Question:
Some people think that the library is a waste of money and the computer technology is replacing its function. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
这是一道较为简单的单边讨论题目：“有些人认为图书馆的设立是在浪费钱财，因为电脑科技正在逐渐取代图书馆的职能”，类似的题目往年已经考过很多了，例如“电子书是否能够取代纸质书”、“上网冲浪是否能够取代实地旅游”、“网络是否能够取代博物馆和艺术馆”等等，题目的套路基本都是非常一致的。在这些题目中发挥关键作用的正是科技的发展和网络的广泛应用。对于该类话题的处理截至目前仍旧建议大家可以采用偏向型的观点：不可否认网络和电脑科技给人们创造了很多的便利，但是图书馆/博物馆/实地旅游/纸质书等仍旧有其不可取代的价值。
主体段思路：
1.电脑科技的发展帮助人们在网络中实现书籍资源的阅读与分享
2.但是网络无法很好地保存宝贵的纸质书籍资源
3.不是所有的人都习惯于通过网络的方式阅读
以下提供给各位同学主体段的sample answer:
The prevalence and advancement of cyberspace, admittedly, have already assisted the discovery and sharing of book resources among a wider range of citizens. Through converting the written words into electronic codes, a more diversified classification of books are able to be spread online, which not only benefits people who cannot afford the increasingly expensive prices of books, but also encourages people who used not to read books to form this habit when embracing the specific type of books on the internet. Fromm this perspective, it indeed seems that functions of traditional libraries have been fulfilled by the computers and networks.
The maintenance of paper resources, however, cannot be efficiently preserved through computer technologies. Millions of books made of paper not only serve as the container of precedent knowledge and insights, but also constitute a huge part of cultural treasure that should be carefully protected by cultural institutions such as the libraries and museums, since some of the books are published in quite limited amount or handwritten by great authors. The virtual online space can play little influence on the protection of those paper books, whereas the professional staff with specialized knowledge on book maintenance can perform this function in a more satisfactory way.
What is more, not all people can adapt to the habit of online learning, especially for the old and the young, or the people who run mad after the genuine feelings of touching real papers and smelling the printing scents. If eliminating all libraries just because of the convenience provided by electronic devices, people who are not used to using the computer or smart phones would encounter really harsh circumstances in which it is less possible for them to acquire the previously easy access to paper books, thus hindering the development of their reading enthusiasm.
Question:
Some scientists believe intelligent life forms may exist in other planets and some want to send messages to the space to contact with these life forms.But other scientists believe it is a bad idea and it could be dangerous.Discuss both ideas and give your own opinion.
一些科学家认为智慧生命体可能会存在于其他星球上，一些人想要通过向太空中发信号的方式联系这些生命形式。但另外一些科学家认为这种行为可能会非常危险，联系外星人不会是一个好主意。讨论两方观点并给出自己的观点。
这是一道科技类话题，双边讨论类题型，需要考生探讨“发信号联系外星人”这一行为的可行性以及合理性。回顾历年的雅思写作考试，虽然2014年奥运会期间曾经非常应时应景地考过体育类话题，但外星人绝对是第一次出现在真题考试中。而且这其实也是一道和实事结合非常紧密的题目。根据新闻报道，9月25日世界最大的望远镜——中国“天眼”射电望远镜在正式投入使用后不久就接收到了来自1300光年外宇宙时空的可疑信号，霍金随即就提出警告“不要回答任何信息”。
在分析这道题目的时候，千万不要和天文、外太空的专业单词较劲，这其实是一道披着外星人外衣的科技（天文）发展题目而已，甚至在归纳分论点的时候能够使用一些常规写作套路的转化形式来完成。当然，如果是熟读《三体》或者相应科幻著作的同学，相信写到这道题的时候会非常开心文思如泉涌的。
当然，对于这道题目来说，大家所站的立场还是应该非常明确的。霍金说过，不要和外星文明联系，因为这就会和印第安人和外来殖民的下场一样。
A:联系外星生物的合理性
1.满足好奇心，增强对于宇宙和外太空的了解
2.寻求未来新的居住环境、开发新资源
B: 危险
1.不能确定外星生物是否友善
2.浪费资源和财力
下面针对这篇文章的主体段给出sample answer:
Undergoing serious population pressure and shortage of energy, it is understandable for such a group of scientists to propose the contact with outer space, in the hope of discovering potential resources and even living spaces for human beings to maintain a sustainable development. If people could find and keep communication with other extraterrestrial civilization, the possibility of space immigration and energy exploitation would be substantially improved.
