Many believe that the best way to ensure a happier society is to reduce the difference in income earnings between the rich and poor. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

 Many believe that the best way to ensure a happier society is to reduce the difference in income earnings between the rich and poor. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In this modern era, a school of thought propounds that diminishing the earning difference between affluent and poverty-stricken sections of the society can lead to a pleasurable environment. Some people support this statement, whereas others oppose it.

To embark upon this discussion, it is believed by a plethora of people that economic parity can bring happiness as everyone will be able to lead a comfortable life and fulfill their needs. Furthermore, a sense of equality will decrease conflicts among different sections. On top of that, it will help in the reduction of crimes and motivate inhabitants to use their leisure time productively. Also, one can secure their future endeavors like education and access to better healthcare facilities in their twilight years, to name a few.

Notwithstanding the former statement, some people profess that if economic parity was the key to a content environment, most societies guaranteeing equality in distribution of monetary resources would fare much higher on the happiness index. There are some other essential views that are needed for a happy social environment, like crime free society, that provides safety from criminals as everyone will be scared of living in that nation. Moreover, with gender disparities and cultural differences, and so on, existing in a country, one cannot feel content and happy. To corroborate, citizens of a communist bloc nations felt that their civil liberties were not fulfilled, due to which they felt uncontented and left their country to migrate to parts of the world affording freedom where their rights were respected and given equal importance.

To conclude, I strongly disagree that considering economic parity only will ensure a congenial and harmonious society since there are various other factors which let happiness pervade through social fabric. 

More and more people are getting overweight. Some people think that increasing the price of fattening food items can solve this problem. Do you agree or disagree?

More and more people are getting overweight. Some people think that increasing the price of fattening food items can solve this problem. Do you agree or disagree?

Whether making edible items that lead to obesity can help surmount this challenge, is an intriguing question. There is humongous skepticism about the rationale behind this proposal.  

Proponents of the price rise assume that the high cost of fattening food would affect its affordability and take it out of the reach of many, especially the youngsters, the most devoted consumers of such edible items. This segment would have to either opt for economical options that can ill-afford to offer expensive greasy ingredients, or choose healthy home-cooked meals, reducing the incidence of corpulence naturally. 

Nevertheless, the reality is far from being so rosy: the consumption of the food with sumptuous fat content is sometimes the only alternative for the overworked people - engaged in work for extended hours at office, or dedicated to their academic pursuits. Consequently, compelling them to opt for the most readily available nourishment, regardless of the cost, and consume it, whenever they confront the pangs of hunger.  

Similarly, blaming fattening food for obesity is only a knee-jerk reaction and overlooking the primary cause. Corpulence primarily stems from sedentary lifestyles and from not what they are eating. It has been observed that of late, most have been engaging in indolent lifestyles, where they tend to be seated for most of the day, be it their work, traveling, or even when they are with their families experiencing free time. They tend to be physically inactive and are unable to metabolize calories they consume, causing them to gain weight.   

Overall, I cannot concur with this proposal since it is not the intake that is causing a rise in the incidence of corpulence but the physically inactive ways of life, something that must be taken care of in order to let people lead a healthy life. 

Modern lifestyles mean that many parents have little time for their children. Many children do not get as much attention from their parents as children did in the past. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Modern lifestyles mean that many parents have little time for their children. Many children do not get as much attention from their parents as children did in the past. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

  A  startling trend has surfaced where many, by virtue of being over engaged in their professional and social obligations, are neglecting their wards. This notion, however, is countered by many sections who outrightly reject the existence of any such phenomenon. 

Many commentators concur with the assertion that the youngsters are being neglected by their mothers and fathers. The latter are tied to their work due to the rising expectations of their employers and deteriorating economic conditions, which forces them to remain in their office  cubicles for extended hours, thereby leaving them with little time to focus on their wards. This can be illustrated by citing a study carried out world over to assess the condition of working parents that revealed disturbing details: most were unable to devote even  four hours in a week due to their professional engagement. 

Similarly, most are overwhelmed by the need to stay socially visible to help them expand their social and professional clout. This makes them attend parties, social gatherings and events, to name a few, depriving them of the time which they could have spent with their little ones, and eventually resulting in overlooking the needs of the latter. 

