Part of speech "Verbs"

Unit8 Verb

 

 

I-   Definition

    Verb is a word that expresses action or state of being and is necessary to make a sentence.

     A verb in syntax is a part of speech which conveys

1. action (bring, read, walk, run, learn)
2. or state of being (exist, stand)

Sentences in English have a main verb which is stated in a tense (simple present, simple past, simple future...)

·       Inflections

          Verbs are inflected, modified in form, when conjugated. For example, verbs take s, ed or ing in some of its forms depending on the tense and the subject-verb agreement.

·       Agreement

          In English a verb may agree with the person and number of its subject. For example, verbs take s in the third person singular of the simple present:

Bare Infinitive	Third Person Singular
play	he she it plays
work	he, she, it works

     When the verb to have conjugates in the third person singular of the simple present, the right inflection is has NOT haves

II-    Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

§  Transitive verbs

Transitive verbs are verbs that require one or more objects.

Examples:

• She cut the cake.
• They climbed the mountain.
• He gave her a flower.

The verbs cut, climbed, and gave have objects.

Transitive verbs	Objects
cut	the cake
climbed	the mountain
gave	her and a flower

Transitive verbs can be categorized into two types: monotransitive and ditransitive:

1. Monotransitive verbs are verbs that require exactly one object.
   Example:
   He wrote a poem
2. Ditransitive verbs are verbs that may require two objects, a direct object and an indirect object.
   Example:
   She offered him (first object) her car (second object).

§  Intransitive verbs

     By contrast, intransitive verbs do not require an object.

Examples:

• They run.
• He died.
• She slept.
• It snows.

The verbs run, died, slept and snows have no objects. They are intransitive.

III- Finite Verbs and Non-Finite Verbs

§  Finite Verbs

     A finite verb is a form of a verb that has a subject and exhibit tense and number in an independent clause or sentence. Finite verbs are distinguished from non-finite verbs which do not show a distinction in tense and number, and cannot stand alone as the main verb in an independent clause.

Examples:

-   They watched the match. - They is a subject; watched is a finite verb; the match is an object.

-   They are watching the match. - They is a subject; are is a finite verb; watching is a non-finite verb (which does not exhibit tense and number); the match is an object.

§  Non-Finite Verbs

     A non- finite verb is a form of a verb that does not have a subject and and does not exhibit tense and number in an independent clause or sentence. In English, the non-finite verb forms are infinitives and gerunds and participles. Non-finite verbs are distinguished from finite verbs which show a distinction in tense and number, and may stand alone as the main verb in an independent clause.

Examples:

-     They are writing the letter. - They is a subject; are is a finite; writing is a non-finite verb (which does not exhibit tense nor number); the match is an object.

-   They wrote the letter . - They is a subject; wrote is a finite verb; the letter is an object.

 

IV- Auxiliary verbs

     Basically, auxiliary verbs are function words, a type of closed class which is constituted of words that have a grammatical function as opposed to content words, which are an open class of lexical words. An auxiliary verb is used to add functional or grammatical content to the information expressed by another verb, considered to be the main verb. Auxiliary verbs are also called helping verbs

Examples:

• I am writing a book.
• He has done the work.
• We will be there in a minute.
• Would you help me with this homework?
• Can you open the door?
• Did you visit New York last holiday?
• Do you like chocolate?
• They must get there on time.

 

·       List of auxiliary verbs

       This is a list of English auxiliary verbs:

be (am, are, is, was, were, being), can, could, do (did, does, doing), have (had, has, having), may, might, must, shall, should, will, would.

 

·       Auxiliary verb or full verb?

       To distinguish a full verb from an auxiliary verb, you can carry out the following test:

If the verb

1. allows subject-auxiliary inversion
2. and can take can take not in the negative form,

then it is an auxiliary verb.

Examples:

• You are going to travel to London. --
  Are you going to travel to London?
  You are not going to travel to London.
  = are is an an auxiliary verb
• You see what I mean. --
  *See you what I mean.
  *You see not what I mean.
  = see is not an auxiliary verb; it is a full verb.
  (The asterisk * indicates that the sentence is not grammatical.)

