ESSAY BANK
(You are advised to write an essay of 600−700 words. Use examples to support your arguments.)
2022
1 An effective leader needs to be a good listener. Evaluate this statement. [30]
2 Strong religious belief can be both beneficial and damaging. Discuss. [30]
3Assess the view that unpaid voluntary work benefits the participants more than it benefits the
people the participants are trying to help. [30]
4 Evaluate the view that education does not encourage creativity. [30]
5 To what extent has space exploration benefitted humankind? [30]
6 The movement of people from the countryside to cities cannot be sustained. Discuss. [30]
7To what extent has modern technology allowed people to spend their money more effectively?
[30]
8 To what extent can children’s literature be enjoyed by adults? [30]
9 Evaluate the need for censorship in films and television. [30]
10 Assess how successfully recycled materials are used for arts and crafts in your country. [30]
1To what extent is history based on lies rather than facts? [30]
2 There are no great leaders in the world today. Discuss. [30]
3 To what extent are timed examinations a fair means of assessment? [30]
4 Governments should be responsible for funding a nation’s performing arts. Discuss. [30]
5 Using a telephone is the best way of communicating. To what extent do you agree? [30]
6To what extent is it necessary to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads of your country?
7 There should be no limits to a country’s surveillance of its citizens. Discuss. [30]
8 To what extent do films have to be realistic to be enjoyable? [30]
9 Evaluate whether poets have any role to play in society. [30]
10 The media has become a dangerous part of daily life. To what extent do you agree?
1 Nations and peoples should always forgive the wrongs of the past. Evaluate this view. [30]
2 The most successful businesses make the biggest profits. Discuss. [30]
3 To what extent has traditional family life lost its importance in your country? [30]
4 Fossil fuel extraction belongs in the past not the future. Evaluate this statement. [30]
5 To what extent has migration harmed the development of your country? [30]
6 Evaluate how important it is for a person’s health, to spend time in the natural world. [30]
7 Poetry is irrelevant in the modern world. To what extent do you agree? [30]
8 Attending a live performance is the best way to experience music. Evaluate this statement. [30]
9 To what extent do television programmes have a negative influence on people? [30]
10 Assess the importance of learning a second language.
1Countries with poor human rights records should not be allowed to host international sporting events.
Discuss
2 Studying local history is as important as world history. Discuss. [30]
3 Assess whether a one-party system is an effective form of government. [30]
4To what extent is it possible for governments to protect their people from the effects of natural
disasters? [30]
5Examine the extent to which information and communications technology is having a negative
impact on your country. [30]
6 Evaluate the effectiveness of public transport provision in your country. [30]
7 Evaluate the importance of ‘the hero/heroine’ to readers of fiction books. [30]8
8Illustrations and pictures are as important as the written word in communicating ideas. Discuss.
[30]
9 Assess the extent to which music can influence a person’s life. [30]
10 News media must always tell the truth. To what extent do you agree? [30]
1 International sporting events no longer represent the true nature of sport. Discuss [30]
2 To what extent is the main priority of education to teach people to read? [30]
3 Evaluate the benefits and difficulties of working from home. [30]
4 People should always base their actions on the opinion of experts. Discuss. [30]
5 The work of scientists should never be restricted. Evaluate this statement. [30]
6 To what extent do you agree that computer technology has decreased our quality of life? [30]
7 Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of mathematical modelling. [30]
8 Assess the significance of superheroes in our lives. [30]
9Theatrical plays written before the twenty-first century have no relevance to life today. Discuss.
[30]
10Printed newspapers, magazines, books and comics are no longer needed in our digital age. Discuss.
