QUESTION: Some people think that parents should teach their children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the best place to learn this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. RESPONSE: It is often argued that children should learn how to become responsible members of society from their parents, while others believe that schools are the most suitable place for this education. Although both parents and schools play vital roles in shaping children’s character, I believe that parents exert the greatest influence on their behavior and moral development, while schools should serve as supportive institutions that reinforce these values. On the one hand, many people think that schools are the best environment for teaching social values and acceptable behavior. Teachers are trained professionals who can educate children about discipline, teamwork, and respect for others in a structured way. In addition, schools provide opportunities for students to interact with classmates from different backgrounds, which helps them develop communication and cooperation skills. Subjects such as citizenship education and group activities can also encourage children to become responsible and active members of society. Therefore, schools are able to shape children’s social behavior through both academic lessons and daily interaction. On the other hand, parents are generally considered to have the greatest influence on their children’s character. This is because children spend most of their early years at home, where they observe and imitate their parents’ attitudes and actions. For example, children who grow up in families that value honesty, kindness, and respect are more likely to adopt these qualities themselves. Furthermore, parents can provide personal guidance and emotional support that schools may not be able to offer due to large class sizes and limited time. As a result, moral values taught at home often have a deeper and more lasting impact on children.

QUESTION: In the future, it will become more difficult to live on Earth, so more money should be spent researching how to live on other planets, such as Mars. What is your opinion? RESPONSE: There is growing concern that environmental degradation, overpopulation, and the depletion of natural resources may make life on Earth increasingly difficult in the future. As a result, some people argue that governments should invest more money in researching ways for humans to live on other planets, such as Mars. While I acknowledge the potential value of space exploration, I believe that prioritizing the protection and improvement of Earth is a far more sensible use of resources. Supporters of increased investment in extraterrestrial research argue that it could provide humanity with a long-term backup plan. If major global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, or natural disasters become severe enough to threaten human civilization, establishing settlements on other planets could help ensure the survival of our species. Furthermore, space research often leads to technological breakthroughs that can benefit life on Earth. For example, innovations developed for space missions have contributed to advances in communication systems, medical equipment, and renewable energy technologies. Despite these potential benefits, I believe that allocating large amounts of funding to colonizing other planets is difficult to justify at present. Earth remains the only known planet capable of naturally supporting human life, and the resources required to make planets such as Mars habitable would be enormous. Instead of spending billions of dollars on uncertain long-term projects, governments should focus on addressing urgent issues that already affect billions of people, including pollution, deforestation, poverty, and climate change. Tackling these problems directly would improve living conditions for current and future generations. Moreover, investing in the preservation of Earth is likely to produce more immediate and widespread benefits. Measures such as developing clean energy sources, improving waste management systems, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices can help reduce environmental damage while supporting economic growth. By solving the root causes of many global challenges, societies can make Earth a more sustainable place to live rather than searching for alternatives elsewhere.

Many children these days have an unhealthy lifestyle. Both schools and parents are equally responsible for solving this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree? ---------------------------------------------------------------- RESPONSE: It is widely observed that many children today lead unhealthy lifestyles, often characterised by poor diets, lack of physical activity, and excessive screen time. I completely agree that both schools and parents share equal responsibility for addressing this issue, as children’s daily habits are shaped by both environments. On the one hand, parents play a fundamental role in forming children’s early lifestyle habits. Since children spend most of their time at home, parents directly influence what they eat, how active they are, and how they manage their free time. For example, if parents regularly provide fast food or sugary snacks and do not encourage outdoor play, children are likely to adopt these unhealthy patterns. In contrast, parents who prepare balanced meals and set limits on screen time can significantly improve their children’s physical well-being. On the other hand, schools also have a crucial responsibility because they shape children’s routines during a large part of the day and influence their long-term attitudes. Schools can promote healthy living by providing nutritious meals in canteens, ensuring regular physical education classes, and educating students about health and nutrition. Moreover, teachers can act as role models by encouraging active participation in sports and raising awareness about the risks of sedentary behaviour. Without such support, children may lack the knowledge and structure needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In conclusion, the problem of unhealthy lifestyles among children cannot be solved by one party alone. Parents establish the foundation of daily habits, while schools reinforce and expand these behaviours through education and structured activities. Therefore, both should be equally accountable in promoting healthier lifestyles for children.

In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports. What are the consequences of doping for athletes? What measures should be taken to combat this issue? The increasing use of performance-enhancing drugs in modern sports has become a serious concern. This essay will discuss the consequences of this practice for athletes and suggest measures that can be taken to address the issue. One major consequence of doping is the severe damage it can cause to athletes’ health. Many performance-enhancing substances are linked to long-term medical problems such as heart disease, hormonal imbalance, and liver failure. In extreme cases, athletes may even suffer life-threatening conditions or shortened careers. Moreover, the use of such drugs undermines the principle of fair competition. Athletes who rely on doping gain an artificial advantage, which devalues genuine effort and damages the integrity of sport as a whole. Another significant impact is the reputational damage athletes face when caught. They may be banned from competitions, stripped of titles, and permanently associated with cheating. This not only affects their personal careers but also discourages younger athletes from viewing them as role models. To combat this issue, strict regulations and frequent drug testing should be implemented across all levels of sport. Sporting organizations must invest in advanced detection technologies to identify new and undetectable substances. In addition, harsher punishments, such as longer bans and financial penalties, should be enforced to deter athletes from doping. Education also plays a crucial role; athletes should be made aware from an early stage about the health risks and ethical implications of performance-enhancing drugs. In conclusion, doping leads to serious health risks, unfair competition, and lasting reputational harm for athletes. However, through stricter enforcement, improved testing, and education, this problem can be significantly reduced.

PROMPT: The graph below shows the figures for population distribution in the Central Valley from 1940 to 2030. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and making comparisons where relevant. REPORT: The bar chart illustrates the proportion of people living in rural, suburban, and urban areas in the Central Valley between 1940 and 2030. Overall, population patterns changed considerably over the period and are expected to continue evolving by 2030. While the proportion of people living in rural areas declined significantly, the suburban population grew steadily and is projected to account for the largest share by the end of the period. Meanwhile, the urban population fluctuated, peaking in 2000 before falling thereafter. In 1940, the majority of residents lived in rural areas, accounting for approximately 65% of the population. By comparison, only 10% dwelt in suburban areas, while around 35% resided in urban areas. Over the following three decades, the proportion of rural residents fell markedly to roughly 45%, whereas the suburban figure doubled to 20%. During the same period, the percentage of urban residents remained stable at around 35%. The trend shifted more noticeably after 1970. By 2000, the rate of people living in urban areas had risen sharply to 60%, making it the dominant population group, while both rural and suburban populations stood at 20%. However, by 2030, suburban areas are projected to experience the most substantial growth, climbing to approximately 55%. In contrast, the rural population is expected to decline further to just 10%, whereas the urban figure will fall back to around 35%. ------------- KEY PATTERNS YOU CAN USE. 1. Overview Pattern (Trend Change) Overall, [subject] changed considerably over the period and is expected to continue shifting by [future year]. ✅ This is useful for mixed past + future data. 2. In [year], the majority of [people/residents/population] lived in [category], accounting for approximately [x]% of the total.