No. 1
Do you think students should study abroad? Why or why not?
Ideal Answer (Yes)
Yes, I think students should study abroad because it helps them improve their language skills and become more independent.
By living in another country, students experience different cultures and ways of thinking, which broadens their perspective.
I believe this kind of experience is very difficult to get just from studying in a classroom.
Ideal Answer (No)
No, I don't think all students need to study abroad because it is very expensive and stressful.
Many students can improve their language skills by studying hard in their own country.
However, I think those who have the opportunity should try it because it is a valuable experience.
Pre-2 key shift: longer sentences, two reasons possible in S2, balanced opinion in S3. "I believe / I think" openers for S3 add sophistication.
Key vocab: independent, experience, culture, perspective, broaden, opportunity, valuable, stressful
No. 2
Do you think it is important to learn a foreign language? Why?
Ideal Answer (Yes)
Yes, I think learning a foreign language is very important because it opens many doors in both work and personal life.
For example, people who speak English can communicate with people from all over the world and find better job opportunities.
Personally, learning English has helped me understand different cultures and made me more confident.
Ideal Answer (No)
No, I don't think it is absolutely necessary to learn a foreign language because technology such as translation apps is improving rapidly.
In the future, it may be possible to communicate with anyone in the world without learning their language.
However, I still think learning a language helps you understand a culture more deeply, which technology cannot replace.
S1: opinion + because → S2: "For example" opener is key Pre-2 pattern → S3: "Personally" or balanced view. Teach "For example" as a connector.
Key vocab: foreign, communicate, opportunity, confident, necessary, technology, replace, rapidly
No. 3
Do you think young people spend too much time on smartphones? Why?
Ideal Answer (Yes)
Yes, I think many young people spend too much time on smartphones because they are addictive and always entertaining.
Spending too much time on screens can cause problems like poor sleep, less exercise, and difficulty concentrating at school.
I think it is important to set limits on smartphone use and spend more time on real-world activities.
Ideal Answer (No)
No, I don't think young people necessarily spend too much time on smartphones because they use them for studying and staying connected.
Many students use their phones to access educational content, communicate with classmates, and manage their schedules.
The key is how you use your smartphone, not how much time you spend on it.
S3 "The key is ~" is an excellent sophisticated pattern to teach. S2 listing two or three consequences in one sentence is good Pre-2 writing.
Key vocab: addictive, entertaining, concentrate, limits, educational, connected, manage, necessarily
No. 4
Do you think it is better to live in a city or the countryside? Why?
Ideal Answer (City)
I think it is better to live in a city because there are more job opportunities, better transport, and more facilities such as hospitals and schools.
City life is also more convenient because everything you need is close by, which saves a lot of time.
However, I understand that city life can be noisy and expensive, which is a disadvantage for some people.
Ideal Answer (Countryside)
I think it is better to live in the countryside because the environment is cleaner, quieter, and more relaxing.
Living close to nature is good for both physical and mental health, and communities in the countryside tend to be closer and more supportive.
On the other hand, the lack of public transport and fewer job options can make countryside life difficult.
"However" and "On the other hand" in S3 are key Pre-2 connectors — teach these explicitly. Listing examples (transport, hospitals, schools) in one sentence is good.
Key vocab: opportunity, convenient, facilities, disadvantage, environment, mental health, supportive, transport
No. 5
Do you think schools should give students more homework? Why?
Ideal Answer (No)
No, I don't think schools should give students more homework because many students are already very busy with club activities, part-time jobs, and family responsibilities.
Too much homework can cause stress and reduce the time students have to rest, which actually makes it harder to learn effectively.
I think quality is more important than quantity, and students learn better when they are not exhausted.
Ideal Answer (Yes)
Yes, I think some homework is important because it helps students review what they learned in class and develop good study habits.
Without homework, students might forget important content and fall behind, especially in subjects like mathematics and languages.
However, the amount should be reasonable so that students still have time to relax and pursue other interests.
"Quality is more important than quantity" is an excellent phrase to teach. S2 cause-and-effect structure (too much → stress → harder to learn) is strong Pre-2 writing.
Key vocab: effectively, exhausted, quality, quantity, reasonable, review, develop, responsibility
No. 6
Do you think it is important to have a part-time job as a student? Why?
Ideal Answer (Yes)
Yes, I think having a part-time job is important because it teaches students real-world skills such as communication, time management, and responsibility.
Working also gives students financial independence and helps them understand the value of money from a young age.
Personally, I think the experience gained from working is just as valuable as studying from textbooks.
Ideal Answer (No)
No, I don't think students need a part-time job because their main priority should be studying and preparing for their future.
