In many countries, primary and secondary schools close for two months or more in the summer holidays. What is the value of long school holidays? What are the arguments in favour of shorter school holidays?
Some people believe that doing an enjoyable activity with children can develop their skills and creativity better than reading books to them. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people believe that university students should study a full range of subjects, instead of some specific subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this viewpoint?
To some people studying the past has little value in the modern world. Why do you think it is important to learn the past? What will be the effect if children are not taught history?
Some people think that museums (and galleries) should be enjoyable places to entertain people, while others believe that the purpose of museums is to educate. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The rate of unemployment in some countries is high. Because of this, there is no need to complete an education beyond a primary school level. Write an essay either for or against this position.
Some people say that television is a very useful tool when it comes to education. Others argue that television is a much overused, ineffective teacher. Discuss both of these views and give your opinion as to the usefulness of television as an educational tool.
It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for sport or music, and others are not. However, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
While many people say that parents are the best teachers, others simply state that teachers and our own experience are our best teachers. Who do you thinks is our best teacher? You should
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Most experiences in our lives that seemed difficult at the time become valuable lessons for the future.
Some people believe that history is very important and we must study the past to understand the present. Others say that it has little or no use at all. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Art and music are considered some of the fundamental elements of all societies, and some suggest that children should learn them at school. Do you think art and music still have a place in today’s modern world of technology? Should children spend more time learning art and music at school?
Studying the English language in an English-speaking country is the best but not the only way to learn a language. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
The authority often builds new schools, colleges and universities in residential areas. Some people think that residential areas are good places for such educational institutions while others oppose the idea. In your opinion what are the advantages and disadvantages of establishing educational institutions in residential areas?
People have easy access to video games nowadays and many people consider playing video games as a form of entertainment or even educational. Others however completely deny this and say that video games only have negative effects on people. Which point of view do you agree with? Why?
In many countries, children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility. What are your opinions on this?
Sending criminals to prison is not the best method of dealing with them. Education and job training are better ways to help them. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think it is better to educate boys and girls in separate schools. Others, however, believe that girls and boys benefit more from attending mixed schools. Which education system do you think is better? Why?
The best way to help underachieving pupils is to have compulsory after-school activities which they must attend. This way they will become more involved in school and their grades will improve. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that teachers should be able to ask disruptive children to leave the class for the overall benefit of the classroom. Do you think it is the best way to deal with a disruptive child in the classroom? What other solutions are there?