Here are some topics for essay exercises. You should use the essay pattern (introduction, pro sides, con sides, conclusion).

1. Some people say that text messages, twittering and emails are an accepted part of the language we use in our everyday lives. Other say that they are destroying our ability to spell and write properly. 2. Some people believe that education is always a good thing, whatever the course studied . Others claim that only those who are studying medicine, IT or law have good job opportunities and that other courses are a waste of time. 3. A lot of young people are choosing to live at home while studying at university. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living at home or moving away from home whilst studying. 4. Some people think governments should make laws such as banning smoking, making people wear seat belts in cars and taxing fast food. Other complain that, as long as they don't hurt anyone else, people should be allowed to make up their own minds about how they lead their lives. 5. Credit cards can be a blessing and a curse. 6. Being an only child- advantages and disadvantages 7. Smoking should be banned in all public places 8. Some say it would be better if there was only one language in the world. Other disagree. 9. Some people say eating meat is wrong. Others say it's natural. 10. Some people claim that the public has the right to know about private lives of celebrities. Others disagree 11. Cloning is the solution to our health problems. 12. Arranged marriages 13. Living abroad 14. Spending the holidays with your parents 15. Money can buy happiness 16. Computer games and the Internet have a negative impact on young people 17. Should euthanasia be made legal? 18. Adolescence is the unhappiest time in most peoples lives 19. School uniforms- to wear or not to wear them? 20. Electronic books 21. GM food 22. Body piercing 23. Using animals in testing cosmetics 24. Capital punishment 25. Young drivers should be supervised by their parents for at least a year 26. Going o school by bicycle 27. Mobile phones- a blessing or a curse

28. People used to think that the family played an important role in society, but times have changed and now the family is less important 29. Should you start a career or enter university at 18? 30. Physical Education should only be an optional subject at school because not everyone’s good at sports 31. Shopping centres have improved the way we shop 32. Globalization- pros & cons 33. Some say that the best cure after a break-up is finding another partner. Others say we should get over the broken relationship first 34. Some say that holiday home swaps can be an interesting type of holiday. Others say it is a potentially dangerous adventure. Discuss both of these views and give your opinion.