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Showing posts from July, 2021

Sample Introductions

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  1.The government's investment in arts, music and theatre is a waste of money. Governments should invest these funds in public services instead. To what extent do you agree with this statement?   It is believed that financing activities related to art, music and theatre by governments is misspending and these investments should be rather spent on public services. I strongly disagree with this because these creative activities promote tourism as well as keep the mental well-being of people in a better state. 2. While recruiting a new employee, the employer should pay more attention to their personal qualities, rather than qualifications and experience. To what extent do you agree or disagree?   It is claimed that during the hiring process, more importance should be given to individual attributes of a new recruit, instead of educational and professional background. In my opinion, qualifications and previous work experience are of increased consideration because an employee wit

IT Skills vs Basic Skills (Agree or Disagree)

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  The teaching of Information Technology (computers) has become a standard part of the curriculum in most secondary schools. The same is now happening in primary schools, where children as young as six are learning how to use computers. However, there is a danger that IT skills are being taught at the expense of more basic skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree? It has been observed that technology related modules are not only being taught in a significant number of high schools, but now they are also a part of the syllabus in educational institutes teaching much younger children. Some people fear that this shift in the course structure is compromising other essential skills. I disagree with this perspective as it has become vital to be able to properly use technology in our daily lives and also the fact that teaching material should be modified based on the challenges anticipated in the future.  During the last decade, computers have become an integral part of our everyday ro

Serial Dramas (Agree or Disagree)

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  Many serial dramas on TV (e.g. ‘soap operas’ or ‘soaps’) play an important social role. Do you agree or disagree? It is believed that television serials have a key role to play in a society. I agree with this belief not only due to the fact that these programs promote positivity but they also highlight issues that exist in a society.  Dramas on television are often found to be promoting happy thoughts among the audience. Since people seek entertainment from such shows, the themes are generally found to be uplifting. In other words, while these programs serve as a tool to bring the family members together, they also lighten up the mood of the ones watching. A good example to further elaborate my point of view would be sitcoms. They prove to be a source of a good laugh after a hectic day at work and as a result they promote a positive vibe among individuals and families.  Another key role being played by such programs is that they are found to be uncovering issues in a society. It is a

STEM Education (Agree or Disagree)

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  1. Governments should spend more money on providing STEM education in schools than on music and art because employers need more people with a STEM background than music or art. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? It is being argued that governments should prioritize STEM education on arts subjects when it comes to the budget allocations for schools. I agree with this considering the employability requirements and also the fact that STEM education relates to hard skills which demand proper teaching and trainings.   Budget allocations are usually prioritized based on the benefit anticipated from the spent. Same is the case with the education sector, with employers requiring certain skills from the applicants, it creates a demand for the supply of those particular individuals in the job market. Hence, it becomes a responsibility of the government to ensure that the required talent is present in the labour pool. Therefore, this high spent on in-demand subjects such

Rich vs Poor Family (Agree or Disagree)

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  Children who are brought up in families that do not have large amounts of money are better prepared to deal with the problems of adult life than children brought up by wealthy parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? It is often argued that when it comes to facing challenges as grownups, children raised in families with financial constraints out-perform ones with a wealthy background. I agree with this because of the fact that less fortunate children are found to spend wisely, and they also believe in self-reliance. A common issue being faced by many adults is managing the expenditure. In other words, nowadays, spending money is considered as important as earning it. Individuals who come from a lower middle-class background have spent their youth with limited resources and finances, this causes, or rather forces, them to be cautious in spending money. As a result, even after growing up, the habits of smart spending remain embedded in the sub-conscious part

Traffic Congestion (Problem and Solutions)

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  In many cities of the world, traffic congestion is a serious problem. What are the causes and what can be done about it? Traffic jams in urban areas are becoming a serious concern for people around the world. This is usually caused by the increase in vehicles on the road and improper traffic management. Some key solutions to this include encouraging the use of public transport, and implementing strict control measures through traffic police.  There are several causes of traffic congestion in cities with the number of vehicles on the road being a major contributing factor. In other words, the more automobiles on the road the more chances of being stuck in traffic. While, automotive sector, in order to boost their sales, launch and promote new car and bike models every year, the roads and infrastructure do not expand accordingly. Hence, this disproportion in the growth of the two interlinked factors result in traffic jams. For example, cities in Pakistan witnessed a significant increas

