Michigan ECPE Writing

1. What, in your opinion, is the greatest invention of the last 50 years? Describe the
invention and the influence it has had on our lives. Provide concrete examples in your
discussion. In addition, try to describe what the world would be like without this
particular invention.

2. Genetically engineered foods such as fruit and vegetables are already being sold in
supermarkets. As yet, no definitive studies have been carried out to determine the
effect of such foods on humans. Should this food be on sale when the consequences of
consuming it are not yet known? Discuss, giving examples to support your point of view.

3. Many employers consider emotional intelligence and people skills just as important as
academic qualifications and job experience. What is your opinion? Discuss, giving
concrete examples to support your point of view.

4. It has been said that violence in games for computers and the Play Station can
encourage crime. Parents are particularly concerned that these games can have a
negative effect on children. Do you think this is true? What can parents do to protect
their children? Discuss, giving specific examples to support your point of view.

5. The development of science and technology has not necessarily made our lives better
or healthier. There are many ecological problems caused by modern life. People are
damaging, even destroying, the environment. What could be done to prevent this from
happening? How can we improve the ecological quality of our lives? Be specific in your
discussion and provide concrete examples.

6. Being famous means being in the public eye. Celebrities are often chased by press
photographers for a photograph that may sell for thousands of dollars to a newspaper or
magazine. Some say the photographers have a right to make a living. In your opinion,
should there be limits on the press when it comes to peoples private lives or do
celebrities lose the right to privacy once they become famous? Discuss, giving specific
examples to support your point of view.

7. Environmental studies indicate the importance of parks and green areas in densely
populated cities. However, such green areas use valuable space that would be allocated
to office buildings and shopping malls. Do you consider green areas essential in cities?
Discuss, giving specific examples to support your point of view.

8. Modern technology has given us the cell phone as an aid to communication. What
impact has it had on our lives? In what ways has it made communication easier? What
are some of the criticisms levelled at cell phones? Be specific in your discussion and
provide concrete examples.

9. What should schools do to prepare young people for the future? What subjects
should be taught in school? In what ways should education be different from what it has
been until now? What methods should be used in schools as preparation for life in the
21st century? Discuss, giving specific examples to support your point of view.

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10. Thanks to modern computer technology, many people can work from home, rather
than going to the office. What are the benefits and drawbacks of working from home? If
you had the choice, would you choose to work at home? Be specific in your discussion
and provide concrete examples.

11. Some people think that parents should be punished for crimes committed by their
children. Are parents to blame if their children get into trouble? Why? / Why not? If you
believe parents should be punished for their childrens behavior, what punishments
might be appropriate? At what age should children be held responsible for their own
actions? Suggest possible punishments for children who commit serious crimes. Be
specific in your discussion and provide concrete examples.

12. What are the three greatest problems faced by todays teenagers? How do you think
these problems differ from concerns young people have dealt with in the past? How do
your friends deal with difficulties? Discuss, giving specific examples to support your
point of view.

13. Drinking and drunk driving are growing problems among young people. What can be
done to control the sale of alcoholic beverages to young people? How can we prevent
teenagers from driving under the influence of alcohol? Discuss, giving specific examples
to support your point of view.

14. In the United States, it is against the law to download music and movies from illegal
sites on the Internet. Other countries are less strict concerning this issue. What is your
opinion? Is such downloading acceptable or an infringement of copyright laws? Be
specific in your discussion and provide concrete examples.

15. Not all students can go to college full-time. As a result, many schools and universities
have distance learning programs, where students receive materials and assignments via
the Internet and study independently at home. What do you think some advantages of
distance learning might be? Be specific in your discussion and provide concrete
examples.

16. Every year, thousands of new immigrants arrive the USA looking for a better life. In
accepting immigrants, the government faces many challenges, for example providing
special education programs in schools for children who dont speak English. What
problems does a country face when it accepts large numbers of immigrants? Be specific
in your discussion and provide concrete examples.

17. There is a saying, Where theres a will, theres a way, meaning that if someone
wants something badly enough, theyll find a way to get it. Describe a situation where
you tried your hardest to do or get something that seemed impossible, saying whether
or not you succeeded.