 

V-     Linking verbs

Linking verbs (also referred to as copulas or copular verbs) don't show action like ordinary verbs. They rather link or connect the subject to a subject complement, the part of the sentence that follows the verb. This complement which contains additional information describes and identifies the subject.

Examples:

• Larry looks happy. (looks is a linking verb; happy is a complement that describes and identifies Larry, the subject)
• The play was good. (was is a linking verb; good is a complement that describes and identifies the play, the subject

 

·       List of linking verbs

       This is a list of common linking verbs:

Appear, be, become, feel, get, grow, look, prove, remain, seem, smell, stay, sound, taste, turn.

·       Linking verb?

       Some of the verbs listed above can function as linking verbs and as ordinary verbs. One trick that you can use to identify whether a verb is a linking verb or an ordinary verb is to see the relation between the subject and complement. If the relation is indicative of an equal sign (=), then it is a linking verb. Consider the following examples:

• He looks angry. (He = angry | linking verb)
• He looked at the man. (He = at the man | action verb)

Examples:

look:

• Nadia looked happy. (linking verb)
• Nadia looked at the window. (ordinary verb)

taste

• The food tastes delicious. (linking verb)
• They tasted the food. (ordinary verb)

appear

• She appeared quiet. (linking verb)
• She appeared in the room. (ordinary verb)

VI- Phrasal verbs

     Phrasal verbs are mainly used in spoken English and informal texts. (The more formal a conversation or text, the less phrasal verbs are found.)

     Phrasal verbs consist of a verb and a particle (preposition, adverb). The particle can change the meaning of the verb completely.

     Example:

• look up – consult a reference book (look a word up in a dictionary)
• look for – seek (look for her ring)
• look forward – anticipate with pleasure (look forward to meeting someone)

There are no rules that might explain the meaning of phrasal verbs. All you can do is look them up in a good dictionary and study their meanings.

 

Ø Position of the Particle:

       In some cases the particle is placed either after the verb or after the object.

Example:

• Write down the word
• Write the word down

       If the object is a pronoun, however, the particle has to be placed after the pronoun (object).

       Example:

• Write it down.
• Your photo album. Put it down
• Your jacket. Take it off

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TOEFL essay writting topic 1

   Topic 1 Why go to university?
University is no longer a fresh word to people nowadays.
Since the beginning of this century, more and more
youngsters choose to enter university after they have
completed the study in high schools rather than to join
the army or become an apprentice. Therefore, it is kind
of interesting to find out the reason behind.
First of all, students can only learn fundamental knowl￾edge during high school while they are able to focus on
their own interested majors in universities. This period is
the key to knowledge accumulation, which will contrib￾ute a lot to the future of an individual. Moreover, univer￾sity is no doubt the symbol of high education. It offers
more than pure knowledge. A degree from a university
gives people certain identity that makes them stand out
among their competitors. It can be seen from the fact that
most international companies will only hire those who
have at least a Bachelor's degree.
Sincere dreams might also be the reason for university or
college. For instance, in the 60s and 70s, people in China
experienced hard times. Many of them had to give up
advanced education and take up the burdens of life at
their early age. Now, as they became parents or even
grandparents, their dream for university education had
no doubt realized by their younger family members.
Those young people, as reported, often study very hard
in order to fulfill the expectations of two generations.
There is no doubt that university can be the turning point
of one's future, because higher education will provide
people with not only knowledge prepared for their ca￾reers, but also the fulfillment of their life goals. Mean￾while, the society has improved its strength to sponsor
higher education. Compared with the past, people now
attend universities also because they are able to secure
various scholarships and supports from different chan￾nels. A very good example is that many Chinese students
are now studying in the U. S. Their incentive for applica￾tion should be attributed to not only to their own per￾formance but also the comprehensive education frame￾works in the U. S.
Broadly speaking, people who study in universities have
their hopes: to fulfill themselves. At the same time, our
society generously provides such an environment for
people to achieve such goals. Therefore, when we see
more and more fresh smiles on the campus of universi￾ties, let us just wish them a promising future.


