Ideas Flashcards

1
Q

Positives of Advertising

A

Advertising is a key part of modern business
Companies need to tell customers about their products
Advertisement 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 adverts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Negative of Advertising

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Opinions about Advertising

A

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 risk to healthy should display warnings
In some countries, it is illegal to advertise cigarettes on television
Warnings must be displayed on cigarette packets
However, advertising is necessary in free market economies
It creates demand for products
governments should only censor false information or products that are harmful

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Arguments for Animal testing

A

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 cosmetics industry is now banned in many countries

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Arguments against Animal testing

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Arguments for Vegetarianism

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Arguments against Vegetarianism

A

Vegetarians do not eat a balanced diet
In many cultures, meat is the main ingredient in traditional meals
Meat-eaters argue that animals are blow human in the food chain
It is completely natural for us to kill them for food
Our aim should be improve farming methods
Farms should produce organic food

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Positives of Zoos

A

Zoos play an important role in wildlife conservation
They can help to protect endangered species
Zoos allow scientists to study animals and their behavior
Zoos are educational, interesting and fun
Children, in particular, enjoy learning about animals
Zoos provide job opportunities

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Negatives of Zoos

A

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 exhibits animals with the aim of making money
We have no right to use animals for entertainment and profit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Reasons for Urbanization

A

People move to cites 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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Negatives of City life

A

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 on 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 neighbor
Cities are sometimes described as “concrete jungles”

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Pedestrian Areas ( khu vực đi bộ)

A

Pedestrian zones in city centre can improve the local environment
Banning cars encourages people to walk or cycle
Many European 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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Police and Crime prevention

A

The job of the polices 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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Punishments/Prisons

A

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
They are put in prison to ensure the safety of other citizens

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Negatives of Prisons

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Rehabilitation ( Sự cải tạo )

A

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’ behaviour worse
Rehabilitation aims to make them better citizens
Rehabilitated prisoners are less likely to re-offend

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Capital punishment (Tử hình)

A

Supporters say that capital punishment deters crime
Fear of the death penalty stops people from committing offences
The death penalty shows that crime is not tolerated
It is form of revenge
The cost of imprisonment is avoided
The offender cannot pose a threat to others

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Against capital punishment

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Community service

A

Community service is a way to reform offenders/wrongdoer/law-breaker
It could be a solution to prison overcrowding
It avoids the cost of imprisonment
It make offenders useful in their local communities
They are required to clean streets or talk to school groups
Offenders repay their community
They avoid the negative influence that prison can have

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Against community service

A

Community service is not sufficient punishment

Criminals should be locked up, away from their victims

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Crime in the media

A

Crime is one of the main subjects of most new programs
The mass media focus on violent and sensational crimes
This lead to fear to crime among the public
Sensational stories attract more viewers or readers
The media report crime stories in order to increase their audience

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Benefits of education

A

Education gives people knowledge and skills
People with qualification 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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Benefits of studying abroad

A

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 are responsible for cooking, cleaning and paying bills
They will learn a foreign language

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Drawback of studying abroad

A

Living and studying abroad can be difficult
Students have problems with paperwork such as visa applications
The language barrier can be a problem
Students have to find accommodation and pay bills
Studying in a foreign language is challenging
Living alone in an unfamiliar culture can cause homesickness

