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C2 Sample Essay 39 (School or family shapes one's personality)

In the minds of ESL exam candidates, e ssay writing is one of the most daunting tasks they are required to complete, regardless of the level of the exam, the administering body or the ease with which they themselves use the language. The same applies to students who are asked to write an essay by their teachers at school.  In the previous sample essays posted on the blog, the main point I stress is the need to become acquainted with this form of writing (as opposed to writing a letter, review or report, for instance), to get a feel of what authorial voice is and how to organize and progressively express the arguments you wish to make in a coherent manner.  Unfortunately, the best way to prepare for exam writing or learn how to write good essays for school is to read as many essays from as many sources as possible, then write as

Essay Topics List 3

The following are topics teachers and students can use to practice writing for exams, as homework assignments, longer research projects, even as discussion topics or debates.

This list is intended for high school or university students, but may also be used by adults who are learning English as a foreign language. 

For those preparing to take an English exam (IELTS, CPE, ECPE, ESB, LRN, MSU-CELP, TOEFL, etc.), these are typical questions that may be found in C1 and C2-level assessments (advanced or proficiency level).

For more practice, find lists 1 and 2 here and here. 


You might also find the following post useful:

Writing Formally - Quick Checklist of Do's and Don'ts

This blog also contains many sample essays on other topics. First make sure you know how to use these essays (read What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog?) then scroll down the writing section for either advanced or upper-intermediate answers to questions, as well as writing tips.

 

 ESSAY TOPICS 3



1) We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. Is this dependence a good thing or should we be more suspicious of their benefits?

2) Private cars are no longer the most efficient or desirable form of transport. Discuss.

3) A conflict of values between the old and the young is inevitable. Discuss.

4) “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” What are your views on physical punishment in the upbringing of children?

5) Is tourism in the world today beneficial or harmful? Discuss.

6) Money spent on military forces would be better spent on the problems of hunger, homelessness and disease. Discuss.

7) “Children have never had it so good.” Discuss.

8) While studying abroad provides an opportunity to broaden one’s experience, it also presents the danger of negative influences from the host culture. Discuss.

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

10) News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Are these decisions wise ones?

11) The idea of having a single career is becoming an old-fashioned one. The new fashion will be to have several careers or ways of earning money and further education will be something that continues throughout life. Discuss.

12) Everyday life is no longer possible without computers. Discuss.

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