Topic 1 Why go to university?
A university degree often helps a person achieve his goal
with more ease. However, do we attend university just in
pursuit of a degree? Does a university only provide us
nothing beneficial besides a paper-made diploma? As far
as I am concerned, we enjoy university education in the
following aspects:
Firstly, with the knowledge learned at a university, we
will have a deep understanding of our society. It is true
that genuine knowledge comes from practice, but it can￾not be denied that genuine knowledge tells us how to
practice. A systematic study in a college or a university, of
course, enables us to realize how the society works and
how to cope with certain problems arising from it in a
more efficiently, and more skillful way.
Second, a university education usually makes it possible
that we get hold of a decent job. As a result of the ac￾complishment of a four-year study, it is not difficult for us
to find a good job in most cases. How can we imagine
that a graduate majoring in astronomy has to be a vendor
in the street! No doubt, he/she should sit in his/her labo￾ratory, doing research on aircraft science before a com￾puter. Obviously, a university education assures him/her a
decent job.
Last but not least, we can help others much better if we
put what we have learned at a university into practice. A
university education fortifies our values, enhance our
skills, and broaden our horizons. With those, we are
more capable of giving a hand to those who are in need
of help.
Knowledge is power. When achieving a degree at a uni￾versity, we can get a better understanding of the society,
find a decent job in an easy way, and help others better.
All of those are due to the knowledge learned at a univer￾sity

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115 writting TOEFL topices

 These are also good for practicing independent speaking questions, too — just give yourself 45 seconds to talk on these subjects. 

  No.1. People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.3. Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.4. It has been said, “Not everything that is learned is contained in books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?

  No.5. A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your community. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community. Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position.

  No.6. If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

  No.7. How do movies or television influence people’s behavior? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

  No.8. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television has destroyed communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

  No.9. Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

  No.10. “When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.” Do you agree or disagree with the quotation above? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.

  No.11. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Universities should give the same amount of money to their students’ sports activities as they give to their university libraries. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

  No.12. Many people visit museums when they travel to new places. Why do you think people visit museums? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.13. Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.14. Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.

  No.15. Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good neighbor? Use specific details and examples in your answer.

  No.16. It has recently been announced that a new restaurant may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

  No.17. Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons to develop your essay.

  No.18. What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)? Use specific details and examples to explain why these qualities are important.

  No.19. Should governments spend more money on improving roads and highways, or should governments spend more money on improving public transportation (buses, trains, subways)? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.

  No.20. It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.

  No.21. In general, people are living longer now. Discuss the causes of this phenomenon. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.

  No.22. We all work or will work in our jobs with many different kinds of people. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker (someone you work closely with)? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these characteristics are important.

  No.23. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Sometimes it is better not to tell the truth. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

  No.24. In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.

  No.25. A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do you think this person would like and dislike about living in your town or city? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.

  No.26. It has recently been announced that a large shopping center may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

  No.27. It has recently been announced that a new movie theater may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

  No.28. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should sometimes do things that they do not enjoy doing. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.29. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television, newspapers, magazines, and other media pay too much attention to the personal lives of famous people such as public figures and celebrities. Use specific reasons and details to explain your opinion.

  No.30. Some people believe that the Earth is being harmed (damaged) by human activity. Others feel that human activity makes the Earth a better place to live. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.31. It has recently been announced that a new high school may be built in your community. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details in your answer.

  No.32. Some people spend their entire lives in one place. Others move a number of times throughout their lives, looking for a better job, house, community, or even climate. Which do you prefer: staying in one place or moving in search of another place? Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.

  No.33. Is it better to enjoy your money when you earn it or is it better to save your money for some time in the future? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

  No.34. You have received a gift of money. The money is enough to buy either a piece of jewelry you like or tickets to a concert you want to attend. Which would you buy? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

  No.35. You must select a person to teach others to do a job. Which one of the following is the most important for you to consider in making your selection?

• the person’s education
• the person’s work experience
• the quality of the person’s previous work

Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.36. Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.37. Countries, businesses, and schools are three areas that need good leaders. Choose one of these three areas and describe the most important qualities of a leader in that area. Explain why these qualities are important, using specific examples and details.

  No.38. Choose one of the following transportation vehicles and explain why you think it has changed people’s lives.