Gap Year (Pros and Cons)

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  Some young people like to take a gap year before going on to university. Others prefer to begin their university studies immediately after finishing secondary school. What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking a gap year? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.  (Taking a gap year means taking a year off between high school and university to travel or work) It is observed that some high school graduates indulge in a year long travel or work before pursuing higher education. Some key advantages of this include gaining exposure and developing new skills, but on the downside, it poses a risk of discontinuation of studies.  Taking a break from studies after finishing secondary education can prove beneficial in quite a few ways. Firstly, by travelling and working part-time jobs, these young individuals get themselves exposed to the actual working environment and gain practical knowledge. In ot

Family Run Business (Outweigh)

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  Many businesses in the world today are run by family members. Do the advantages of family-run businesses outweigh the disadvantages? It is observed that a significant number of businesses are actually family run. These type of businesses have certain advantages such as trust among the owners but on the downside, lack of expertise and limited financial resources are some key disadvantages.  The element of trust among the key stakeholders of a business is vital not only in the success of the company but also for it is sustainability. When it comes to a family owned business, trust issues usually do not exist as the board members are related to each other. The confidence generated through this trustful relationship in the company’s leadership team supports in decision making and ensures smooth implementation of new ideas. A good example would be of Tetra Pak, a leading global organization in food and beverages sector is actually owned by the Rausing family of Sweden, and the level of tr

Parenting (Two-Part Questions)

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  Some parents buy their children whatever they ask for, and allow their children to do whatever they want. Is this a good way to raise children? What consequences could this style of parenting have for children as they get older? It is observed that a few families give their children a free hand by providing them whatever they demand and letting them do whatever they wish. This might not be considered a suitable upbringing style as when these children grow up, they are a misfit in the society.  Parenting is a challenging task and suitable techniques are required to do so, as the consequences can affect future generations. Some parents are found to be strict towards their children and some do not seem to care. The key to raising children well is in having a balanced approach. It is a parent’s responsibility to teach their off-springs about what is right and what is wrong. Also, when it comes to fulfilling a child’s wishes, parents must know when to refuse and when to agree. Therefore,

Working Hard (Two-Part Question)

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  In education and employment, some people work harder than others. Why do some people work harder? Is it always a good thing to work hard? It is often found that some people tend to work harder as compared to others in order to succeed in their academic and professional goals. Since every person is unique, and the environment they are in also vary, working hard sometimes becomes an only option. Although, at times, working smart is what is required instead of working hard.  Each of us are different from one another in terms of personal traits and are facing unique types of challenges. This is to say that, when it comes to task achievement either as a student or an employee, some people lack in intelligence, a few might not be well experienced, and others might not have prior knowledge in field. Hence, in order to accomplish their goals, these individuals have to deal with their shortcomings by working harder as compared to others. For example management trainees are observed to be work

Incorrect Published Information (Formal Letter)

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  Dear Sir or Madam,  I am writing this letter with reference to the article published about Lahore in your magazine. I wish to notify you that some of the information in the article is not correct.  As per the article, Lahore’s Orange Line Project has been completed but as a matter of fact it is still in progress and will be finished in the next few months. Please update the records accordingly for future references.  I understand your magazine is appreciated across Europe. Hence, I believe, it is vital to make sure the information being published is correct as such mistakes can cause harm to the reputation and the rating of the magazine.  I would like to suggest you to publish a notification of correction in the upcoming number of the magazine mentioning the mistake that happened in the previous version. I am confident that this approach will restore the level of confidence and respect the readers have for the magazine.  In case any further information or clarification is required on

Friends with same or opposing views (Discuss both views)

