PTE ESSAY QUESTIONS

PTE ESSAY QUESTIONS 

1.      In many countries, children are engaged in some kind of work. Some people regard this as completely wrong. Others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility. What’s your opinion on this?

2.      In many developing countries, disabled people are not catered for adequately, for example buildings are inappropriately designed and the governments rely too heavily on charities and voluntary organisations to provide funding and assistance. What measures do you think the governments should take? Discuss.

3.      There are many kinds of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?

4.      Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by providing such things as food and education? Or is it a responsibility of the governments of poorer nations to look after their citizens themselves?

5.      Going overseas for university study is an exciting prospect for many people. But while it may offer some advantages, it is probably better to stay home because of the difficulties a student inevitably encounters living and studying in a different culture. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer.

6.      Some people are of the opinion that prisons are basically universities of crime, fostering the kind of behavior they aim to eradicate, and are, therefore, not effective. Others feel that prison life is not hard enough. Discuss the arguments on both sides of the issue. What is your opinion on the matter?

7.      Euthanasia, or mercy killing, has been in the news more and more recently. Many people are strongly against such a practice, but there is a growing demand to have it legalized. How far do you agree with euthanasia being made legal?

8.      In recent years, life has become more stressful than it has ever been. As a consequence, more and more people are suffering from stress-related problems. What factors are contributing to this increase and what do you think can be done to overcome the current problems?

9.      Trees are essential for the existence of the human race as they provide the oxygen that we need to survive. Yet, daily all round the globe large areas of woodland are being destroyed. Many people feel that they as individuals can do nothing and that only governments and large companies can halt the destruction. How far do you agree or disagree with this?

10.  Creative artists should always be given the freedom to express their own ideas (in words, pictures, music or film) in whichever way they wish. There should be no government restrictions on what they do. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

11.  In many countries, schools have severe problems with student behavior. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?

12.  We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in businesses, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used for in future? Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more suspicious of their benefits?

13.  The rising levels of congestion and air pollution found in most of the world cities can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private cars in use. In order to reverse this decline in the quality of life in cities, attempts must be made to encourage people to use their cars less and public transport more. Discuss possible ways to encourage the use of public transport.

14.  In some countries the average worker is obliged to retire at the age of 50, while in others people can work until they are 65 or 70. Meanwhile, we see some politicians enjoying power well into their eighties. Clearly, there is little agreement on an appropriate retirement age. Until what age do you think people should be encouraged to remain in paid employment? Give reasons for your answer.

15.  In what ways has information technology changed work and working practices in the past 10 years?

16.  Many people believe that women make better parents than men and that this is why they have the greater role in raising children in most societies. Others claim that men are just as good as women at parenting. Write an essay expressing your point of view. Give reasons for your answer.

17.  People who have original ideas are of much greater value to society than those who are simply able to copy the ideas of others well. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

18.  The mass media, including TV, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping people's ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer.

19.  'Telecommuting' refers to workers doing their jobs from home for part of each week and communicating with their office using computer technology. Telecommuting is growing in many countries and is expected to be common for most office workers in the coming decades. How do you think society will be affected by the growth of telecommuting?

20.  Technology is making communication easier in today's world, but at the expense of personal contact as many people choose to work at home in front of a computer screen. What dangers are there for a society which depends on computer screens rather than face-to-face contact for its main means of communication?

21.  In some countries, marriages are arranged by the parents but in other cases, people choose their own marriage partner. Discuss both systems.

22.  According to those in travel business, the nature of the average ‘holiday’ is changing. Rather than seeking a relaxing break in a far-away place, people now want excitement on their holidays and are keen to participate in unusual and challenging activities. Do you agree or disagree?

23.  Some businesses now say that no one can smoke cigarettes in any of their offices. Some governments have banned smoking in all public places. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons.

24.  Should the same laws which prohibit the sale and consumption of heroin be applied to tobacco?

25.  To what extent is the use of animals in scientific research acceptable?

26.  Human beings do not need to eat meat in order to maintain good health because they can get all their food needs from meatless products and meatless substances. A vegetarian diet is as healthy as a diet containing meat. Argue for or against the opinion above.

27.  Forests are the lungs of the earth. Destruction of the world's forests amounts to death of the world we currently know. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

28.  Are our zoos cruel to wild animals? Discuss.

29.  Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but not poor alternatives to a natural environment. Discuss some of the arguments for and/or against keeping animals in zoos.

30.  To what extent should economic planning be influenced by the need of environmental conservation?

31.  Damage of the environment is an inevitable consequence of worldwide improvements in the standard of living. Discuss.

32.  Education is the single most important factor in the development of a country. Do you agree?

33.  Do the benefits of study abroad justify the difficulties? What advice would you offer to a prospective student?

34.  What kind of listening challenges do overseas students face in tertiary education? What recommendations would you offer?

35.  Education is recognized as vital to the future of any society in today's world. Governments throughout the world should make education compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 and 15. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

36.  Children learn best by observing behavior of adults and copying it. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

37.  To what extent should universities function as training grounds for employment?

38.  To what extent should university courses be geared to the economic needs of society?

39.  To what extent will migration from the developing world to the developed world become a social and political issue in the 21st century?

40.  The dominance of black people in US sport is due to sociological rather than physiological factors. Discuss.

41.  In Britain, when someone gets old, they often go to live in a home with other old people where there are nurses to look after them. Sometimes the government has to pay for this care. Who should be responsible for our old people? Give reasons.

42.  In your opinion should government intervene in the rights of the individual with regard to family planning?

43.  To what extent has the traditional male role changed in the last 20 years?

44.  The first car appeared on British roads in 1888. By the year 2000 there may be as many as 29 million vehicles on British roads. Alternative forms of transport should be encouraged and international laws introduced to control car ownership and use. What do you think?

45.  The best way to reduce the number of traffic accidents is to make all young drivers complete a safe driving education course before being licensed to drive.

46.   The rising levels of congestion and air pollution found in most of the world cities can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private cars in use. Discuss possible ways to encourage the use of public transport.

47.  The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace. Nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy. The benefits of nuclear technology far overweight the disadvantages. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer.

48.  News editors decide what to broadcast on TV and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence their decisions? Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported?

49.  Tourism is becoming increasingly important as a source of revenue to many countries but its disadvantages should not be overlooked. What are some of the problems of tourism?

50.  Should children be taught sex education in schools?