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
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 also learn skills which are useful for their future jobs For example, they learn to write reports using a word processor
26
Technology in Education : Disadvantages
People rely too much on computers Young learners do not become proficient 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 material to choose Computers are expensive to maintain and can be unreliable
27
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 lesson 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
28
Education in developing countries : Problems
Children often have to work from an early age They 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
29
Education in developing countries : Solutions
Developed countries could help developing nations by providing money They could invest in schools and technology They can 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
30
Higher education : Advantages
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
31
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 UK, for example, there is currently shortage of plumbers Their service are therefore becoming more and more expensive
32
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
33
Disadvantages of home-schooling
Most parents do not have the time to educate their children at home One parents would need to give up work School subject are normally taught by up to ten different teachers Most parents do not have the necessary knowledge or resources Private tutor 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
34
Bad behavior in schools : causes
Bad behavior is due to lack of structure and discipline There are too many children in some classes Large classes are difficult to manage May disruptive students come from an unstable family background Other parents are used to getting whatever they want Schools can do very little if they are not supported by parents
35
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 responsibility for their children's behavior
36
Corporal Punishment (Nhục hình) : 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
37
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 Discipline 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
38
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 real life Coeducational schools provide children with better social skills for adult life
39
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 benefits from a slower pace Some teachers and parents support streaming for these reasons
40
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's self-esteem They may lose motivation Students from wealthier families tend to better prepared Children from poorer families may receive less support from parents Mixed ability classed encourage everyone to achieve their potential
41
Environment : 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
42
Effects of global warming
Global warming will have a significant impact on our planet Rising temperature 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
43
Impacts of human 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 rainforest This has led to the extinction of many species of animals and plants
44
Solutions to environment problems
Governments could introduce laws to limit emissions from factories They should 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
45
Waste/Rubbish
The amount of waste we produce has increased This problem is a result of our consumer culture Products are not made to fast If something breaks, we throw it way and buy a new one Advertisers encourage is to buy the newest fashions Packaging is an important part of selling Most foods are sold in non-biodegradable plastics packaging The amount of household waste is growing This waste ends up in landfill sites
46
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 streets is fast food packaging
47
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 companies They should put legal limits on packaging Consumers should avoid buying over-packaged products We should recycle and reuse useful materials There are collection banks for glass, paper and plastic bottles Households can use several rubbish bins to separate waste Recycling saves energy and raw materials
48
Nuclear power : positives
There are several benefits to build more nuclear power stations Fossil fuel like oil and gas are running out Nuclear power is a sustainable energy source It can be used to produce electricity without wasting natural resources It could be 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
49
Nuclear power : Negatives
Opponents of nuclear power worry about the safety of power stations The building of new nuclear power stations is unpopular Nobody wants to live near one Nuclear waste disposal is a significant problem There is currently no way to decontaminate radioactive material People worry that terrorists could steal radioactive materials It is safer to produce energy from solar, wind or water power
50
Family size
Families in many countries are not as large as they used to be We tend to live in small nuclear families rather than extended families Parents tend to have fewer children Young children are no longer expected to work Nowadays both parents often work It costs so much to much bring children up It is more difficult to raise a large family
51
Working parents (also see "gender" topic)
Children and their parents seem to be less close nowadays Parents spend less time with their children Women traditionally stayed at home to cook, clean and look after children Nowadays both parents often work full time Children may be left alone, or with nannies or babysitters Busy parents have less contact with their children Many families no longer eat meals together Children spend more time with friends or surfing the Internet
52
Negative effects on Children
The lack of closeness in families can have a negative effect on children Many parents have no idea how their children spend their time Friends, television and the Internet become the main influence on children's behavior Teenagers are influenced by peer pressure Some of them joint gangs Juvenile delinquency is on the increase Parents should be more involved with their children's upbringing Young people need positive role models
53
Divorce