Nevertheless, the other school of thought quashes a former claim. They feel despite not being able to devote time to their chilren frequently, many make it a point to take their sons and daughters on outings, picnics and long vacations at regular intervals, enabling them to spend some quality time with their young ones.

Overall, I partially  subscribe to this idea since, even though most are compelled to fulfill their professional and social duties, they rarely abandon the need to look after their offspring, and use the exploits of their hard work for the merriment of their wards.

In some countries, people are allowed to keep arms, while some people feel that private citizens should not be allowed to keep arms and ammunition as it can threaten the society and pose serious problems for public safety. Discuss and give your opinion

In some countries, people are allowed to keep arms, while some people feel that private citizens should not be allowed to keep arms and ammunition as it can threaten the society and pose serious problems for public safety. Discuss and give your opinion

In contemporary times, various countries allow their people to use ammunition for their safety and the trend is increasing. The following paragraphs shall discuss the views of those in support of this notion along with, lobbies against this phenomenon.

To start with, a large number of people favor the policy of arms, as  permitting them can be helpful for the individuals who live in the countryside and outskirts, their surroundings are more difficult as these areas are usually infected with robbers and criminals. Furthermore, law enforcement is low in these areas and possession of arms is necessary in a locality surrounded by wildlife and forest, animal attacks are common and situations can become deteriorating for the people around. 

Similarly, individuals engaged in agriculture activities require weapons to safegaurd their crops from invading wild animals: the latter destroy the production. According to a study conducted by ‘Times Now’ it has been found that 80 percent of ruralites, mostly engaged in farming, felt weaponizing themselves gauranteed safety against the menace posed by of attacks of foraying wolves, deer and elephants.

Nevertheless, others pospose imposing laws against the usage of arms by the common population, for it can create  chaos and can make surroundings precarious for everyone, as one might use it as the first option instead of last. Additionally, keeping weapons at home can turn into fiasco: it is easy for childrens to reach out to such  equipment, leading to dire consequences and worsen the situation. Furthermore, the situation can become more difficult for police to take control of weaponry and tracking criminals.

Overall,  while the possession of arms is essential in some cities and remote locales infested wild creatures and criminals, the ease in the policy can make things difficult. Thus, such permission must be awarded discreetly.

In many societies, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable living and reducing environmental impact. What are the challenges of adopting a sustainable lifestyle? What practical actions can individuals take to contribute to sustainability?

In many societies, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable living and reducing environmental impact. What are the challenges of adopting a sustainable lifestyle? What practical actions can individuals take to contribute to sustainability?

Despite the increasing awareness about embracing sustainable lifestyles, many fail to do so, due to umpteen reasons. The forthcoming paragraphs shall delve into the causes of this, and offer plausible remedies to surmount these impediments.

To begin with, the major hurdle in attaining this objective is rising population, resulting in the need to establish more industries, and farms,to provide people with enough food, shelter and other essential commodities. Similarly, more population means greater demand and exploitation of available resources that is creating a stiff competition, by virtue of which lawmakers fail to implement any environment supporting rules or regulations. In addition to that, an unprecedented  wastage by the rising population barely leaves anything to sustain for the future generation.

In addition to that, people have completely become used to comfort and convenience, resulting in reckless milking of nature even when not required. To exemplify, many reports by W.H.O (World Health Organization) show that more than 80% of individuals in various parts of the world, especially affluent countries,  are prone to using cars even for distances less than a kilometer which ultimately causes 30% more pollution.

However, there are numerous ways to overcome these constraints: adopting more greener energy options and using resources prudently, especially water and electricity; and switching to recycling and avoiding fossil-fuel based vehicles can help a lot. Above all, preventing the use of plastics and wasteful practices like overshopping, dumping food, and overuse of personal vehicles can help mitigate the complications. 

To conclude, the rising population is a big challenge against sustainable living, but there are credible remedies that can be followed to support a much more eco-friendly lifestyle for societies across the globe.

