always make people happy.
What is your opinion about this?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Money and happiness correlation
– Psychology of wealth and well-being
– Social and economic factors in happiness
– Financial stress and mental health
– Materialism and life satisfaction

Task Prompt:
The number of companies that sell their products all over the world is increasing.
Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Benefits of global product distribution
– Challenges of global business operations
– Impact of technology on global business
– Cultural adaptation in global markets

Task Prompt:
Some people say employers should not be concerned about the way their employees dress at work, only about the quality of their work.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Dress code policies in the workplace
– Impact of dress on work performance
– Pros and cons of dress codes
– Productivity and workplace dress code

Art

Task Prompt:
It is sometimes said that the best way for people to learn about art is to visit art galleries and museums. Others think that there are better ways for people to learn about art.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Benefits of visiting art galleries and museums
– Alternative ways to learn about art
– Impact of cultural institutions on art appreciation
– Role of museums in art education
– Digital vs traditional art learning experiences

Task Prompt:
In many countries, governments spend large amounts of money supporting the arts. Some people think this is a justified use of government money. Others, however, believe it is better to spend public money on health and education.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Government funding for the arts
– Art funding vs health and education spending
– Economic benefits of arts funding
– Debate on government arts subsidies
– Prioritizing public spending in budgets

Task Prompt:
Many people regard film as a less important form of art than literature or painting.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Comparing art forms: film, literature, painting
– Artistic importance of film
– Cultural value of cinema
– Debates on film’s status as art

Media and Advertising

Task Prompt:
Giving detailed descriptions of crimes in newspapers and on television can have bad consequences, so information of this kind in the media should be restricted.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Impact of crime reporting on society
– Media effects of detailed crime descriptions
– Ethics of crime reporting
– Media guidelines for reporting crimes

Task Prompt:
On the internet, it is very easy to find people’s opinions and reviews of things they have bought or services they have used.
Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Impact of online reviews on consumer behavior
– Influence of user reviews on brand reputation
– Negative reviews and business impact

Task Prompt:
Some people think that children should learn in school about how advertisements try to persuade us to buy things.
Do you agree or disagree?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Influence of advertisements on children
– Benefits of teaching advertising awareness
– Critical thinking and media consumption
– Understanding persuasion in advertising

Task Prompt:
Research indicates that nowadays some consumers are much less influenced by advertising than in the past.
What do you think are the reasons for this?

Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Reasons for the decreased influence of ads on consumers
– Digital media and ad effectiveness
– Advertising influence on buying decisions
– Trust in traditional vs digital ads
– Social impacts of advertising

Law, crimes, and punishment

Task Prompt:
Some people believe that most crime is a result of circumstances e.g. poverty and other social problems. Others, however, think most crime is caused by people who are bad by nature.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Impact of poverty on crime rates
– Social problems as crime causes
– Psychological theories of crime
– Cultural factors contributing to crime
– Main contributors of high crime rates

Task Prompt:
Some people say that technological developments have reduced crime. Others say that they have encouraged crime.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Technology’s impact on crime reduction
– Surveillance technology and crime prevention
– Cybercrime and technological advancements
– Challenges of policing technology-facilitated crime

Health

Task Prompt:
Some people believe that governments should do more to make their citizens have a healthy diet. Others, however, believe that individuals must take responsibility for their own diet and health.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Government’s role in promoting healthy diets
– Personal responsibility for dietary habits
– Impact of government interventions on obesity
– Effective strategies for improving population diet

Task Prompt:
Some people think that it is easier to have a healthy lifestyle in the countryside. Others believe that living in a city has more health benefits.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Health benefits of rural living
– Urban lifestyle and health advantages
– Environmental impact on health
– Diet and lifestyle differences between urban and rural

Task Prompt:
Nowadays many people have unhealthy diets and do not do enough exercise.
Why do you think this is?
What can be done to encourage people to have healthier lifestyles?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Causes of unhealthy diets today
– Impact of modern lifestyle on exercise habits
– Solutions for improving diet and exercise habits
– Health risks of a sedentary lifestyle
– Role of technology in diet and exercise patterns
– Influence of fast food on modern diets