Without certifying the attitude and purposes of potential aliens, however, it is never rational to hastily deliver signals to reveal human existence. Just like what colonists once had done to local Indians, the genuine hospitality and curiosity might in return trigger the sense of conquering among certain alien creatures who possess greater wisdom and intelligence than human beings. Hence, the seemingly welcoming signals may just result in the cruel and endless wars between two planets.
What is more, since up until now the existence of life forms in outer space is highly doubtful, it may also be a waste of money and resources if implementing this suggestion. The governmental funds, accumulated from taxations of each adult citizen, should be allocated in a more scientific and reasonable way. Without generating any visible results, it is highly unacceptable for people to witness the dissipation of their salaries."
Question:
In some countries, the criminal trials are shown on TV and the general public can watch them. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages？
Model Essay:
Traditionally, the general public have little knowledge about the process of criminal trials,but now many of these cases are broadcasted on TV. I think this policy can make the judicial work fairer and more transparent, but It also causes some problems.
Undoubtedly, TV broadcast of the trial is an effective way to guarantee the public’s right to be informed of the court case. Taking advantage of the influence of mass media, such programs can draw people's attention to some events. For instance, some cases of corrupted government officials are broadasted on TV and after watching them, the general public show mare confidence in the law and the court. Also, the process and the result of the trail can have a deterrent effect on those who intend to commit crimes, making them consider the consequences of criminal behavior.
However, we have to admit that this practice has its drawbacks. Broadcasting the trial may cause great pressure on those judicial officials, whose work could be affected by the public opinion.For the general public, watching the trial on TV would undoubtedly leave them a deeper impression of the criminal act. When exposed to excessive details of the crimes, particularly those violent ones, some people ma~r feel uncomfortable and lack a sense of security. Another concern Is that TV broadcast may lead to the invasion of the privacy of victims as well as those who are prosecuted.
Overall, broadcasting criminal trials on TV can make the general public informed of the these cases, which is considered as a symbol of progress in judicial work. However, how to tackle the consequent problems is still a challenge.
More Questions:
It is a good thing for those in the senior management position to have higher salaries than other workers in the same company or organization. To what extent do you agree or disagree？
同意不同意类型话题，可以采用通用的五段式结构，第一段先表明个人的观点；第二段可以让步写出可能会持有不同观点的人及原因；第三段及第四段给出支持自己观点的两个理由，并给出相应证明；最后一段总结，重申个人观点。
同意理由：
更大的责任
更多的贡献
在公司做决策，起带领作用
不同意理由：
工资不应该只根据职位区分
部分基层工人的工作量很大
高层管理并不一定都比他们的下属优秀"
The world has many towns and cities constructed in previous centuries that are suitable for people in those times. What problems will this cause today and what can be done to solve them?
问题解决类型话题。可以采用通用的四段式，第一段交代背景，引出主题。正文第一段描述可能导致的问题，正文第二段给出相应的解决办法，最后一段总结。
问题：
交通堵塞
以前的单层建筑满足不了现代住房问题
居住舒适度不够
解决办法：
修更多的高架桥
更多的地下交通系统
政府改造旧城市，增加更安全的水电及供暖系统
In some countries, more people choose to live by themselves in recent years, why is it case? Is it a positive or negative development for society?
Cause and Effect 类型话题。可以采用四段式结构进行展开，首段可以交代背景，第二段叙述第一个major cause，第三段叙述第二个原因，最末段阐述题目当中的判定：a positive or negative development，适当阐述做出判断的依据。
Causes：
1.人们更在意自我的感受，认为生活的重心在于充分享受自我的自由，单独居住不容易受到别人的干涉和干扰；
2.单独居住是因为人们的物质和精神上独立性越来越强，也不会去影响别人。
Effects：
1.Positive development： 社会高度进步才会让人在物质上和精神上有更强的独立性，高度看重个人自由的生活方式可以不会让很多事情因为趋同而无法革新进步，对于社会创造性而言提供了良好的发展。
2.Negative development：人类终究是群居动物，长期而且倾向性的独住会对人的性格发展有不好的影响，会影响人的社交和团队协作能力，进而影响社会的稳定性。
People believe that using mobile phones and computers to communicate make us lose ability to communicate with each other face-to-face，do you agree or disagree?