1 Circumstances produce great leaders when they are needed. Discuss. [30]
2 Evaluate the importance of the architecture of your country in understanding its history. [30]
3 Giving people complete freedom of speech can cause more harm than good. Discuss. [30]
4 To what extent have computer games had a positive impact on people? [30]
5Assess the issues which some countries have in achieving and maintaining an adequate food
supply. [30]
6 A careful diet is the most important part of a healthy life. Discuss. [30]
7 The digital book is never likely to replace the printed one. How far do you agree? [30]
8 Censorship of the arts can never be justified. Discuss. [30]
9 English is the world’s most common language. To what extent is this desirable? [30]
10 Cartoons and animations have no serious purpose. To what extent do you agree? [30]
1 Protest groups have every right to adopt disruptive tactics. Examine this statement. [30]
2 To what extent has government enabled your country to develop and prosper? [30]
3 To what extent is freedom of movement a fundamental human right? [30]
4 Science has caused more problems than it has solved. Discuss. [30]
5 To what extent have high-rise buildings improved city life? [30]
6 Evaluate the extent to which the use of mathematics is essential in the world today. [30]
7 To what extent has advertising been improved by digital technology? [30]
8Wild creatures have a special appeal to the artistic imagination. Examine the basis for this statement
with reference to any poems or novels you have read. [30]
9Non-verbal communication can be very effective. To what extent do you agree with this
judgement? [30]
10Involvement in performing arts, such as learning a musical instrument or performing in a play, can
benefit people’s lives. Discuss. [30]
2021
1 The most important role of a parent is to teach their child moral values. Discuss. [30]
2 To what extent has globalisation brought only benefits to your country? [30]
3 Evaluate the view that professional sport has become dangerously obsessed with money. [30]
4 It is impossible to maintain privacy in an online environment. Discuss. [30]
5Only an increase in food production can ensure enough food is available to meet everyone’s needs.
To what extent do you agree? [30]
6The only way to reduce pollution is to regulate and penalise the companies and countries responsible.
Discuss. [30]
7 Evaluate the view that computer technology makes it much easier to learn another language. [30]
8 Music has a significant impact on society and individuals. To what extent do you agree? [30]
9To what extent do you agree that all buildings of historical significance should be preserved in your
country? [30]
10 Evaluate the extent to which works of fiction rely on the personal experiences of the author. [30]
1 A business’s main aim is to maximise profits. Discuss. [30]
2 War is only ever destructive and brings nothing good. Evaluate this view. [30]
3 To what extent should the ability to use Information Technology be education’s top priority? [30]
4 Human actions can prevent all natural disasters. Evaluate this view. [30]
5Careful testing is the most important consideration when developing new medicines. Discuss.
[30]
6 To what extent do you agree that space tourism is a waste of precious resources? [30]
7Museums and/or art galleries are no longer required now we can view their contents online.
Discuss. [30]
8 Censorship of any form of artistic expression is unjustifiable. Discuss. [30]
9 Targeted online advertising is nothing more than an invasion of privacy. Discuss. [30]
10 It is no longer necessary to learn to write by hand. Discuss. [30]
1To what extent do you agree that democracy is the most effective way of governing a society?
[30]
2 In sport, individual skill and talent are more important than teamwork. Discuss. [30]
3 To what extent is a person’s identity defined by the geography of where they live? [30]
4 The use of data alone is not enough to ensure accurate decision-making. Discuss. [30]
5 Examine whether there should be any limits to the advances of medical science. [30]
6To what extent should your country protect the environment when continuing to develop its transport
system? [30]
7Among all the other threats to humanity’s survival, the destruction of the forests is the greatest. To
what extent is this true? [30]
8 Music that is popular today is heavily influenced by the past. Discuss. [30]
9In attempting to translate from one language into another, something will always be lost. How far
do you agree? [30]
10 News that is free of censorship is the only way that people can find out the truth. Discuss. [30]
1 Countries with the largest armed forces always have an advantage. Evaluate this view. [30]
2 To what extent do individuals have control over their own futures? [30]
3 The main purpose of education is to prepare people for the world of work. Discuss. [30]
4Evaluate the extent to which recent scientific developments have improved people’s lives in your
country. [30]
5Using a telephone is the best way of communicating. To what extent do you agree?