• Automobiles
• Bicycles
• Airplanes

Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.39. Do you agree or disagree that progress is always good? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.40. Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.41. The expression “Never, never give up” means to keep trying and never stop working for your goals. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.42. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? With the help of technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.43. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Games are as important for adults as they are for children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.44. Awards and prizes are given for excellence in various fields. Do these awards and prizes serve a useful purpose? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

  No.45. Some people think that human needs for farmland, housing, and industry are more important than saving land for endangered animals. Do you agree or disagree with this point of view? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.46. What is a very important skill a person should learn in order to be successful in the world today? Choose one skill and use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

  No.47. Resolving problems between individuals or groups is important. What should be considered or kept in mind in resolving problems between individuals or groups? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.48. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Self-confidence is the most important factor for success in school or at work. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

  No.49. Why do you think some people are attracted to dangerous sports or other dangerous activities? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.50. Which is more important for success: the natural ability you are born with or hard work? Explain your opinion, using specific reasons and examples.

  No.51. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents or other adult relatives should make important decisions for their older (15 to 18 year-old) teenaged children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

  No.52. Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

  No.53. Some people prefer to get up early in the morning and start the day’s work. Others prefer to get up later in the day and work until late at night. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

  No.54. What are the important qualities of a good son or daughter? Have these qualities changed or remained the same over time in your culture? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.55. Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

  No.56. People work because they need money to live. What are some other reasons that people work? Discuss one or more of these reasons. Use specific examples and details to support your answer.

  No.57. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, e-mail, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

  No.58. Some people like to do only what they already do well. Other people prefer to try new things and take risks. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

  No.59. Some people believe that success in life comes from taking risks or chances. Others believe that success results from careful planning. In your opinion, what does success come from? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.60. What change would make your hometown more appealing to people your age? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

  No.61. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The most important aspect of a job is the money a person earns. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.62. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? One should never judge a person by external appearances. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

  No.63. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person should never make an important decision alone. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.64. A company is going to give some money either to support the arts or to protect the environment. Which do you think the company should choose? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.65. Some movies are serious, designed to make the audience think. Other movies are designed primarily to amuse and entertain. Which type of movie do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.66. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Businesses should do anything they can to make a profit. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

  No.67. Some people are always in a hurry to go places and get things done. Other people prefer to take their time and live life at a slower pace. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.68. Some people think governments should spend as much money as possible exploring outer space (for example, traveling to the Moon and to other planets). Other people disagree and think governments should spend this money for our basic needs on Earth. Which of these two opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

  No.69. People have different ways of escaping the stress and difficulties of modern life. Some read; some exercise; others work in their gardens. What do you think are the best ways of reducing stress? Use specific details and examples in your answer.

   No.70. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Teachers should be paid according to how much their students learn. Give specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

  No.71. If you were asked to send one thing representing your country to an international exhibition, what would you choose? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

  No.72. You have been told that dormitory rooms at your university must be shared by two students. Would you rather have the university assign a student to share a room with you, or would you rather choose your own roommate? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.

  No.73. Some people think that governments should spend as much money as possible on developing or buying computer technology. Other people disagree and think that this money should be spent on more basic needs. Which one of these opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

  No.74. Some people like doing work by hand. Others prefer using machines. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.75. Schools should ask students to evaluate their teachers. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.76. In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic (for example, honesty, intelligence, a sense of humor) that a person can have to be successful in life? Use specific reasons and examples from your experience to explain your answer. When you write your answer, you are not limited to the examples listed in the prompt.

  No.77. It is generally agreed that society benefits from the work of its members. Compare the contributions of artists to society with the contributions of scientists to society. Which type of contribution do you think is valued more by your society? Give specific reasons to support your answer.

  No.78. Students at universities often have a choice of places to live. They may choose to live in university dormitories, or they may choose to live in apartments in the community. Compare the advantages of living in university housing with the advantages of living in an apartment in the community. Where would you prefer to live? Give reasons for your preference.

  No.79. You need to travel from your home to a place 40 miles (64 kilometers) away. Compare the different kinds of transportation you could use. Tell which method of travel you would choose. Give specific reasons for your choice.

  No.80. Some people believe that a college or university education should be available to all students. Others believe that higher education should be available only to good students. Discuss these views. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.

  No.81. Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience. Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning about life. Which do you think is preferable? Use specific examples to support your preference.