Working long hours can lead to poor grades, less sleep, and increased stress, which can harm students' long-term development.
I think parents or scholarships should support students financially so they can focus on their education.
S1 listing skills (communication, time management, responsibility) is strong Pre-2 style. "Just as valuable as" is a useful comparison structure.
Key vocab: responsibility, financial, independence, priority, development, scholarship, time management, valuable
No. 7
Do you think people should try to protect the environment in daily life? Why?
Ideal Answer (Yes)
Yes, I strongly believe that everyone should make efforts to protect the environment in their daily lives because small actions add up to make a big difference.
For example, reducing plastic use, recycling, saving electricity, and choosing public transport are all easy steps that help reduce pollution.
If we do not act now, the damage to our environment will become much harder to fix for future generations.
Ideal Answer (balanced)
Yes, I think people should protect the environment, but I also believe that governments and companies have a much larger responsibility than individuals.
While recycling and saving energy are good habits, the biggest sources of pollution come from large industries, not from individual people.
I think the most effective approach is a combination of personal effort and strong environmental laws.
"Small actions add up" and "future generations" are strong phrases. The balanced answer (individuals + governments) is a sophisticated Pre-2 approach worth teaching.
Key vocab: protect, environment, pollution, reduce, recycle, generation, responsibility, effective, individual
No. 8
Do you think it is better to travel alone or with other people? Why?
Ideal Answer (With others)
I think travelling with other people is better because you can share experiences, help each other in difficult situations, and create lasting memories together.
When something goes wrong, like getting lost or missing a train, having a companion makes it much easier to stay calm and solve the problem.
However, travelling with others requires compromise, so it is important to choose travel partners who have similar interests.
Ideal Answer (Alone)
I think travelling alone is better because you have complete freedom to go where you want, when you want, without having to consider other people's schedules.
Travelling alone also builds confidence and independence because you must solve every problem by yourself.
On the other hand, it can feel lonely at times, so it is important to be comfortable with your own company.
"Requires compromise" and "complete freedom" are strong phrases. S3 acknowledging a disadvantage of your own choice shows balanced thinking — reward this.
Key vocab: companion, lasting, compromise, independence, confidence, schedule, consider, complete freedom
No. 9
Do you think sport is important for young people? Why?
Ideal Answer (Yes)
Yes, I think sport is very important for young people because it develops both physical fitness and important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Playing sports also helps young people manage stress, build friendships, and develop a healthy routine that can last throughout their lives.
I believe that even young people who are not naturally athletic can benefit greatly from regular physical activity.
Ideal Answer (balanced)
Yes, sport is important, but I think it is equally important for young people to find an activity they genuinely enjoy rather than being forced to participate.
When young people choose sports freely, they are more motivated to continue and gain the full physical and mental benefits.
Forcing students to compete when they are not interested can actually create negative feelings toward exercise for the rest of their lives.
"Perseverance" and "discipline" are high-value EIKEN vocabulary. The balanced answer raises the issue of choice vs. compulsion — excellent critical thinking for Pre-2.
Key vocab: fitness, teamwork, discipline, perseverance, routine, athletic, benefit, motivated, genuinely
No. 10
Do you think shopping online is better than shopping in stores? Why?
Ideal Answer (Online)
Yes, I think shopping online is more convenient because you can compare prices easily, read reviews, and have items delivered directly to your home.
Online shopping also saves time and money on transport, and you can shop at any hour of the day without leaving the house.
However, the disadvantage is that you cannot touch or try products before buying, which can sometimes lead to disappointment.
Ideal Answer (In store)
No, I think shopping in stores is better because you can see, touch, and try products before buying, which reduces the risk of making a mistake.
Shopping in person also supports local businesses and gives you a more enjoyable social experience.
On the other hand, stores have limited opening hours and it can take more time to travel there and back.
S3 acknowledging a weakness of your own position is a mark of strong Pre-2 writing. "Leads to disappointment" and "reduces the risk" are good phrases.
Key vocab: convenient, compare, review, delivered, disappointment, local, support, reduce, limited
No. 11
Do you think it is important to read books? Why or why not?
Ideal Answer (Yes)
Yes, I think reading books is very important because it improves vocabulary, develops critical thinking, and builds concentration in a way that other media cannot.
Reading also allows us to experience different perspectives and learn about history, science, and human nature through stories and non-fiction.
Personally, I think people who read regularly are generally better at expressing their ideas clearly and thinking deeply about problems.
Ideal Answer (balanced)
Yes, I think reading is important, but I believe the type of reading matters more than the format — whether it is a physical book, an e-book, or an online article.