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Some people think that we should have friends with the same views and others believe that having friends with opposing views is better.   Discuss both views and give your opinion. It is believed that we should befriend people who have similar views as ourselves, while others are of the opinion that it is okay if your friends sometimes do not agree with your opinions. Personally, I think it is okay for people to have certain disagreements and still be friends.  In our daily lives, we generally find topics of mutual interest when starting a conversation either with a stranger, colleague or among friend. This is because it acts as a comfort zone and we do not have to be extra cautious while talking to each other. When it comes to friendships, certain aspects such as cultural, religious and personal, come into play. For a friendship to sustain, it is believed that the friends should share the same views as this acts as a comfort zone in the friendship and reduces conflicts. For example, in

Cookery Course (Formal Letter)

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  You recently did a short cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course.  To: Course Director.  What you enjoyed about the course How much cooking you have done since then?  Suggest another cooking course you would like the school to offer Dear Sir or Madam,  I recently took part in the “Cooking for Beginners” cookery course and have received a request by your office to share my feedback on it.  First of all, allow me to appreciate the instructors at your training center. They were very friendly and supportive throughout the course and even shared their personal experiences which was quite helpful.  Please note that since I have finished the course, I am now cooking confidently and regularly at home, and have even hosted a small get together for friends. I am also trying out new recipes on my own.  I would like to suggest the school management to look into the possibility of organizing a course on baking as several individuals struggle with this. I am c

Money vs Happiness (Two-Part Questions)

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  Some people say the main way to be able to be happy in life is to have a lot of money.  How might having a lot of money make people happy?  What other things in life can make people happy? It is believed that the key to happiness lies in money. Wealth can bring joy in several ways ranging from having basic amenities to pursual of dreams, but there exist other immaterial aspects like health and family which are often linked with happiness.  How an individual defines happiness is a key factor in this case. To elaborate, for people living in under developed countries, having access to basic amenities such as clean drinking water, un-interrupted electricity and having a decent place to live might make them happy and they are expected to spend money to get access to these facilities. On the other hand, for some, monetary joy could be to follow their dreams to either travel the world or have a business of their own. For example, a childhood friend of mine inherited a sizable amount of mone

Local Shop vs Malls/Supermarkets (Positive or Negative Development)

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  In recent years, many small local shops have closed because customers travel to large shopping centers of malls to do their shopping Is this a positive or negative development?  It has been observed that several local retail outlets are going out of business as malls are gaining more and more traction. I believe it is a negative development as it puts people out of job and causes socio-economic issues.  With the shopping complexes attracting more and more customers every year, small scale retailers are losing business. This is causing local shops being closed and as a result unemployment is on the rise in several communities. This decline in business activities and the rise in unemployment is a leading cause of unrest in a locality. With more people struggling to survive due to financial constraints, crime rate is also increasing which could become a major problem to deal with. A good example of such situation would be of a French town called Lille, where in 2016, soon after the open

Sponsoring a local children’s sports team (Formal Letter)

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  A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children’s sports team for two years, or to pay for two open-air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public.  Write a letter to the company. In your letter 1. Describe the benefits of sponsoring the team  2. Summarize the benefits of paying for the concerts 3. Say how you think the company should spend the money  Dear Sir or Madam,  This letter is with reference to the request of feedback received regarding the budget allocation for the town of Yorkshire.  As mentioned in the press release, your organization is considering sponsorship of The Saint Morris School’s sports team. I believe it will be very beneficial for the local students as they are anxiously waiting for an opportunity to develop their sporting skills and play at bigger leagues. This way the school’s financial constraints will also be addressed.  The second option mentioned in the publication was

Organised Group Activities or Individual Activities (Discuss both views)

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  Some people say that parents should encourage their children to take part in organized group activities in their free time. Others say that it is important for children to learn how to occupy  themselves on their own.    Discuss both views and give your own opinion.   It is argued how a child should spend his or her free time. Some parents believe in group activities while others prefer giving children opportunity to self-occupy in their free time. I personally believe that a hybrid approach would be more beneficial.  A certain group of parents are of the opinion that engaging in group activities enables their off-springs to become more tolerant and better team players, and also helps develop certain skills. This is to say that the interaction with other children and opportunity to learn in a proper environment is what plays a very positive role. For instance, it is often found that people, who were a part of sports clubs in school, are better at team work and have good sporting skil