Some people think the government should subsidize food and vegetables to make healthy food cheaper. Others argue that tax should be set on unhealthy food. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

 Some people think the government should subsidize food and vegetables to make healthy food cheaper. Others argue that tax should be set on unhealthy food. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

 

Whether the authorities should make farm produce affordable, or impose levies on junk food, is a matter of profound debate. The following paragraphs shall delve deeper into this matter and share a plausible stand. 

A prominent school of thought asserts additional cost in terms of tax, duty and excise, to name a few, should be implied on fast food such that people would limit its consumption. Growing numbers are consuming these without considering its nutrition values and detrimental impact on wellbeing. Thus, making these products expensive may encourage the populace to alter their eating habits and circumvent problems, like obesity, diabetes, and so on. Such a situation was witnessed in Jamaica last year, when the federal government imposed an additional sugar tax on soft drinks, leading to a drastic drop of 67% in the intake, and mitigating health issues, as well. Thus, the healthier food is, the lesser the incidence of disease. 

Nevertheless, others propound that healthier products such as vegetables, fruits, and many more are vital for bolstering immunity and can be promoted by allowing subsidies and allowances. Many would abandon the consumption of gluten loaded nutrition since fresh food would be available at a reasonable price. As per human behaviorists, although most find it overwhelming while coping with cooking fresh food and career obligations, they would still do it, for they will be saving some money. This persuasion will gradually evolve into a habit and many will be unwilling to switch to outside food, thereby rendering an enduring solution. 

Overall, although raising the price for unhealthy food would directly reduce its market share, it can be asserted that reducing the price for healthy food would be an appropriate solution since many would incline towards this and leading to a fit society. 

People today move to new cities or new countries more than ever before and experience many challenges. What strategies are there to meet these challenges?

 

People today move to new cities or new countries more than ever before and experience many challenges. What strategies are there to meet these challenges?

In concurrent times, moving to new geographical regions for a better life has emerged as a common trend. Such practice might seem exciting, but is laden with numerous challenges posed by various aspects such as climate, loneliness and so on. In this essay, I shall discuss strategies that migrants can adopt for smoother transition.

To start with, various schools of thought believe that before moving to a new destination one should gather knowledge about the culture of the place they are relocating to and learn about linguistic skills so that they can communicate effectively to survive efficiently in an alien environment. For example, if an individual is moving to Germany, they should acquire proficiency in German language. This will help in overcoming impediments posed by language deficiency.  They should also gather information about weather and climate so that they can carry appropriate clothes and necessary equipment required for survival. Additionally, one should know about prevalent infections in host societies so that effective preventive measures can be obtained.

On top of that, taking care of oneself is another biggest challenge. Thus, before shifting to a new place, one must learn basic life skills such as laundry, washing utensils, maintaining living spaces and most importantly cooking.  Moreover, tackling loneliness is another major issue. To circumvent feeling of homesickness one can undertake various activities and also join some online groups related to their occupation or hobbies, or participate in community activities so that they can establish friendships with people having similar interests.

 

To recapitulate, migrating to a new place can pose umpteen challenges, but one can embrace adequate methods to mitigate the risk of the unforeseen circumstances and settle in the destination location effortlessly.

Nowadays many people are trying to earn more and more to get rich. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being rich?

 Nowadays many people are trying to earn more and more to get rich. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being rich?  

Chasing affluence has become a ubiquitous attitude in concurrent times. However, where money becomes a reason for sorting many problems, it also lands one in a difficult situation. The following paragraphs shall delve deeper into this matter. 

Being wealthy makes one feel content and carry a greater sense of self pride to lead a better life since it is the outcome of their hard work which makes them recognized in the society. Additionally, deeper pockets can afford a lavish lifestyle by procuring swanky cars, luxury mansions, going on exotic vacations and many more, which remains a dream of the impoverished. On top of that, these groups of people can secure better today and tomorrow for their offspring by investing in quality education which would lead to a brightful future later.  Similarly, the rich can lead a peaceful life without worrying about disparities such as medical emergencies and basic necessities.

