Speaking Practice: What do you think?

In this lesson we will practice speaking about opinions. You have 1 minute to prepare for each topic, and then speak about it for 2 - 3 minutes.

1. Is social media damaging to our personal relationships?

Social media lets us connect with more people, but some believe it detracts from

our real life interactions.

2. Does travelling benefit young people?

Many people go straight from high school to university, but others think travelling provides a better education.

3. Should primary schools still teach handwriting?

Since most people now only write on smartphones or laptops, do we still need to know how to write?

4. Are high school dress codes biased against female students?

Lately, students have been protesting school dress codes, claiming that they are sexist.

5. Should soft drinks like Coke or Pepsi be sold in school vending machines?

Because soda is bad for our health, some school boards want to keep it out of our schools.

6. Should public transportation be free for city residents?

Some believe that this would help decrease our carbon footprint.

7. Should college and university be free?

Many argue that education is a human right.

8. Should sexual education be taught in school?

Some families would prefer to teach sex education at home, others would prefer it not get taught at all.

9. Are professional sports players’ salaries too high?

Or are they not high enough, considering the lasting damage that contact sports can have on a body.

10. Should doping be allowed in competitive sports?

Is doping the next level in sports, or is it still just cheating?

11. Does buying essays online actually help university students?

Some claim it keeps students from suffering mental breakdowns, others claim it undermines the point of going to university.

12. Are standardized tests actually a good measure of intelligence and ability?

Schools still love standardized tests, despite the arguments against them.

13. Should physical education be mandatory in high school?

Many students hate gym class, others love it. Is it really necessary to teach it?

14. Can graffiti be considered art?

Fans believe that graffiti is a form of creative expression and worth a second look.

15. Is mandatory sentencing for possession helping or hindering society?

Many people now get long jail sentences for non-violent crimes such as drug possession.