Jobs and careers

Task Prompt:
Some people think that both individuals and society would benefit if employees had to work only six hours per day. Others disagree.
What is your opinion about this?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Economic effects of a six-hour workday
– Work-life balance and shorter workdays
– Employee health and work hours
– Arguments against shorter workdays
– Societal impact of reduced working hours
– Challenges of implementing a six-hour workday

Task Prompt:
It is sometimes said that people should change careers at least once in their life, rather than doing the same kind of job all their working life.
Do you agree or disagree?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Benefits and drawbacks of changing careers
– Economic impact of career changes
– Challenges of switching careers
– Career mobility and personal growth
– Adapting to new career paths

Task Prompt:
To be successful in most jobs, it is more important to be hardworking than to be creative.
What is your opinion about this?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Hard work vs creativity in career success
– Role of creativity in problem-solving
– Job types prioritizing hard work over creativity

Language

Task Prompt:
We should invent a new language that people in all countries of the world can use for international communication.
Do you think the benefits of this would outweigh the problems?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Benefits of a universal language
– Challenges of creating a new global language
– Impact of a universal language on culture
– Role of language in international communication
– Global communication and language barrier
– Economic impacts of having only one language in the world

Task Prompt:
Because some children do not seem to have a natural ability for learning other languages, schools should not force all school children to learn a foreign language.
Do you agree or disagree?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Pros and cons of compulsory language education
– Effectiveness of mandatory foreign language education
– Alternatives to forced foreign language learning

Families and children

Task Prompt:
Many parents and teachers today think it is important to supervise children’s activities very closely. Others say it is important to give children more freedom.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Benefits of close supervision in child development
– Importance of freedom in child upbringing
– Balancing safety and independence in parenting

Task Prompt:
Some parents give their children money if they do well at school.
Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Impact of financial rewards on academic performance
– Pros and cons of paying children for good grades
– Alternative incentives for academic achievement
– Parental strategies for encouraging good grades
– Balancing rewards and learning motivation

Animals and wildlife

Task Prompt:
Some people believe that zoos, where wild animals are kept in a man-made environment, should no longer exist in the 21st century.
Do you agree or disagree?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Ethical considerations of zoos
– Arguments against keeping animals in zoos
– Impact of captivity on animal well-being
– Alternatives to traditional zoos
– Educational role of zoos vs animal rights

Tourism and travel

Task Prompt:
It has become easier and more affordable for people to visit other countries.
Do you think that this is a positive or a negative development?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Factors influencing cheaper international travel
– Impact of affordable travel on tourism
– Cultural exchange through accessible travel
– Technology’s role in making travel easier
– Environmental impact of more frequent travel

Space Exploration

Task Prompt:
Some people want governments to spend money looking for life on other planets. Others, however, think this is a waste of public money when there are so many problems on Earth.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Benefits of searching for extraterrestrial life
– Cost of space exploration vs Earth problems
– Arguments for and against funding space research
– Impact of space exploration on scientific knowledge
– Economic considerations of space programs
– Ethical debates on prioritizing space missions

Task Prompt:
Space travel has been possible for some time and some people say that space tourism will probably be developed in the future.
Do you think space tourism would be a positive or negative development?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Space tourism development prospects
– Challenges of developing space tourism
– Economic impact of the space tourism industry
– Environmental impact of space travel
– Safety concerns in space tourism

Food and diet

Task Prompt:
The government should put a tax on unhealthy food to encourage people to eat food that is better for their health.
Do you agree or disagree?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Impact of health taxes on food consumption
– Pros and cons of taxing unhealthy food
– Economic implications of health-related taxes
– Alternatives to taxing unhealthy foods
– Tax policy and nutrition education

Housing and buildings

Task Prompt:
Some people say that it is more important to plant trees in open spaces in towns and cities than to build more housing in those spaces.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Benefits of urban green spaces
– Role of parks and trees in cities
– Environmental impact of urban development
– Economic benefits of city green spaces
– Challenges of urban sprawl and green spaces

Communication

Task Prompt:
During the 20th century, contacts between different parts of the world developed quickly, thanks to air travel and telecommunications.
To what extent do you think societies benefit from the increased contact and closer relationships with foreigners brought about by international tourism and business?

Relevant Topics for Research:
– Impact of telecommunication advancements
– Economic effects of international travel and telecommunication
– Role of technology in global interactions
– Social impacts of improved global connectivity