Agree or Disagree 类型作文，主观论述性作文，典型的Argumentation。可以采用四段式结构展开，首段先交代背景，引出主题，陈述自己的观点（Agree or Disagree），第二段开始论述自己观点的理由，第三段陈述自己观点的第二点理由，第四段总结陈述自己的观点。
Agree：
1.移动工具和电脑的交流沟通往往更多依靠文字和语音，很难直接顾及到人的感情和感受，因此在对人面对面直接交流这点上没有帮助；
2.移动工具和电脑的交流沟通往往会让人逐渐习惯摆脱面对面交流，在社会群体中生活往往又需要跟人直接打交道，但是当人不习惯面对面交流之后，往往会产生社交障碍。
Disagree
1.移动工具和电脑的交流沟通只是为了更直接更快速地找到要联系和交流沟通的对象，它们只是一种工具，并不真正影响面对面交流的能力。
2.移动工具和电脑的交流沟通依靠的文字和语音通常比面对面直接交流沟通更为审慎，反而促进了人们反思如何更好地运用和提高自己语言沟通和措辞的能力。
Past papers:
20140109
Some people think the best way to solve traffic congestions in cities is to provide free public transport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20140111
Nowadays many young people in work force change their jobs or careers every few years. What do you think are the reasons for this? Do the advantages outweigh disadvantages?
20140118
Many children find it is difficult to concentrate or pay attention at school. What are the causes? The possible solutions to this problems?
20140125
The international community should immedicately reduce the consumption of fossil fuels of all countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20140201
Some people believe the best way to produce a better society is to ensure there is only a small difference between the earnings of the richest and the poorest. To what extend do you agree or disagree?
20140213
Many people think the painting and music do not directly improve the quality of people, therefore the government should not spend the money in arts, and they should spend more money on construction of public facilities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20140215
Some people think success of life is based on hard work and determination but others think there are more important factors like money and appearance. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion?
20140222
Children’s education is expensive. In some countries, the government pay some of or all of the costs. Do the advantages outweigh its disadvantages?
20140301
Some people think living in big cities is bad for people's health. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20140308
Some people think young peoople should be required to have full time education until they are at least 18 years old. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20140313
Many people believe that printed books are not good in this digital era, because computer can store more information, while others thinks printed books are still playing a significant role. Discuss both views and give your own ideas.
20140315
It is important for all towns and cities to have large public outdoor places like squares and parks. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20140405
An increasing number of people change their career and places of residence several times during their life. Is this a positive or negative development?
20140412
Some say the purpose of education is to prepare individuals to be useful to society. Othes say the purpose of education is to achieve personal ambitions. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
20140424
Television advertisement aimed at children. What effects of this on children? Should TV advertisement be controlled?
20140426
Computer technologies are more accessible and cheaper, as the result, more adults work at home and children study at home. Is this a positive or negative development?
20140510
Nowadays, women have fuu-time work same as men, logically men should share household equally with women. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20140515
Employers should give their staff at least a 4-week holiday a year to make employees better at their jobs. To what extend do you agree or disagree?
20140517
Children can learn effectively from watching television. Therefore children should be encouraged to watch television regularly both at home and at school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20140524
Many young people leave school with a negative attitude. What are the reasons? How can we encourage young people to study?
20140607
Some people think that if a police force carries a gun, it can lead to higher level of crime in that society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20140619
Some people think adults should learn practical skills by themselves, while others believe that learning from a teacher in a classroom is better. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
20140621
An increasing number of people are changing their careers. What are the reasons? Do you think it is positive or negative?
20140628
With the increasing demand for energy sources of oil and gas, people should look for sources of oil and gas in remote and untouched natrural places. Do the advantages outweigh disadvantages of damaging such areas?
20140710
Some countries achieve international success, building specialized sports facilities for top athletes to train instead of providing sports facilities that everyone can use. Positive or negative?
20140712
Some people think younger people are not suitable for important positions in government in countries. Some think it will be a good idea for younger people to take on these positions. Agree or disagree?
20140719
Some people believe that the government have the duty to ensure its citizens have a healthy diet, while others believe it is individuals' responsibility to care for their diet and health? Discuss both sides and give your opinion?
20140726
Some people think that environmental problems are too big for individuals to solve. Others, however, believe that the problems cannot be solved if individuals do not take actions. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
20140802
Children are committing more crimes. What are the causes? How to punish them?
20140809
Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned, but others think the people should have freedom to choose sports activities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
20140816
Governments are encouraging industries and businesses to move from large cities to regional areas. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
20140821
To what extent do you think societies benefit from the contact and closer relationship with foreigners brought about by international business and tourism?
20140906
With major cities continue growing, are there any problems to young people? How to solve these problems?
20140920
In developing countries, some people think the government should introduce new technology to people in order to improve quality of life, while others believe governments should offer free education. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
20140927
Recently years, more and more people choose to live by themselves, why? Is it positive or negative for the development of the society?