However, this tendency has certain pitfalls since prosperity brings along a lot of stress and problems. People who seek riches work around the clock to achieve their objectives leaving them with little time and interest to interact with their loved ones, affecting their relationships adversely. Also, these people are always in the limelight because of their elite living which makes others jealous and thus one becomes susceptible to robberies, kidnaping and many more.  Moreover, as per many human behaviorists, these people become greedy while chasing affluence and witness arrogance in nature while interacting with their peers; consequently losing their respect in society.  

To conclude, even though fortune yields a desirable outcome, one must be prepared to taste the sour fruit too which lies embedded deep in the box. Thus, it is extremely essential to practice judiciousness suggested in annals, to enjoy riches and surmount shortcomings efficiently.

Due to so many young people dropping out of school, rate of unemployment is going up and it affects our society in different ways. In your opinion, how can the situation be improved?

 Due to so many young people dropping out of school, rate of unemployment is going up and it affects our society in different ways. In your opinion, how can the situation be improved?

Dropping out of schools is provoking a hike in joblessness. The following paragraphs will highlight different measures that can be taken to prevent school dropout, thereby surmounting the challenge.

Research in modern education has shown that one of the most pertinent reasons for school drop is absence of the native language in formal educational settings. Thus, the mother tongue needs be to incorporated as a bridge language; it will help students adapt to using official medium of instruction. The language acts as a scaffold, easing learners into formal academics, and becomes a reason for the deepening the interest in schooling and young minds are persuaded to continue their school education.  

Similarly, the home environment may be one factor that hinders going to school. The government, social services, and the school should work together to ensure that basic hygiene factors, like enough food, cleanliness, established routine, space and time to study, are met at home, so that the child is encouraged to go to school.  Formal tuition must intervene and provide support to families to meet these basic necessities.

Furthermore, not everyone is academically inclined. Therefore, vocational training should be offered to ensure that the youngsters are adequately trained as per their inclination. Offering apprenticeships as part of the formal curriculum will train the next generation as craftsmen which the workforce requires. Instead of forcing traditional schooling on disinterested ones; offering classes on skills such as woodwork, and so on, would be more fruitful in creating a skilled labour force; hence, tackling rising unemployment.

Overall, to stem the problem of abandoning schooling, educational system  must be overhauled and changes must be made in language of instruction, syllabus and families must be assisted in improving their environment to ensure that their young members stay  interested in studies. 

Many childhood diseases can now be prevented through the use of vaccines. Should parents be made by law to immunize their children against common diseases or should individuals have the right to choose not to immunize their children?

Many childhood diseases can now be prevented through the use of vaccines. Should parents be made by law to immunize their children against common diseases or should individuals have the right to choose not to immunize their children?

In contemporary times, with the advent of immunization, children can be provided safeguards against various dreadful ailments. This has motivated many to make people legally obligated to opt for child vaccination, whereas some feel it should be individual prerogative.  

To start with, offering freedom regarding the inoculation of their young ones, many will evade it; superstition or communal beliefs being the rationale behind it, eventually predisposing the former to innumerable enervating disorders: polio, whooping cough, measles, and so on. Along with this, the latter with low immunity will get sick often as they are not immunized, causing their parents to rush to the state for help as health is a state subject. Also, such casual conduct could result in infecting the other juveniles with communicable diseases; compromising the health of society. To corroborate, a recent case was analyzed wherein 30% youngsters of a village were infected with measles but due to lack of preventive measures and vaccination, others got infected too, jeopardizing the health of the whole village.  

Nevertheless, despite being unfounded, the skeptics vehemently opine that various vaccinations are irrelevant now as the illnesses they treated are in a history; however, pharma companies manufacture and sell to earn more money from the public, retailers and governments. Moreover, children survived disease outbreaks even before the advent of such programs, so there is no need to push them to use it. Also, it violates the concept of natural immunity against several bacterias and viruses, making them dependent on immunity boosters. Thus, people should have their own say for getting their wards inoculated.

Overall, despite having some unsubstantiated drawbacks, this program fetches numerous benefits; it will act as a blessing in disguise keeping debilitating and transferable diseases at bay, and creating a better and healthy society.  