In the past, divorce was unacceptable It was considered to be embarrassing for a family People stayed together for religious or family reasons Divorce is more socially acceptable nowadays It has become much more common Divorce can be extremely stressful Lone parents may face financial difficulties Many single parents have to rely on benefits paid by the state Divorce can have a negative effect on children Children from single-parent families are more likely to get lower grades or drop out of school The rise in divorce rates may be connected to some social problems
54
Care for old people
Caring for elderly people was traditionally the responsibility of families Adults had to look after their elderly parents A woman's job was to stay at home taking care of her family Nowadays, fewer elderly people are looked after by their relatives Residential homes provide care for large number of elderly people Some families are unable to look after elderly relatives Families tend to be smaller these days, and women often have full-time jobs Cares homes provide a professional service for senior citizens Nurses are better trained than family members
55
Care for old people : Opinion
The best form of care for the elderly depends on the family situation It depends on whether family members have the time resources We all have a responsibility towards the older people in our society Governments should invest money in facilities and training for care workers
56
Gender and education
Men and women should have access to the same educational opportunities Males and females should be accepted onto courses according to their abilities It is wrong to discriminate against students because of their gender Gender should be irrelevant in education Students's achievements should depend on hard work and individual merit In the UK, there are similar numbers of male and female students in higher education
57
Gender and work
Men and women should have access to the same professional opportunities Both man and women should be able to pursue a career They should earn equal salaries They should be employed according to their abilities, qualifications and experience Traditionally women have been restricted to certain roles They were often employed as secretaries or receptionists Nowadays, a range of occupation is available to both sexes Career success depends on individual merit
58
Women's and Men's roles in the Family
Some people argue that a mother should now work She should stay at home and bring up her children The father should be the bread winner of the family Others believe that both parents should share these responsibilities Working women can take maternity leave during and after pregnancy Many fathers and mothers share their parenting and domestic responsibilities They contribute equally to childcare, cooking and cleaning Some women many have better career prospects than their husbands Paternity leave and "house husbands" are becoming more common Traditional gender roles and gradually changing Families can divide roles and responsibilities in the most convenient way.
59
Positives of Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering is the practice of manipulating the genes of an organism It is used to produce crops that are more resistant to insects and diseases Some genetically modified crops grow more quickly Some drugs and vaccines are produced by genetic engineering It may become possible to change human's genetic characteristics Scientists may use genetic engineering to cure diseases Inherited illnesses would no longer exist Genes could be changed before a baby is born It could also be possible to clone human organs We could all have replacement body part Humans could live longer, healthier lives
60
Negatives of genetic engineering
There are ethical concerns about human genetic engineering Parents might want to choose their children's characteristics This would be unnatural It would be unacceptable in most religions Soliders could be cloned from the genes of the strongest people Clones might be used like robots to do certain jobs Clones might even be developed just for organ replacements Society and human evolution would change completely Currently, human genetic engineering is prohibited
61
Genetically-Modified (GM) Foods : Advantages
Farmers can produce crops that grow bigger and faster Some GM crops are more resistant to disease or insects This could be important for food production in developing countries Faster growing cereals, fruit, and vegetables will mean more profit GM foods can be modified to look perfect They may be more attractive to customers
62
Genetically-Modified (GM) Foods : Disadvantages
There may be risks involved in the genetic engineering of foods GM Crops might change whole ecosystems Food chains could be broken if crops are resistant to predators Organic foods are produced without chemicals or genetic modification Organic farming may be slower and more expensive However, the environment is not damaged by fertilizers or pesticides
63
Problems in developing countries
Developing countries face a range if problems Standards of healthcare and education are low Life expectancy is usually lower than in developed countries There is a lack of infrastructure, employment and good quality housing Many people are forced to live in poverty Food, drinking water and basic medicines are in short supply
64
How to help developing countries
The best form of help for developing countries is development aid Richer nations can help by investing in long term projects Governments and charities can help by building new houses and schools Globalization may also help developing countries On the other hand, many people emigrate to find work in richer countries They often send money back home to their families This money helps to improve the standard of living in developing countries
65
Immigration
Some people move to another countries in search of a better life Many immigrants come from less developed countries Richer, industrialized countries may offer opportunities for employment Free healthcare and schooling are available in some developed countries Other people migrate to a foreign country to improve their academic qualifications
66
Positives of immigration and Multi-cultural societies
From an economic perspective, immigration can be extremely positive Many immigrants have skills that are needed in the country they move to Immigrants who find work contribute to the economy of their new country Many immigrants send money home to help family members Immigration also creates cultural diversity People of many different nationalities learn to live together This can help people to become more open-minded and tolerant