[30]
6 To what extent might it be possible to prevent future famine? [30]
7Evaluate the benefits of staying at home during your annual holiday, rather than visiting a foreign
country. [30]
8Explain why artists, such as painters, filmmakers or musicians, are often inspired by terrible events
in human history. [30]
9 Museums have no right to hold and exhibit items that belong to other countries. Discuss. [30]
10 Advertising is losing its influence on people in the world today. To what extent do you agree? [30]
1 Evaluate the necessity for online communications in running a business. [30]
2 Voting in national and regional elections should be a legal requirement. Discuss. [30]
3 To what extent does sport produce good role models? [30]
4 A country’s continued development depends on the quality of education it provides. Discuss. [30]
5 To what extent does tourism make a positive contribution to your country’s economy? [30]
6 It is possible to live a healthy lifestyle without being careful about what we eat. Discuss. [30]
7 Technology can never fully replace people. To what extent do you agree? [30]
8Newspapers in your country should not be allowed to publish the views of just one person or
organisation. Discuss. [30]
9 Examine the view that it is the responsibility of art and literature to challenge society’s values.[30]
10The usefulness of household appliances and furniture is more important than their appearance.
Discuss. [30]
1 Animal welfare is as important as human rights in a civilised society. Discuss. [30]
2 To what extent does love of your country contribute to making it a stronger nation? [30]
3 Hobbies are a very important part of people’s lives. Discuss. [30]
4 In school, non-academic subjects are just as important as academic ones. Discuss. [30]
5The increased use of bicycles can provide an answer to the world’s environmental problems. To
what extent do you agree? [30]
6 Evaluate the importance of mathematics in the world as you experience it. [30]
7Surveillance by the state threatens the rights of the individual citizen. To what extent is this true in
your country? [30]
8 Examine how the literature of your country influences people’s feelings and attitudes. [30]
9Stricter regulation is the only way to guarantee the truthfulness of advertisements. To what extent
do you agree? [30]
10 Evaluate the extent to which music reflects society. [30
1Assess the impact of unrestricted importing and exporting of goods and services between countries.
[30]
2 To what extent do flags unify or divide people? [30]
3 Men and women who play the same sport should receive equal pay. Discuss. [30]
4 As time passes, the world will end up with too much water. Examine this statement. [30]
5Security cameras are essential to keep our towns and cities safe. To what extent do you agree?
[30]
6 To what extent has the use of mathematics positively changed the world we live in? [30]
7 Parks and other green spaces in cities are unnecessary. Discuss. [30]
8 To what extent does your country’s heritage restrict its development in the modern world? [30]
9 Films and live performances based on books can never replace the joy of reading. Discuss. [30]
10 Assess the view that literature from the past has no relevance to modern life. [30]
2020
1 Assess whether it is possible, or desirable, to revive industries which have declined. [30]
2 ‘Engineers make a positive contribution to our lives today.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
3 To what extent is military spending justifiable when so many people live in poverty? [30]
4‘Unlimited power is likely to corrupt the minds of those who possess it.’ To what extent do you
agree? [30]
5 ‘Mathematics is the language of science and art.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
6 To what extent do you agree that an obsession with health is unhealthy? [30]
7To what extent might freedom increase if people turned off their mobile phones and computer
screens? [30]
8 Evaluate the effectiveness of film or literature in portraying the reality of your country. [30]
9 Evaluate the importance of festivals and celebrations in uniting the people of your country. [30]
10To what extent has the communication of news been revolutionised in your country in the last 50
years?
‘The provision of foreign aid by wealthier nations is motivated as much by self-interest as by a
desire to help.’ Assess this view. [30]
2 ‘The hunting of wild animals should be discouraged.’ Discuss. [30]
3‘Education is the most important factor in increasing social and economic opportunities.’ To what
extent do you agree? [30]
4 To what extent is knowledge of the past a good guide to future events? [30]
5Computer hacking is the greatest threat for the communication of information on the internet.