Some feel that individuals should have the right to strike in all jobs while others feel there are exceptions. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Some feel that individuals should have the right to strike in all jobs while others feel there are exceptions. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

The privilege to refuse to work is a contentious issue since some suggest that it should be afforded to every worker, regardless of the occupation they are engaged in, while others vouch for exemptions in certain cases.

Some posit that every personnel holds the fundamental right to engage in industrial action if they are unhappy with the response of their employers in reciprocation of their services. This method is considered to be the most potent way of expressing resentment and dissatisfaction over the issues such as wages, security at work and facilities offered, to name a few, without resorting to violent methods. This can help draw the attention of the concerned parties  and authorities and persuade them to address the grievances of the workforce.

To corroborate, history has been the witness that wherever such actions have been  taken by employees  as a way to register their protest, employment giving organizations have responded without delay. In 1995, the cabin crew, including the pilots, refused to fly due to rising cases of  violence by passengers, and reported sick. This forced the management  to spring into action and make arrangements for onboard security personnel during flights.

Nevertheless, the skeptics propose that essential and emergency services should not be included in such settings since this will result in chaos and disruption, and expose society to catastrophic conditions since their operations are contingent to smooth functioning. Sectors such as healthcare, utility service providers, military, police and transport, to name a few are critical to maintaining order; thus, people working in such areas should not be afforded such entitlement. 

Overall, even though both the perspectives are worthy of consideration, extending the liberty to strike should only embrace those professions that are not critical to efficient functioning of fundamental services bolstering society.

In some counties younger people are increasingly losing interest in teaching. Why is this happening? What can be done to improve the situation? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.

 

In some counties younger people are increasingly losing interest in teaching. Why is this happening? What can be done to improve the situation? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.

Disenchantment from teaching is a quite commonly observed phenomenon among young people today. Despite many social theorists expressing concerns about this emerging trend, and terming this swing away from such a noble profession as being permanent  - due to several plausible causes - there is surely a way out. 

Taking up jobs as teachers is not in vogue among youngsters anymore since most seek excitement which seems to be missing in an activity that needs tutors to subject themselves to a repetitive task of revising chapters before entering the class. Preparing a lesson, as per many, involves reading and re-reading lessons, to be delivered next day. This is tedious, and in such a scenario boredom catches up pretty fast with a generation that is bereft of patience, an elementary trait required to be a teacher.

On the top of that, to make the matters  worse, the job of coaching students is fast losing its sheen: opportunities for career progression are extremely limited; and when an upcoming generation, that is seeking fame and quick success, teaching is the last thing they would love to do. Being an educator means slow progress: it may take years of hard work to get the next promotion.

However, there is hardly any reason for such pessimism: all that needs to be done is to make the things a little easy and interesting: introducing technology to aid young teachers, to render relief from repetitive work, and allow them to carry out further research that would eventually help them improve their chances of graduating to next levels; and hence also get fame and riches.   

Hence, I feel even though youth is swaying away from occupation  of teaching, they can be encouraged to become teachers by delving into issues sensitively and introducing innovation.

Many believe that it is important to protect all wild animals, while others think that it is important to protect some, not all of them. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

 

Many believe that it is important to protect all wild animals, while others think that it is important to protect some, not all of them. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Protect all? Why 

• Every animal is an integral part of ecological balance and thus humans must put efforts to protect all of them, it is their ethical responsibility  
• **Absence of some animals may result in increase in the risk of disease and other problems 

Protect only some, why?

• Many animals and birds have been able to adapt to the transforming environment for instance those surviving in urban environments and villages 
• Some animals are in fact considered as pests and saving them could mean affecting society adversely  
• Many animals that are rare and exotic  are nearing extinction and without human intervention they may completely disappear
• **Many animals have been affected due to the human activities, and their disappearance could mean a disaster to nature and let loose several problems 

 

When it comes to protecting wild fauna, many have  a suggestion that efforts should be made to protect all the species. However, there is dissent on this issue as some feel that conservation programmes should include only certain types.

 A lobby of environmentalists is in favour of preserving each wild species that exists on this planet since it is the moral and ethical responsibility of humans since their interaction with the environment and their efforts to develop have resulted in destruction of several natural habitats, disturbing the life cycle of the poor wild beings and leaving them homeless. 