67
Negatives of Immigration
Some people believe that immigrants take jobs that should go to local people Some immigrants workers work longer hours for less money Companies might pay lower salaries to immigrant workers Unemployment rates could rise if there are too many immigrants
68
Opinions about immigration
Immigration can help the economy of a country It can creates multi-cultural societies However, immigration needs to be controlled In many countries, immigrants needs visas or work permit Governments should stop companies from exploiting immigrant workers Foreign and local workers should have the right to equal pay and conditions
69
Positives of Globalization
Business of becoming increasingly international Multi-national companies do business across the world Companies like MacDonal's can be seen on high streets in most cities Goods are produced in one country and sold in many others A global economy means free trade between countries This can strengthen political relationships Globalization can also create opportunities for employment It encourages investment in less developed countries It could reduce poverty in the developing world
70
Negatives of Globalization
Globalization is not always beneficial to everyone Companies can move to countries where labour is cheap This creates redundancies, or job losses Employees cannot be confident that they have stable jobs Companies sometimes exploit their employees in developing countries Global trade creates more waste and pollution
71
The future of Globalization
There should be global regulations for salaries and working conditions Governments should impose laws to protect the environment
72
What governments can do
Governments provide public services like healthcare and education They support people who are living in poverty or unable to work Governments raise money by taxing working people They can spend money on resources and campaigns They can introduce new laws They can impose taxes They can raise people's awareness of issues (e.g climate change/healthy eating) They can influence people's habits and opinions They can create jobs They can regulate the activities of companies such as banks They can provide resources for schools They are also responsible for the security and well-being of their citizens They control armed forces and police forces
73
Public services
Governments pay the salaries of public sector workers like police officers and teachers The necessary money is raised by taxing people's income Free education and healthcare may be provided by the state Some governments control public transport systems and even TV channels In other countries, these services are provided by private companies Some people believe that competition between private companies is good It helps to improve quality while bringing prices down Other people think that essential services should be free Governments should pay for them
74
Censorship : opinion
Governments can censor what public sees or reads in the media To a certain extent censorship is necessary We should use censorship to protect children from violent images Some computer games involved killing people or committing crimes The Internet also needs to be controlled Many websites show pornography and violence There should be age limits for websites and computer games Parents need to take responsibility for checking what their children watch It is impossible for governments to control everything we see
75
Video cameras in public areas
The use of CCTV is becoming widespread Video cameras have been installed in many public areas They are supposed to protect us and deter criminals Many people think that this surveillance violates our privacy The authorities could build databases with our pictures and identities We should not be treated like criminals
76
Smart cards : Positive
Governments will probably introduce a digital identification card system Smart cards will have benefits and drawbacks They could help reduce crime They could hold personal information, such as DNA Digital bank cards could certain fingerprint information It would be very difficult for criminals to use a stolen card It would be easier for police to identify people and catch criminals
77
Smart cards : Negative
Many people are worried about losing their privacy Governments could store all our personal and medical information This information could be used by insurance companies Employers could check our health records
78
People with Disabilities
People with disabilities should be treated the same as everybody else They should have the same rights as other people They should have access to the same jobs as other citizensb Discrimination against disabled people is illegal in many countries Ramps and lifts for wheelchairs should be installed in public buildings Support teacher can be employed to help children with learning dificulties
79
Why guns should be legal
In some countries, people are allowed to own firearms Individuals have the right to protect themselves People can use guns in self defense This deters criminals
80
Why gun ownership should be illegal
There is a risk of accidents with guns The number of violent crimes increases when guns are available Criminals may be armed The police then need to use guns Suicide rates have been shown to rise when guns are available Guns create violent societies with high murder rates
81
Why polices should uses guns
Many criminals use weapons The threat of a gun can deter criminals Police officers can forces a criminal to surrender It is easier to arrest someone and avoid physical violence The police may shoot violent criminals in self defense They can protect the public They can shoot an escaping criminal who poses a serious danger to the public
82
Why people should not carry guns
There is a risk of accidents and mistakes The police might shoot an unarmed criminal or an innocent person Accidents can happen in public places There are several alternatives to guns (e.g tear gas, sprays and electric shock weapons) Only special police units should use guns
83
Arms Trade : Positives
The export of arms, or weapons, is an extremely controversial issue Governments of rich, industrialized countries sell arms to each other This industry creates jobs and wealth The trade of weapons may improve relationships between governments