20141018
It is not necessary to travel to other palces to learn about the other culture. we can learn as much as from books, films and internet. To what extent fo you agree or disagree?
20141025
Some people say job satisfaction is more important than job security, other think people cannot always expect enjoy in jobs, working permanently is more important. Discuss both and your view.
20141101
It is better for people to be unemployed than people to be employed but they do not enjoy. Do you agree or disagree?
20141108
Some think most crime is the result of circumstances e.g. poverty and other social problems.Others believe that most crime is caused by people who are bad by nature. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
20141113
Researchers show that overeating is as harmful as smoking. Therefore, advertising for food products should be banned in the same way as the cigarette, advertising is banned in many countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20141122
Online shopping is now replacing shopping in store. Do you think it is positive or negative development?
20141204
Some people think language class should be taught in small class, others think the number of students doesn't matter. Do you agree or disagree?
20141206
Some think “Vertical City” is the best where people live and work in tall buildings. Others think “Horizontal City” is better where there is few tall buildings. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
20141213
Shops should not be allowed to sell any food and drinks which are proved to be scientifically harmful for people's health. Do you agree or disagree?
20141220
Some people think painting and drawings are as important as other subjects, they should be compulsory in high school education. What do you think?
20150110
The leaders or directors of organizations are often older people. But some people say that young people can also be a leader. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20150117
Some people think that the amount of noise people make should be controlled strictly, while other say that people are free to make as much noise as they wish. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
20150129
It is possible for scientists and tourists to travel to remote natural environments, such as South Pole. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
20150131
Some people argue that too much attention and too many resources are given to the protection of wild animals and birds. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20150207
Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists, not local people. Why? What can be done to attract local people?
20150212
Some people think that the age limit for driving should be increased in order to make driving safer. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20150214
The use of mobile phone is as antisocial as smoking. Smoking is banned in certain places so mobile should be banned like smoking. To what extend do agree or disagree?
20150228
Some students take one year off between finishing school and going to university, in order to travel or to work. Do you think advantages outweigh disadvantages?
20150312
Some people think that it is more important to plant more trees in open area in towns and cities than build more housing. To what extend do agree or disagree?
20150314
Some working parents think child care centre can provide their children best care. While others think family members such as grandma will experience can give children best care. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20150321
Some people believe famous people’s support towards international aid organizations draws the attention to problems, while others think celebrities make the problems less important. Discuss both views and give your opinions.
20150328
Some people think that the increasing use of computers and mobile phones for communication has had a negative effect on young people’s reading and writing skills. Does the advantage outweigh the disadvantage?
20150411
Older people who need employment have to compete with younger people. What problems will be caused? And what are the solutions?
20150418
Some people believe that only students with best academic should be reward, some other people think it is more important to reward students with improvement. Discuss& Give your opinion.
20150425
Young people who commit serious crimes, such as a rubbery or a violent attack should be punished in the same way as adults. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20150430 An American writer think that tomorrow is more important. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20150509
Governments should focus spending only on public services, not waste on the arts. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20150516
Health experts claim that walking is the best exercise. However, people are walking less on a daily basis. What has made it happen and how to deal with this?
20150521
People continue to commit crimes even after being punished for it. Why do you think this happens? How can crime be stopped?
20150530
Some people think computers and the Internet are more important in child’s education. Others believe that schools and teachers are essential for children to learn. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
20150606
More and more people want to study at university, so competition of university places is increasing. Why do more people want to study at university? Is it positive or negative?
20150613
University students should pay for the full cost of education fees because university education benefits themselves rather than the society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20150618
We should return to traditional and older values of respect for family and community. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20150627
Some people think it is important to protect all wild animals. Others think that it is only important to protect part of them, not all of them. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
20150704
Old people have their own ideas of how to think, behave and live, and it is not suitable for young people in preparing their modern life, discuss both views and give your opinion.
201507011
In modern life it is unnecessary to teach children the skill of handwriting, do you agree or disagree?
20150723
Some people say that when dividing how taxes should be spent, the government should prioritize health care. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20150725
Some people think that sport has an important role in society. Others think it is only a leisure activity for some people. Discuss both views and give your opinions.
20150801
The proportion of elderly people in some societies is increasing rapidly. Do you think the negative effect of such trend outweigh the positive effect?
20150808
Nowadays people tend to travel long distance to work every day. What are the reasons and suggestions?
20150813
International travel make people prejudiced more than board-mind, why? How to improve the understanding of countries they visit?