 Similarly, each living being is an integral part of the  ecosystem and enjoys a critical importance, and disappearance of any of these could prove to be catastrophic for society and expose humans to unprecedented dangers. To cite an example, mass extermination and disappearance of birds in the mid-sixties in China allowed the population of pests to flourish phenomenally. This resulted in extensive crop damage, leading to widespread famine that eventually led to death of thousands due to hunger. 

Nevertheless, the other section proposes focusing on conservation of only a selected species, for this section feels that it will amount to squandering of invaluable resources on preserving those, which have  learned  to adapt to the transforming surroundings such as monkeys, rodents and pigeons, to name a few. These creatures are found in abundant numbers in wild, rural and urban locales. The need of the hour is to safeguard the exotic wild beings that are nearing extinction and may die out without timely human  intervention.

Overall, despite both the views being true in their own virtue, I feel the latter view holds substance. Priority should be given to those beings that are on the brink of disappearing. 

            

 

Modern communications have replaced the practice of writing letters. Do you think advantages of this outweigh its disadvantages?

Modern communications have replaced the practice of writing letters. Do you think advantages of this outweigh its disadvantages?

In contemporary times, people are more fascinated towards using new forms of interaction such as email, messages and video calls over the conventional handwritten ways of communication. Although this shift affords umpteen favors, it is hard to overlook the detriments associated with it.  

To start with, transmitting messages through electronic means has rendered speed to this process. Sending  letters over short or long distances was a tedious process: it used to take at least a couple of days for messages to arrive at desired destination; however, now one can send and receive information within a fraction of seconds, as soon as the send button is pressed, thereby speeding up the communications, making it easier for people to interact personally, socially and professionally quickly. The biggest advantage of this transformation can be felt in the commercial sector, where decisions can be made,  deals can be negotiated swiftly, something that was beyond imagination in the past. Moreover, accessing the message and storage are other updated features of modern methods of conveying messages, which helps the senders and receivers to store messages infinitely, for later access.

Nevertheless, new technology of sending messages, personal touch is missing which was the main essence of the traditional way: letters. In the past, people used to write with more patience and used to feel connected with each other. Besides this, the old method of sending messages was more secure as now with the advancement to technology, modern forms of communication are vulnerable to hacking and being leaked if illegal elements gain access to the mails and electronic accounts.

Overall, I concur with this notion: despite  having certain drawbacks, the relinquishing orthodox means in favor of contemporary mediums of relaying communication is laden with several upsides due to convenience and cost effectiveness. 

Society is based on rules and laws. It could not function if individuals were free to do whatever they wanted to do. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

 

Society is based on rules and laws. It could not function if individuals were free to do whatever they wanted to do. To what extent do you agree or disagree?   

Ever since humans chose  to live in communities, they have been  guided by certain regulations, but of late,  many have been fiercely arguing over the need for such guidelines: some are in favor of conventional set-up, while others dissent.

A school of thought opines that strict norms are must to let inhabitants lead  a safe life that is insulated from unlawful acts. To see this through, various laws are instituted to minimize criminal activities such as thefts, burglaries, rapes, and so on. If measures to curtail unlawful acts  were not adopted, anti-social elements would have a free run jeopardizing public safety. Moreover, many also make a mention of the need for certain conventions to ensure a harmonious social environment to afford an enjoyable life to inhabitants. Steps taken to  keep a check on atrocities against women, animals and elderly, and  drug abuse  to name a few  render a humane outlook to society, and prevent inhabitants from indulging in evil practices.  

Nevertheless,  many, despite being driven by misplaced notions,  debunk the that opinions that lobby for laws, as they propose that these impede free life and  encroach on the privacy of individuals. Society is made for humans and not  vice  versa, as this lobby asserts. The law makers use their power and clout to thrust their will on common people: using their whims and fancies, they dictate their terms  onto others and want the latter to lead the life as desired by a few elite. Most laws instituted, as per them,  are meant to prevent the have-nots from progressing and harnessing their abilities.

Overall, I strongly vouch for the opinion that stands for imposition of certain norms  pivotal to sustaining a harmonious social environment where each inhabitant can exist peacefully and without fear.