84
Arms Trade : Negatives
Weapons may be used in conflicts and wars The supply of arms could be responsible for deaths Governments are promoting war in order to make a profit Rich countries can influence the politics of other nations
85
Nuclear weapons
Nuclear weapons are capable of destroying whole cities A nuclear war between two countries would destroy both countries Nuclear weapons are used as a deterrent They prevent wars from starting
86
Nuclear weapons : Opinion
Nuclear weapons should be prohibited Governments should limit the production of nuclear weapons There is a danger of nuclear weapons being obtained by terrorists Nuclear weapons cannot be used against terrorist organization
87
Armed Forces : Positives
Armed forces provide security and protection They deter military attack by another country They can also be sued to maintain peace within countries They can be sued to give the police extra support Soldiers are also used to help in emergency situations, such as after a natural disaster
88
Armed forces : Negatives
Armies require a lot of funding from governments Too much money is spent on weapons and military technology This money could be spent on schools, hospitals and other public services
89
Diet
The human body requires a balance diet An unhealthy diet can cause various health problems Obesity, diabetes and heart disease are on the increase Many people nowadays rely on fast food or pre-prepared meals These foods often contain too much fat, salt and sugar They are cheap to buy and very easy to prepare Many young people have grown up on a diet of convenience foods Populations in developed countries are increasingly overweight
90
Excerise
Regular exercise is essential in maintaining a healthy body Exercise burns calories and helps to build healthy bones and muscles Doctors advise exercising at least three times a week for 20 minutes Most people nowadays lead a sedentary lifestyle We tend to walk less and do desk jobs Most adults relax by watching television Children play video games rather than doing outdoor sports In the past, people were more active in their jobs and at home
91
Government's Role
Governments have a significant role to play in reducing obesity More and more people, including young children are seriously overweight They are at risk of heart disease and diabetes This situation will increase the burden on hospitals and taxpayers Hospitals rely on the government for money and resources Governments should promote a healthy diet and regular exercise There should be more time for sports on school timetables Unhealthy junk food should be banned from school menus People need information about what foods contain Food packaging must show the food's nutritional content The British Government recommends eating five portions of fruit and vegetables per day
92
State Health system : advantages
Good healthcare should be available to everyone for free State healthcare is paid by the government using money from taxes Everyone has access to the same quality of care and treatment Private healthcare is unfair because only wealthy people can afford it The National Health Service in the UK provides free healthcare for every resident
93
Private Healthcare : advantages
State hospitals are often very large and difficult to run Private hospitals have shorter waiting lists for operations and appointments Patients can benefit from faster treatment Many people prefer to pay for more a personal service Patients have their own room and more comfortable facilities
94
Alternative medicine : positives
People are increasingly using alternative medicines to treat illnesses For example, acupuncture can be used to treat backache Herbal medicines can be used to treat allergies or viruses Many patients report positive experiences with these treatments Some traditional cures have been used for hundreds of years
95
Alternative medicine : Negatives
Many alternative medicines have not been tested scientifically They may have no beneficial effect at all They may have cause unknown side effects People should trust the opinions of qualified doctors An illness could get worse without treatment from a doctor
96
Stress
Modern lifestyles are increasingly stressful People work long hours with strict deadlines Our busy lifestyles mean we have less time to relax Unemployment is a major cause of stress Children may be affected by their parents's relationship problems Tests and exams can also cause stress
97
How to reduce stress
Stress can be reduced by taking regular exercise and eating a healthy diet It is also important to get sufficient sleep and make leisure time a priority People should work less overtime and take regular holidays Schools have started to employ psychologists They can offer emotional support to students They can help students to cope with exam stress
98
State/Council Housing
In some countries the government provides state or council housing This helps people who cannot afford to buy their own house It can be argued that state housing creates dependence on the government People should be reply on the government to look after them People have no incentive to earn money and buy their own home Council properties are often made with cheap, poor-quality materials
99
Old buildings
Historic buildings are part of a country's heritage They should be protected Old buildings are often considered to be works or art They give character to cities and attract tourists They show us how people lived in the past We identify countries by architectural symbols like the pyramids in Egypt Government should spend money on looking after historic buildings They need regular repairs and maintenance New buildings should be designed to complement them
100
Modern/Green buildings
Modern buildings should be designed to be environmentally friendly They should use less energy and produce less waste Modern insulation can make houses more energy-efficient Solar and wind power can be used to generate electricity Rainwater and waste water can be recycled and used to flush toilets Modern glass buildings take advantage if natural light
101
English as an international language
English is widely used around the world It is becoming a global second language It is the dominant language of technology, science and international business International business meetings are regularly held in English The most important textbooks and journals are published in English The ability to speak English is a necessary skill in the modern world