The key benefit of reading is developing the habit of focusing on complex ideas for a long period, which is becoming harder in the age of social media.
I think any form of deep reading is valuable, and schools should encourage students to read more widely.
"Critical thinking" and "human nature" are strong vocabulary. The format-vs-habit argument in the balanced answer is a sophisticated approach worth discussing in class.
Key vocab: vocabulary, critical thinking, concentration, perspective, non-fiction, express, complex, valuable
No. 12
Do you think schools should teach students about money and finance? Why?
Ideal Answer (Yes)
Yes, I strongly think schools should teach financial education because many young people make serious money mistakes after leaving school due to a lack of basic knowledge.
Understanding how to save, budget, and avoid debt are essential life skills that are just as important as mathematics or history.
Without this education, young people are vulnerable to financial problems that can affect their entire adult lives.
Ideal Answer (balanced)
Yes, I think basic financial education is important, but the most valuable lessons about money come from real experience rather than classroom theory.
Schools can teach the basics, but parents and part-time work experience are probably more effective at teaching young people how to manage money.
I think the best approach is a combination of school lessons and practical real-world experience from an early age.
"Vulnerable to" and "essential life skills" are high-value phrases. The classroom vs real experience argument is good critical thinking for Pre-2 level.
Key vocab: financial, budget, debt, essential, vulnerable, practical, theory, combination, manage
No. 13
Do you think it is better to have many friends or a few close friends? Why?
Ideal Answer (Few close friends)
I think it is better to have a few close friends because deep relationships provide more genuine support, trust, and understanding than a large number of shallow friendships.
When you are in trouble or feeling sad, it is close friends who will truly listen and help, while acquaintances may not be there for you.
Having many friends can feel good socially, but I believe the quality of friendship is far more important than the quantity.
Ideal Answer (Many friends)
I think having many friends is better because a wide social network exposes you to different personalities, ideas, and opportunities.
Meeting many different kinds of people makes you more flexible, open-minded, and able to work well in diverse environments.
However, it is also important to have at least one or two truly trusted friends who you can rely on completely.
"Quality over quantity" structure from Grade 3 reappears here with more sophistication. "Acquaintances" vs "close friends" distinction is a good vocabulary lesson.
Key vocab: genuine, shallow, acquaintance, trust, flexible, open-minded, diverse, rely on, network
No. 14
Do you think young people today have more stress than in the past? Why?
Ideal Answer (Yes)
Yes, I think young people today experience more stress than in the past because of increased academic pressure, social media comparison, and uncertainty about the future.
Social media in particular creates a constant pressure to appear successful and popular, which did not exist for previous generations.
I think schools and parents need to do more to teach young people how to manage stress in healthy ways.
Ideal Answer (No / balanced)
No, I don't think young people today necessarily have more stress — every generation faces its own unique challenges and difficulties.
In the past, people faced serious problems such as war, poverty, and disease, which were arguably more stressful than the pressures young people face today.
However, I do think social media has created new forms of stress that are unique to this generation and deserve serious attention.
"Previous generations" and "arguably" are strong Pre-2 vocabulary. The historical comparison in the No answer is sophisticated — encourage students to think broadly.
Key vocab: pressure, comparison, uncertainty, generation, arguably, poverty, deserve, attention, manage
No. 15
Do you think it is important for students to learn how to cook? Why?
Ideal Answer (Yes)
Yes, I think learning to cook is a very important life skill because it allows people to eat healthily, save money, and become more independent when living alone.
Cooking at home is usually much cheaper and healthier than eating out or buying convenience food every day.
I also think cooking is a creative activity that can reduce stress and give people a sense of satisfaction and achievement.
Ideal Answer (balanced)
Yes, cooking is important, but I think the most valuable thing is learning to have a healthy relationship with food, rather than being able to cook complicated dishes.
Understanding basic nutrition, reading food labels, and knowing how to prepare simple meals is enough to live healthily and independently.
Schools do not need to teach advanced cooking, but basic food education should definitely be part of every student's curriculum.
"Sense of satisfaction and achievement" is excellent. The distinction between cooking skill and food knowledge in the balanced answer shows mature thinking.
Key vocab: independent, convenience, creative, satisfaction, achievement, nutrition, curriculum, relationship
No. 16
Do you think people should keep animals as pets? Why or why not?
Ideal Answer (Yes)
Yes, I think keeping pets is a good thing because animals provide emotional support, companionship, and can help reduce loneliness and stress.
Studies have shown that pet owners tend to be happier and healthier, and caring for an animal teaches responsibility and empathy.