Nowadays people live longer after they retire. How does this affect individuals and society? What can be done about this?

Nowadays people live longer after they retire. How does this affect individuals and society? What can be done about this?

Better life expectancy has brought numerous benefits, it has also resulted in an unusual problem with people surviving long after retiring from work.    This phenomenon is adversely impacting not only the individuals but also the society. Thus, discovering practical solutions to this challenge has become imperative.

The elderly living longer after being relieved from jobs tend to suffer not only financially but also emotionally. Several senior citizens subsisting on their own find it hard to make their both ends meet due to the dearth of money. The pensions they receive are not enough to pay for their living. Even the ones living with their extended families often feel abandoned since they are considered to be a hindrance in freedom. These factors often leave them emotionally drained making them vulnerable to mental disorders. 

Moreover, the ones having enough money to survive comfortably are exposed to age related disorders and ailments which necessitates frequent medical intervention and support, lowering the quality of life, and making it burdensome. The society also faces ramifications of such longevity: it must bear the obligations of extending appropriate health care besides the pensions, which is funded by taxpayers.

This issue needs quick redressal and practical solutions to render relief to ageing people, as well as others impacted by this trend. It will be quite reasonable to suggest either raising retirement age or engaging retired individuals in some kind of work that could support them financially and also help them evade the feeling of loneliness. 

Overall,  a longer life that continues well in the autumn years is rather a boon than a bane, and any detrimental impact resulting out of this should be mitigated with the help of judicious planning. After all, everyone is going to get old and face a similar situation.        

It is better to buy just a few expensive clothes, rather than lots of cheaper clothes. Do you agree or disagree?

It is better to buy just a few expensive clothes, rather than lots of cheaper clothes. Do you agree or disagree?

Nowadays, when affordability in every walk of life is becoming a vogue, a suggestion about possessing limited high-priced clothing, instead of maintaining a wardrobe laden with inexpensive options, has been gaining favors. This notion, in my view, holds great relevance in concurrent times.

The opinion favoring procuring only some costly attire is founded on the fact that such products are durable by virtue of being superior material being invested into manufacturing, thereby guaranteeing enduring use, and, in a way, helping save money and efforts dedicated to frequently embarking upon the task of buying economical clothing. Similarly, premium garments ensure safety and protection from various skin related ailments since the fabric used in production is of fine quality that is friendly to human skin. 

Similarly, this arrangement is likely to prove extremely favorable for mother nature. Within budget garments have wreaked havoc on natural resources, and also contributed colossally to  environmental pollution by virtue of engendering over-miking of naturally occurring minerals such as overuse of land for growing cotton - enervating soil; contamination of water resources - by discharging water laced with dyes and chemicals into water bodies; and burning  fossil  fuels that emit pollutants into the air. However, these challenges would be alleviated to a great extent if more and more attired themselves exquisitely.  

Nevertheless, despite enthusiasm, some express reservations about this proposal even though their view fails to resonate given the benefit this arrangement can bring. It is meekly suggested that this might have certain unwarranted ramifications: making the facade of humans look monotonous, hampering creativity, affecting business and employment, and consequently, the economies adversely.  

Overall, the economic argument against the proposal of possessing a small number of clothes that cost several arms and legs, hold little substance given the rewarding experiences and environmental benefits this practice can bring. 

Tourism is a modern form of colonialism. It distorts local economies, causes environmental damage and ruins the places it exploits. To what extent would you support or reject this idea?

 Tourism is a modern form of colonialism. It distorts local economies, causes environmental damage and ruins the places it exploits. To what extent would you support or reject this idea?

Although the tourism industry is booming, it has invited flak from various quarters asserting that it is destroying local economies and the places of tourist interest, and is regarded as imperialism.

To start with, no parallels can be drawn between the two since imperialism was all about slavery and exploitation, while this activity opens windows for bringing people from different corners of the globe together, helping to create exchange of different perspectives and ideas; thus, creating harmony and appreciating diversity. Along with this, the platform helps in building the global economy: churning out business worth billions and employment for millions. To corroborate, a study conducted by the Tourism Board of India indicated that the industry has offered 40% jobs in hotels, travel agencies and taxi businesses and is anticipated to further rise to 68% by 2040. Moreover, governments generate revenues, mostly, in the form of invaluable foreign exchange, a part of which is also used for the upkeep of tourist places, infrastructure and transportation.