102
Negative of English as an International Language
If one language is dominant, other languages may disappear The dominant language brings its own culture American culture has become popular around the world Other cultures may be damaged As an alternative to English, a new global language could be invented It would have no nationality or culture attached to it This could help to promote international peace and understanding Esperanto is an example of a language that was invented with this aim
103
Money and society
Society has become increasingly materialistic People aspire to earn more money They want a bigger house or a better car We connect wealth and material possessions with happiness and success Brands like "Armani" or "Mercedes" are status symbols Advertising creates new desires and needs It persuades us to buy the latest styles
104
Positives of Consumerism
``` Consumerism creates employment It helps to reduce poverty It encourages innovation and creativity in business We live in a global economy We have a better quality of life ```
105
Negatives of Consumerism
Consumerist societies create more waste They use more natural resources They cause damage to the environment Consumerism creates a "throw-away" culture Advertisers tell us who we are and what we want Wealth does not lead to happiness Materialism causes greed and crime We should return to traditional values like sharing
106
Happiness
Happiness means different things to different people It can be described as a feeling of pleasure or enjoyment People enjoy spending time with family and friends Hobbies, sports and games can be a source of fun and enjoyment Some people see money as a source of happiness Other people define happiness as something deeper In order to be truly happy it is necessary to live a good life We need to feel that we are doing something useful with our lives Some people get a sense of achievement from their work Others find happiness in bringing up their children Religion or a sense of purpose can also be a source of happiness
107
Success
People define success in different ways Some people get a sense of achievement from raising a family For others, success is defined by wealth or status We often think of rich and famous people as being successful in life Millionaires like Bill Gates are considered to be successful They have to risen to the top in their chosen professions For some, being successful means achieving personal or professional goals They are success as the result of hard work Success in any field requires long-term planning and effort
108
Nature or Nurture
Some people believe that our personalities are determined mainly by genetics We inherit our abilities and talents from our parents Others think that our education and upbringing are more important We develop according to the influences around us Our personalities and achievements depend more on nurture than nature Many people argue that we control our own destinies We can shape our own personalities By working hard we can achieve and goal that we put our minds to Many successful people are "self-made" We are not limited by our genetic characteristic or upbringing
109
Arguments against Professional/competitive sport
Sport has become a business Professional sport encourages people to compete for money Many sports stars are only concerned about money and fame Some athletes take drugs in order to win at any cost Competitors are often selfish and rude They are not good role models for children All sports should be amateur Sports should be leisure activities rather than jobs People should do sporting activities for enjoyment and health reasons Taking part is more important than winning
110
Arguments for Professional Sport
Professional sports are the same as any other business Many people are employed in the sports industry People should be able to use their talents to earn a salary Sports stars entertain millions of people Money is necessary to improve facilities and train athletes The level of professional sport is much higher than that of amateur sport
111
Arguments for Competitive sport
Competition is a natural instinct in humans In daily life we compete to get jobs or the highest grades Sports are a safe form of competition Competition is healthy because it pushes us to give our best Competitors and fans can release energy and aggression Supports of teams feel a sense of belonging to a community
112
Opinion: Professional sport salaries are too high
Sports professionals earn too much money They do not provide a vital service Football players, for example, earn enormous salaries by simply kicking a ball We could all live happily without professional football Life would be difficult without doctors, engineers and other vital professionals Society does not seem to value these professions as highly as professional sport Sport salaries should be compatible with the wages most people earn
113
Opinion : professional sport salaries are fair
It is fair that the best professional earn a lot of money Sport is a multi-million-pound industry There is a large audience of sports fans Sports on television attract many viewers Sports stars have dedicated hours of practice to developing their fitness and skills Only the most talented among them will reach the top A sports career many only last 10 year Sports fans are willing to pay to support their teams
114
Sports and Polictics
Some people think that sport and politics should remain separate Governments are involved in the hosting of sporting events such as Olympics These events attract investment and create jobs The Olympic games are an advertisement for the host nation They attract huge numbers of visitors and sports fans Wealthy countries tend to hold these events Developing countries should be given the chance to become hosts
115
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
116
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 Advertiser direct their marketing at children Most programs do not require much thought Watching TV is a waste of time
117
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
118
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 revolutionized communication We can keep in touch by email or instant messenger services Video messaging is becoming common for business meetings