  No.82. When people move to another country, some of them decide to follow the customs of the new country. Others prefer to keep their own customs. Compare these two choices. Which one do you prefer? Support your answer with specific details.

  No.83. Some people prefer to spend most of their time alone. Others like to be with friends most of the time. Do you prefer to spend your time alone or with friends? Use specific reasons to support your answer.

  No.84. Some people prefer to spend time with one or two close friends. Others choose to spend time with a large number of friends. Compare the advantages of each choice. Which of these two ways of spending time do you prefer? Use specific reasons to support your answer.

  No.85. Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why?

  No.86. The government has announced that it plans to build a new university. Some people think that your community would be a good place to locate the university. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a new university in your community. Use specific details in your discussion.

  No.87. Some people think that the family is the most important influence on young adults. Other people think that friends are the most important influence on young adults. Which view do you agree with? Use examples to support your position.

  No.88. Some people prefer to plan activities for their free time very carefully. Others choose not to make any plans at all for their free time. Compare the benefits of planning free-time activities with the benefits of not making plans. Which do you prefer-planning or not planning for your leisure time? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice.

  No.89. People learn in different ways. Some people learn by doing things; other people learn by reading about things; others learn by listening to people talk about things. Which of these methods of learning is best for you? Use specific examples to support your choice.

  No.90. Some people choose friends who are different from themselves. Others choose friends who are similar to themselves. Compare the advantages of having friends who are different from you with the advantages of having friends who are similar to you. Which kind of friend do you prefer for yourself? Why?

  No.91. Some people enjoy change, and they look forward to new experiences. Others like their lives to stay the same, and they do not change their usual habits. Compare these two approaches to life. Which approach do you prefer? Explain why.

  No.92. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People behave differently when they wear different clothes. Do you agree that different clothes influence the way people behave? Use specific examples to support your answer.

  No.93. Decisions can be made quickly, or they can be made after careful thought. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The decisions that people make quickly are always wrong. Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.

  No.94. Some people trust their first impressions about a person’s character because they believe these judgments are generally correct. Other people do not judge a person’s character quickly because they believe first impressions are often wrong. Compare these two attitudes. Which attitude do you agree with? Support your choice with specific examples.

  No.95. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People are never satisfied with what they have; they always want something more or something different. Use specific reasons to support your answer.

  No.96. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should read only those books that are about real events, real people, and established facts. Use specific reasons and details to support your opinion.

  No.97. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more important for students to study history and literature than it is for them to study science and mathematics. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

  No.98. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? All students should be required to study art and music in secondary school. Use specific reasons to support your answer.

  No.99. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? There is nothing that young people can teach older people. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

  No.100. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Reading fiction (such as novels and short stories) is more enjoyable than watching movies. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.

  No.101. Some people say that physical exercise should be a required part of every school day. Other people believe that students should spend the whole school day on academic studies. Which opinion do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

  No.102. A university plans to develop a new research center in your country. Some people want a center for business research. Other people want a center for research in agriculture (farming). Which of these two kinds of research centers do you recommend for your country? Use specific reasons in your recommendation.

  No.103. Some young children spend a great amount of their time practicing sports. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.104. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Only people who earn a lot of money are successful. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.105. If you could invent something new, what product would you develop? Use specific details to explain why this invention is needed.

  No.106. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person’s childhood years (the time from birth to twelve years of age) are the most important years of a person’s life. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.107. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should be required to help with household tasks as soon as they are able to do so. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.108. Some high schools require all students to wear school uniforms. Other high schools permit students to decide what to wear to school. Which of these two school policies do you think is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

  No.109. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing a game is fun only when you win. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.110. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? High schools should allow students to study the courses that students want to study. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

  No.111. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better to be a member of a group than to be the leader of a group. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.112. What do you consider to be the most important room in a house? Why is this room more important to you than any other room? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

  No.113. If you could make one important change in a school that you attended, what change would you make? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

  No.114. A gift (such as a camera, a soccer ball, or an animal) can contribute to a child’s development. What gift would you give to help a child develop? Why? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.