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18. Cellular phones are becoming more and more popular. Many people nowadays feel
that they are indispensable in everyday life as they make communication easier. Others
say that they can be a nuisance and that we have become too dependent on them. Do
you think the advantages of cellular phones outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons
for your opinion(s).

19. It has been suggested that in order to control the growth in population in developing
countries women should be forced to take the birth-control pill. What is your opinion
about this suggestion? What other measures do you think should be taken? Discuss
giving reasons for your opinions.

20. We have all been in embarrassing situations at some point in our lives when we
wished the ground would open and swallow us up. Describe an embarrassing situation
that you found yourself in or someone you know found themselves in.

21. Sport has become a major leisure industry. Today many young people consider
professional sports such as football and basketball to be a career choice. What do you
think are the advantages and disadvantages of choosing sports as a career? Discuss,
providing reasons.

22. The vast majority of people work outside the home. However, there are many
professionals who work from home (e.g., authors, daycare providers, private
businessmen, employees of high-tech firms, etc.). Would you prefer to go out to work or
to work from home? Discuss, giving reasons for your choice.

23. Every cloud has a silver lining is a well-known saying which means every sad or
unpleasant situation has a positive side to it. Describe a situation you experienced which
was sad or unpleasant but which also had positive aspects.

24. Interest in alternative medicine continues to grow, particularly among young people.
Why do you think alternative medicine is becoming more popular in an age of rapid
development? Discuss, giving reasons.

25. In many European countries, there is an increasing number of homeless people.

What are the main causes of homelessness and what can governments do to solve this
social problem? Discuss, giving examples.

26. Advertising was once aimed mainly at adults, but today advertisers see children and
teenagers as a new generation of consumers. Why are parents so concerned about
advertising aimed at children? In what ways should such advertising be limited? Discuss,
giving reasons.

27. A university degree was once considered the passport to a secure job and a bright
future. However, many people today (e.g., Bill Gates) have become very successful
without traditional academic credentials. How important are academic qualifications to
success in life? Discuss, giving reasons.

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28. Parents often look back on their schooldays as the best days of their lives. Why do
you think they remember school with such nostalgia? How do you feel about school?
Discuss, giving reasons.

29. Many young people look upon professional athletes like basketball, tennis or football
players as role models. Why do these sports figures inspire respect and admiration in
teenagers? What responsibilities does such a role model have to young fans and
admirers? Discuss.

30. What kind of life skills do you think you will need as an adult? In what ways do
schools prepare students to become responsible adults? What more can schools do, in
your opinion? Discuss, giving examples.

31. Do you think health and nutrition should be taught in schools? Why / Why not? In
what ways could schools encourage healthy eating habits in students? Discuss.

32. Many students leave high school uncertain about their future career. Should schools
take an active role in career guidance by providing career counseling? What are the
advantages and disadvantages of doing so? Discuss, providing reasons.

33. Some tourists who travel abroad take a guided tour and stay in hotels while others
prefer backpacking, or staying in hostels and exploring a region or city on their own.
Which style of travelling would you prefer? Discuss, giving your reasons.

34. Achieving fame often involves a loss of privacy. Celebrities complain about unwanted
media attention from photographers trying to get a picture to sell to the press. Do
people in the public eye have a right to privacy? How far should a photographer go to
get a photo? Discuss, providing reasons.

35. There are many types of advertising today (e.g., TV commercials, billboards,
magazine ads, banners on the Internet). Which form of advertising is most effective for
selling to teenagers? Explain your choice, giving reasons.

36. Who, in your opinion, was the most influential person in your countrys history?
Describe the persons biography and achievements briefly, then explain how he / she
has influenced life in your country today.

37. The 20th century may be described as a period of far-reaching technological change.
What do you consider to be the greatest advance in technology of the 20th century? Give
reasons to justify your choice. How beneficial to humanity was this advance? What
negative aspects, if any, did it have? Discuss, giving examples.

38. You recently read an article about the disappearance of traditional values, customs
and culture. How important is it to preserve traditional customs and culture? Give
reasons. How can traditional culture, handicrafts, dances or music be maintained? What
role does the family and the state play in passing on traditional culture? Discuss.