However, it is essential that pet owners are fully committed to providing proper care, exercise, and medical attention for their animals.
Ideal Answer (No / balanced)
I think people should only keep pets if they have the time, space, and financial resources to care for them properly.
Many people buy pets impulsively without understanding the long-term commitment, which leads to animal suffering and abandonment.
If someone is genuinely prepared to give an animal a good life, I think it can be a wonderful experience for both the person and the pet.
"Emotional support" and "companionship" are key. The conditional structure "only if they have the time/space/resources" is sophisticated Pre-2 grammar worth noting.
Key vocab: companionship, loneliness, empathy, commitment, abandonment, impulsively, resources, prepared
No. 17
Do you think it is better to work for a company or start your own business? Why?
Ideal Answer (Company)
I think working for a company is better for most people because it offers financial stability, clear career progression, and the chance to learn from experienced colleagues.
Starting a business is extremely risky, and most new businesses fail within the first few years, which can cause serious financial problems.
However, I admire people who have the courage to start their own business, and I think gaining company experience first is the best preparation.
Ideal Answer (Own business)
I think starting your own business is better because it gives you complete control over your work, unlimited earning potential, and the chance to pursue your own vision.
Working for a company means following other people's rules and having limited freedom, which can be frustrating for creative and ambitious people.
Of course, starting a business requires careful planning, strong skills, and a willingness to accept risk and failure.
"Financial stability" and "career progression" are strong phrases. S3 acknowledging the risks of your own choice is mature writing — reward it.
Key vocab: stability, progression, risky, ambitious, vision, potential, frustrating, planning, willingness
No. 18
Do you think social media has a good or bad effect on society? Why?
Ideal Answer (Bad effect)
I think social media has more negative effects on society than positive ones because it spreads false information, increases anxiety, and reduces face-to-face communication.
Young people in particular are strongly affected by the pressure to present a perfect image online, which can damage their self-esteem and mental health.
I believe stricter regulation of social media platforms is necessary to protect users, especially children and teenagers.
Ideal Answer (balanced)
I think social media has both good and bad effects on society, and the impact depends on how it is used.
On the positive side, it connects people across the world, raises awareness of important issues, and gives ordinary people a voice.
On the negative side, it can spread misinformation rapidly and create toxic environments that harm people's wellbeing.
"Self-esteem" and "misinformation" are high-value vocabulary. The "it depends on how it is used" structure is a mature balanced approach worth teaching explicitly.
Key vocab: misinformation, anxiety, self-esteem, regulation, awareness, toxic, wellbeing, rapidly, impact
No. 19
Do you think people should try to learn about other cultures? Why?
Ideal Answer (Yes)
Yes, I strongly believe that learning about other cultures is essential in today's globalised world because it builds mutual understanding and reduces prejudice.
When people understand other cultures, they are less likely to make assumptions or judgements based on ignorance, which leads to a more peaceful and cooperative society.
Personally, learning about different cultures through travel, food, and language has made me much more open-minded and grateful for my own background.
Ideal Answer (balanced)
Yes, understanding other cultures is important, but I also think it is equally important to understand and appreciate your own culture first.
People who have a strong sense of their own identity and values are often better at respecting differences without losing their own perspective.
The goal should be mutual respect and curiosity rather than simply adopting other cultures or treating them as entertainment.
"Mutual understanding" and "prejudice" are excellent vocabulary. The own-culture-first argument is a sophisticated perspective that shows genuine critical thinking.
Key vocab: globalised, mutual, prejudice, assumption, ignorance, cooperative, open-minded, perspective, curiosity
No. 20
Do you think technology has made our lives better or worse? Why?
Ideal Answer (Better)
I think technology has made our lives significantly better because it has improved healthcare, communication, education, and access to information on a massive scale.
For example, diseases that were once fatal can now be treated, and people in remote areas can access world-class education through the internet.
However, I recognise that technology also creates new problems such as privacy concerns and environmental damage, which we must address carefully.
Ideal Answer (balanced)
I think technology has made certain aspects of our lives much better while making others significantly worse, so it is difficult to give a simple answer.
Technology has given us incredible tools for communication, learning, and healthcare, but it has also increased inequality, damaged attention spans, and contributed to environmental problems.
I believe the key is not the technology itself but whether we as individuals and societies use it wisely and responsibly.
"Significantly" and "remote areas" are strong phrases. The final answer is the most complex in the set — use it as a discussion springboard for advanced students. "Use it wisely and responsibly" is an excellent closing phrase to teach.
Key vocab: significantly, healthcare, remote, privacy, inequality, attention span, responsible, wisely, address