119
Negatives of the Internet
Many websites contain offensive content Some sites show violent or sexual images Parents find it difficult to control what their children see online They do not always know who their children are chatting to With so many websites it is difficult to search for good information Criminals increasingly use the Internet to steal people's money
120
Internet compared to newspaper and books
Newspaper 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 amateur People still buy newspapers and books because they are portable People do not like reading from a screen
121
Positives of Mobile Phones
The mobile phone is most popular gadget in today's world Mobile phones have revolutionized 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 also become fashion accessories
122
Negatives of Mobile Phones
Mobiles 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
123
Opinion about Mobile Phones
The benefits of mobile phones outweigh the drawbacks | We need to use these phones with care
124
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 countries 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
125
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 spoilt by building of hotels Tourism creates pollution and waste It puts pressure on local resources Local traditional 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
126
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 business such as farms should be supported
127
Traditional vs Modern Losing traditional skills Example
Because of industrialization and global trade, many traditions have disappeared Global advertising encourages everyone to buy the same products Most products are now made in factories Machinery has replaced skilled human labour 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 Example : Clothes are mass produced in standard sizes People wear similar clothes, rather than traditional costumes Jeans and T-shirt are now worn throughout the world Historic building took skilled craftsmen years to build Modern concrete, steel and glass building are built in only weeks or months There are fewer people who can create hand-made goods
128
Traditional customs
Traditional customs are still important during wedding or religious festivals People wear traditional costumers and eat special foods It is important to maintain our different culture identities We should celebrate festivals, teach traditional skills and protect historic places
129
Traffic problems
Traffic congestion is caused by commuters travelling to work Most people lie in the suburbs outside city centre 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
130
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 tax drivers Workers should share their cars and travel together In London, for example, there is a congestion charge This helps to raise money for better public transport Public transport needs to be reliable and efficient
131
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 lands to avoid traffic
132
Negative of public transport
Public transport is often low and unreliable Metro systems and trains are often dirty and crowed People feel like "sardines in a car" Cars are much more comfortable
133
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
134
Importance of clean water
Water is as 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
135
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 to import water As populations grow, there is more pressure on water supplies This could lead to a water crisis
136
Water and politics
The supply of water is also an important political issue Huge amount of water are needed for agriculture and industry The irrigation of crops accounts for a large proportions of water use A water crisis could lead to political conflicts or even wars
137
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
138
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 them Private companies may provide a better service than governments If they provide an efficient service, they will make more money They will repair leaks to avoid losing money
139
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 bottle 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
140
The benefits of staying in the same job for life
Employees have a stable 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 loyalty Experience staff can be trusted with more responsibility They become part of the team There is a clearly defined path for development
141
The benefits of not staying in the same job
People often change job in order to further their career Another company may offer a promotion or a higher salary People who change jobs can gain experience They can lean different skills Changing jobs is interesting and challenging People can retrain in a different occupation In a fast-changing world, workers need to be flexible People need to develop a range of experience and skills
142
Self-employment
Nowadays, it is easy to set up a company The Internet provides a global marketplace Self-development 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 business 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 involved hard work, long hours, and total responsibility
143
Unemployment
Unemployment is a big problem for individuals, communities and society 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 unemployment need careers advice Government need to provide vocational courses and retraining
144
Unemployment benefits : Positives
Some governments pay unemployment benefits in order to help jobless people Unemployed people need financial support until they find a new job By claiming benefits they can continue to pay for their homes The benefits system helps to reduce poverty, homelessness and crime
145
Unemployment benefits : negatives
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
146
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 Companies should be expect employees to work overtime Nowadays, many people work part-time or have flexible working hours Technology allow people to work from home Many companies provide childcare facilities A good work/life balance can rise job satisfaction Happy, healthy workers are more productive
147
Technology and work
Internet, fax 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 them
148
Child labour
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