20150829
Some people believe that university education should focus on the skills of employment for the future. Others think should focus academic study only. Discuss both views and give your opinion
20150903
People are afraid to leave their homes for fear of crimes. Some people believe that more action should be taken to prevent crimes while others think that little could be done. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
20150912
In some countries old people are highly valued, while in some cultures young people are highly valued. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
20150919
Educationalists think that the program of international exchange visits would benefit all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20150926
Some people claim that many things that children are taught at school are a waste of time. Other people argue that everything study at school are useful at some time. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
20151008
In some countries, secondary schools aim to provide a general education across a range of subjects. In others, children focus on a narrow range of subjects related to a particular career. which is appropriate in today’s world.
20151010
These days，there is no needs to go out for a live performance (show，concert)，because watching it at home on TV or computer screen is better. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20151024
Should people use mobile phones in public places?
20151031
Some people say that everyone can create art, but others think only those who are talented or have special skills can create art. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
20151107
Some people think that the news media have much more influential in people’s lives and that this is a negative development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20151114
Economic growth in in recent years made some people in both developed countries and developing countries richer. However, research showing that while people in developing countries are happier, people in developed countries seems no happier than before. Why? What can we learn from it?
20151119
Machines have replaced physical work in many industries. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
20151121
Some people believe that parents should take punishments for the crime of their children. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20151203
Interview is the basic form of selecting procedure for most large companies. Some people think it is unreliable and there are some other better methods. Discuss and give your own opinion.
20151205
There is an increasing amount of anti-social behaviour and lack of respect for others. What are the causes of this problem and what are your solutions?
20151212
Reading story books is better for children than watching television or playing computer games. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20151219
Some people think that cultural traditions will be destroyed as they are used as money-making attractions, while others think it is the only way so save them. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
20160109
The government money should be invested in teaching science rather than other subjects so as to help a country make progress and develop. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The differences between nations are decreasing. To what extent do you think the disadvantages outweigh the advantages?"
20160114
A recent newspaper article reports that a 14-year-old boy who seriously destroyed his school got a punishment to clean streets instead of being sent to the prison. Do you think this is right? Or the young criminals should be sent to the jail.
20160123
The news media have become more influential in people’s lives, some people think it is a negative development, to what extent do you agree or disagree?
20160130
In some countries, the government has tried to reduce traffic. For instance, they immposed a congestion tax during the rush hour. Do you think this development is positive or negative?
20160213
In some countries, there has been an increase in the number of parents who educate their children themselves at home instead of sending them to school. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages.
20160218
Human activities have negative effect on plants and animal species. Some people think it is too late to do anything about this problem. Other people believe that effective measures can be taken to improve this situation. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
20160220
Nowadays a large amount of advertising aiming at children should be banned because of the negative effects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20160227
In many countries, women are allowed to take maternity leave from their jobs during the first month after the birth of their baby. Does advantage outweigh disadvantages?
20160305
We can get knowledge from news. But some people even think we should not trust the journalists. What do you think? And what do you think are the important qualities that a journalist should have?
20160312
In modern life, it is no longer necessary to use animals as food and in other products like clothing and medicines. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20160319
Some people think health care should be free for everyone, while others think they should pay medical costs for themselves. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
20160331
Today many children spend a lot of time playing computer games and little time on sports. Why is it? Is it a positive or negative development?
20160402
Multicultural societies, where people of differentt ethnic groups live together, can bring more benefits than drawbacks to a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20160416
When new towns are planned, it is important to build more public parks or sports facilities than shopping centers for people to spend their free time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20160421
The increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to the natural environment. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this problem?
20160430
People's shopping habits depend more on the age group they belong to than any other factor. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20160507
Some people think teaching children different abilities together benefits everyone; others think intelligent children should be taught separately and given special treatment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
20160519
In many countries, women are able to join the armed forces now on the equal basis of men. However, soe people think only men should be members of the army, navy and air force. Do you agree or disagree?
20160521
Some people believe countries have moral obligation to help each ogher; others worry about the aid money cannot get to the poor of this world. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
20160528
New parents should attend a parenting course to learn how to bring up their children well, do you agree or disagree?
20160604
Many students are taught to push themselves to try and be better than other students, rather than work together for everyone's benefits. Do the advantagese outweight the disadvantages?
20160618
Some people think schools should teach students to form good behavior in addition to providing normal education. Agree or disagree?
20160625
The range and quality of food been improved with the development of technology and scientific advance. Some people think it is good and others think it is harmful. Discuss two sides and give your own opinion.