  No.115. Some people believe that students should be given one long vacation each year. Others believe that students should have several short vacations throughout the year. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

  No.116. Would you prefer to live in a traditional house or in a modern apartment building? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

  No.117. Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we really do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.118. Some people prefer to spend their free time outdoors. Other people prefer to spend their leisure time indoors. Would you prefer to be outside or would you prefer to be inside for your leisure activities? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice.

  No.119. Your school has received a gift of money. What do you think is the best way for your school to spend this money? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

  No.120. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing games teaches us about life. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.121. Imagine that you have received some land to use as you wish. How would you use this land? Use specific details to explain your answer.

  No.122. What is the most important animal in your country? Why is the animal important? Use reasons and specific details to explain your answer.

  No.123. Many parts of the world are losing important natural resources, such as forests, animals, or clean water. Choose one resource that is disappearing and explain why it needs to be saved. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

  No.124. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A zoo has no useful purpose. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

  No.125. In some countries, people are no longer allowed to smoke in many public places and office buildings. Do you think this is a good rule or a bad rule? Use specific reasons and details to support your position.

  No.126. Plants can provide food, shelter, clothing, or medicine. What is one kind of plant that is important to you or the people in your country? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

  No.127. You have the opportunity to visit a foreign country for two weeks. Which country would you like to visit? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

  No.128. In the future, students may have the choice of studying at home by using technology such as computers or television or of studying at traditional schools. Which would you prefer? Use reasons and specific details to explain your choice.

  No.129. When famous people such as actors, athletes and rock stars give their opinions, many people listen. Do you think we should pay attention to these opinions? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.130. The twentieth century saw great change. In your opinion, what is one change that should be remembered about the twentieth century? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

  No.131. When people need to complain about a product or poor service, some prefer to complain in writing and others prefer to complain in person. Which way do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.132. People remember special gifts or presents that they have received. Why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.133. Some famous athletes and entertainers earn millions of dollars every year. Do you think these people deserve such high salaries? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

  No.134. Is the ability to read and write more important today than in the past? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.135. People do many different things to stay healthy. What do you do for good health? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.136. You have decided to give several hours of your time each month to improve the community where you live. What is one thing you will do to improve your community? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

  No.137. Your school has enough money to purchase either computers for students or books for the library. Which should your school choose to buy- computers or books? Use specific reasons and examples to support your recommendation.

  No.138. Many students choose to attend schools or universities outside their home countries. Why do some students study abroad? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.

  No.139. People listen to music for different reasons and at different times. Why is music important to many people? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

  No.140. Groups or organizations are an important part of some people’s lives. Why are groups or organizations important to people? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

  No.141. Imagine that you are preparing for a trip. You plan to be away from your home for a year. In addition to clothing and personal care items, you can take one additional thing. What would you take and why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

  No.142. When students move to a new school, they sometimes face problems. How can schools help these students with their problems? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

  No.143. It is sometimes said that borrowing money from a friend can harm or damage the friendship. Do you agree? Why or why not? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.

  No.144. Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your generation different from your parents’ generation? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

  No.145. Some students like classes where teachers lecture (do all of the talking) in class. Other students prefer classes where the students do some of the talking. Which type of class do you prefer? Give specific reasons and details to support your choice.

  No.146. Holidays honor people or events. If you could create a new holiday, what person or event would it honor and how would you want people to celebrate it? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

  No.147. A friend of yours has received some money and plans to use all of it either to go on vacation to buy a car Your friend has asked you for advice. Compare your friend’s two choices and explain which one you think your friend should choose. Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

  No.148. The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think the new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer.

  No.149. What are some of the qualities of a good parent? Use specific details and examples to explain your answer.

  No.150. Movies are popular all over the world. Explain why movies are so popular. Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

  No.151. In your country, is there more need for land to be left in its natural condition or is there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.152. Many people have a close relationship with their pets. These people treat their birds, cats, or other animals as members of their family. In your opinion, are such relationships good? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.153. Films can tell us a lot about the country where they were made. What have you learned about a country from watching its movies? Use specific examples and details to support your response.

  No.154. Some students prefer to study alone. Others prefer to study with a group of students. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

  No.155. You have enough money to purchase either a house or a business. Which would you choose to buy? Give specific reasons to explain your choice.

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