Vào lúc 20h ngày 23/02/2017 dương lịch, cô Tố Linh đã phát hiện ra 1 loại thuốc quý hiếm chữa các bệnh “khô lời”, “cạn lời”, “hạn hán lời”, “sa mạc lời” của những sĩ tử Ielts trong quá trình vật lộn với bài writing task 2 và speaking part 3. Thuốc không những được tổng hợp ideas từ 12 chủ đề vô cùng quen thuộc nhưng cực “khó nhai nuốt” trong đề thi Ielts thực tế, mà còn có chứng nhận ISO 9001:2017 hẳn hoi bởi Doctor: Simon –vị giám khảo Ielts lão luyện, thâm niên tận tâm trong nghề,bảo đảm giúp các bạn Ielts-er chém gió trôi chảy, ào ào bão lũ, hồn nhiên vô tư rinh điểm về dinh nha!
1.Crime
Police and Crime Prevention
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
Punishments/Prisons
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
Negatives of Prisons
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 Rehabilitation
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’ behavior worse Rehabilitation aims to make them better citizens Rehabilitated prisoners are less likely to re-offend
Capital punishment
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 a form of revenge
The cost of imprisonment is avoided
The offender cannot pose a threat to others
Against Capital Punishment
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
Community service
Community service is a way to reform offenders It could be a solution to prison overcrowding
It avoids the cost of imprisonment
It makes 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
Against community service
Community service is not a sufficient punishment Criminals should be locked up, away from their victims
Crime in the Media
Crime is one of the main subjects of most news programs.
The mass media focus on violent and sensational crimes
This lead to fear of crime among the public
Sensational stories attract more viewers or readers
The media report crime stories in order to increase their audience
2.Education
Benefits of education
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
Benefits of Studying Abroad
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
Drawback of studying abroad
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
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 place
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
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 materials to choose Computers are expensive to maintain and can be unreliable
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 lessons
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
Education in Developing countries: Problems
Children often have to work from an early age
There 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
Education in developing countries: solutions
Developed countries could help developing nations by providing money They could invest in schools and technology
They could 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
Higher education: Advantages (also see “benefits of education”)
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
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 a shortage of plumbers Their services are therefore becoming more and more expensive
Advantage 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
Disadvantages of home-schooling
Most parents do not have the time to educate their children at home One parent would need to give up work
School subjects are normally taught by up to ten different teachers Most parents do not have the necessary knowledge or resources Private tutors 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
Bad behavior in schools: causes
Bad behavior is due to a 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 too lenient and spoil their children
Some children are used to getting whatever they want Schools can do very little if they are not supported by parents
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
Corporal Punishment: 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
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 Student at single-sex schools often get better exam grades.
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
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
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’ self esteem
They may lose motivation
Students from wealthier families tend to be better prepared Children from poorer families may receive less support from parents Mixed ability classes encourage everyone to achieve their potential
3.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
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
Impacts of humans 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
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
Waste/rubbish
The amount of waster we produce has increased This problem is a result of our consumer culture Products are not made to last
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
Litter
People do not think about the consequences of dropping rubbish They assume that somebody is pad to clean the streest
Plastic packaging does not break down easily
Most of the litter seen on streets is fast food packaging
Recycling and other solutions
Companies should make goods that last longer They should not use so much packaging
Governments should be stricter, about waster 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.
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
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.
4.Global issues
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
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
Multi-national companies can creating jobs in developing countries
On the other hand, many people emigrate to find work in richer countries They often sand money back home to their families
This money helps to improve the standard of living in developing countries
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
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
Negatives of Immigration
Some people believe that immigrants take jobs that should go to local people Some immigrant 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
Opinions about Immigration
Immigration can help the economy of a country It can create multi-cultural societies
However, immigration needs to be controlled
In many countries, immigrants need 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
Positives of Globalization
Business of becoming increasingly international
Multi-national companies do business across the world
Companies like MacDonald’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
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
The future of Globalization
There should be global regulations for salaries and working conditions Governments should impose laws to protect the environment
5.Government and Society
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
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
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 involve 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 computers games
Parents need to take responsibility for checking what their children watch It is impossible for governments to control everything we see
Video cameras in public places
The use of CCTV is becoming widespread
Video cameras have been installed in many public places 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
Smart cards: Positives
Governments will probably introduce a digital identification card system Smart cards will have benefits and drawbacks
They could help to reduce crime
They could hold personal information, such as DNA Digital bank cards could contain 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
Smart cards: Negatives
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
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 citizens Discriminations 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 difficulties
6.Health
Diet
The human body requires a balanced 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
Exercise
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
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
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
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
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
Alternative medicine: Negatives
Many alternative medicines have not been tested scientifically They may have no beneficial effect at all
They may cause unknown side effects
People should trust the opinions of qualified doctors
An illness could get worse without treatment from a doctor
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’ relationship problems Tests and exams can also cause stress
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
7.Sport and Leisure
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
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
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 Supporters of teams feel a sense of belonging to a community
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 Sports salaries should be compatible with the wages most people earn
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 years
Sports fans are willing to pay to support their teams
Sports and Politics
Some people think that sport and politics should remain separate
Governments are involved in the hosting of sporting events such as the 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
8.Television, Internet and Phone
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
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 palying Advertisers direct their marketing at children
Most programs do not require much thought Watching TV is a waste of time
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 Behaviour 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
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
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
Internet compared to newspaper and books
Newspapers 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
Positives of Mobile Phones
The mobile phone is the 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
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
Opinion about Mobile Phones
The benefits of mobile phones outweigh the drawbacks We need to use these phones with care
9.Tourism
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 economies
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
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 the 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
The future of tourism
Government 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 businesses such as farms should be supported
10.Transport
Traffic problems
Traffic congestion is caused by commuters travelling to work Most people live 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
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 to 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
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
Negatives of public transport
Public transport if often slow and unreliable
Metro systems and trains are often dirty and crowded People feel like “sardines in a can”
Cars are much more comfortable
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
11.Work
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
Experienced staff can be trusted with more responsibility They become part of a team
There is a clearly defined path for development
The benefits of not staying in the same job
People often change jobs 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 learn 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
Self-employment
Nowadays, it is easy to set up a company
The Internet provides a global marketplace
Self-employment 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 businesses 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
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 unemployed need careers advice
Governments need to provide vocational courses and retraining
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
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
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 raise job satisfaction Happy, healthy workers are more productive
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
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
12.Advertising
Positives of Advertising
Advertising is a key part of modern business Companies need to tell customers about their products Advertisements inform us about the choices we have
Advertising 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
Negatives of Advertising
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
Opinions about Advertising
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