Having said that, despite being unfounded, the skeptics assert the ramifications of growing tourism on environment, local trade and tourist spots: visitors tend to overuse or overexploit the natural resources; expansion of carbon footprint due to greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and improper disposal of trash. Also, they tend to cause accidental offenses, for instance, wearing an inappropriate dress in temples, leads tourists to become a subject of wrath of natives. Above all, the locals tend to abandon their traditional occupations to be  a part of tourism and become vulnerable to seasonal unemployment. 

In hindsight, I completely fail to subscribe to the idea that the activity is colonizing and pernicious to nature and tourist spots; rather, it is offering humongous benefits: enhancing the GDP and diversity.

The international community should reduce or eliminate the debts of the world’s poorest countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The international community should reduce or eliminate the debts of the world’s poorest countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 

Some believe that financial assistance provided to underdeveloped nations should be waived off by developed countries. I completely concur with this proposal and shall be elucidating my stand in upcoming paragraphs.   

Developing nations are incapable of providing necessities to their inhabitants, and the conditions are exacerbated when they have to repay the money loaned to them, pushing them into a perennial cycle of repayments and taking bridging credit to meet the installment deadlines. However, If their financial burden is alleviated, they will have enough to provide their citizens with basic facilities, such as food, shelter and health; and develop infrastructure like education, employment venues, transportation. This is likely to bring the natives of the destitute societies closer to acceptable living standards that afford all the facilities, as well as earnings to afford a comfortable life. 

Moreover, this would prove to be highly advantageous for affluent regions as they would be in a position to harness cheap labor, infrastructure and resources of the beneficiary nations, developed after investing the money saved from debt repayment. Similarly, businesses of donor countries will be able to create new markets for their goods and services. For instance, several regions in Asia, Africa and Latin America have emerged as promising markets for mobile phones like  Apple; cars like BMW; and electronic appliances such as General Electric, helping large organizations of elite nations to flourish globally. Above all, this will help mitigate the pressing problem of influx of illegal refugees into prosperous countries from extremely destitute nations.

Overall, it can be safely asserted that this step will have a positive influence on the global economy. Where the impoverished nations will enjoy better standards of living, the benefactors will yield rich returns in the form of cheap resources and stemming certain challenges. 

Social media has become a real problem for some young people today, and governments should create laws that allow only people over 18 years of age to have accounts. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

 Social media has become a real problem for some young people today, and governments should create laws that allow only people over 18 years of age to have accounts. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Although social media plays a vital role by acting as a medium of affording latest information quickly, some are skeptical of its impact on youngsters, and suggest proscribing the latter from creating accounts on this platform. I completely dissent with this proposal, and shall explain the reasons for this in forthcoming paragraphs.  

The primary reason influencing non-acceptance of this suggestion proposes, in concurrent times, the internet has become the backbone of every walk of life, including schooling, and preventing young individuals from accessing social media platforms would do more harm than good. Almost every education institution, post the lessons they earned from the pandemic, is using this medium to disseminate lessons,  assignments and other essential information, and deriving such invaluable inputs, that could help students greatly, will be impossible without them having their own individual accounts. It has been observed that formal tuition allows entry into groups and forums to only their pupils with social media ids.    

Additionally, various social media applications like Youtube education, TeachersTube, Twitter, Researchgate, and so on, disseminate critical information about a myriad of topics related to subjects in school curriculum. These inputs can be instrumental in excellent academic outcomes of the young learners; thus, preventing them from creating and maintaining their social media profiles could prove to be counterproductive as they would be bereft of up-to-date information about various topics.  To corroborate,  the outcome of a survey conducted in New York revealed that over 85% of school goers clarified their doubts and also extracted information about their assignments from social media platforms.    

Overall, it can be asserted that such a move would impede academic progress of the school going generation that is following technology quite keenly, and knows how to derive benefits from it, but prudent monitoring is suggested.