Discuss. [30]
6 Assess the advantages and disadvantages of free health care for all. [30]
7 ‘It is more desirable to live in a city than in a rural area.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
8 ‘Autobiographies are more reliable than biographies.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
9‘National celebrations, rather than uniting people, can divide them.’ To what extent do you agree
with reference to your country? [30]
10Evaluate the importance of the live music and/or theatre experience for both performer and
audience. [30]
1 ‘Election results are rarely predictable.’ Discuss. [30]
2 To what extent should schools be allowed to decide their own curriculum? [30]
3 To what extent has the world become a ‘global village’? [30]
4‘In the digital age, we are more reliably informed than we have ever been.’ To what extent do you
agree? [30]
5‘Our oceans are becoming choked with plastic debris, causing damage to all forms of life.’ Evaluate
the possible solutions to this environmental issue. [30]
6To what extent do you agree that tourists should not be encouraged to visit remote parts of the
world? [30]
7‘Scientific research and development could eventually increase human life expectancy to 150 years.’
To what extent is this desirable in your country? [30]
8 ‘Sculpture has existed since early times.’ Evaluate the cultural significance of this art form. [30]
9Examine whether or not the reading of fiction enhances our understanding of human nature. You
should refer to novels you have read. [30]
10 Examine whether objects that are used every day should be beautiful as well as useful. [30]
1 Evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation in the justice system of your country. [30]
2‘There is more to being a good citizen than showing respect and consideration for others.’ Discuss
with reference to your country. [30]
3‘Knowledge of historical events does not help us to plan for the future.’ To what extent do you
agree? [30]
4 To what extent has increased internet use caused problems for law enforcement agencies? [30]
5 ‘Without good health it is still possible to lead a fulfilling life.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
6 Evaluate what you consider to be the most significant future impacts of climate change. [30]
7‘The most important quality of a work of art is its appeal to the audience.’ To what extent do you
agree? [30]
8 ‘Journalists should not interfere in the lives of celebrities.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
9‘Film adaptations of books are rarely as successful as the original writing.’ To what extent do you
agree? [30]
10 ‘Melody is essential to music.’ Discuss this view with reference to music you know well. [30]
1 Assess how effectively the government of your country looks after the welfare of its people. [30]
2 ‘Physical activities in schools are essential aspects of education.’ To what extent do you agree?[30]
3 ‘The struggle for equal rights can never be won.’ Discuss. [30]
4‘The modern world encourages self-interest rather than responsibility for others.’ Assess this view.
[30]
5‘Some developments in medicine appear to ignore ethical issues.’ To what extent do you agree?
[30]
6‘The modern world is obsessed with statistics.’ Assess the risks of only using statistics when making
important decisions. [30]
7 ‘The human race is powerless when faced with natural disasters.’ Discuss. [30]
8 To what extent are languages a barrier to world cooperation in your country? [30]
9 To what extent are pictures more powerful than words? [30]
10 ‘The most memorable music is that which tells a story.’ Discuss. [30]
1 Evaluate the qualities required for a successful government. [30]
2‘There should be more acknowledgement of women’s involvement in sport.’ To what extent do you
agree? [30]
3 ‘The main responsibility for health education lies with schools.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
4Examine how young people can be inspired to become scientists and mathematicians in your
country. [30]
5‘Medical research should only be concerned with finding cures for the world’s deadliest diseases.’
To what extent do you agree? [30]
6 ‘Genetically modified food is the only solution to world hunger.’ Discuss. [30]
7 ‘Blogs are the most reliable source of information.’ Discuss. [30]
8‘As the world becomes more of a global community, it is important to preserve traditional cultures
in your country.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
9 To what extent do you agree that films, literature or paintings can only reflect the real world? [30]
10 ‘This music captures the times we live in.’ Evaluate whether the music you listen to does this. [30
2019
1Evaluate the contribution of any politician or political party to the development of your country.
[30]
2 ‘Animals should be given the same rights as humans.’ Discuss. [30]
3 Evaluate the importance of public sports facilities for a society that is increasingly inactive. [30]
4 Assess the most efficient ways of transporting people and goods in your country. [30]
5Internet activity can be easily monitored. Examine whether or not this gives any person or
organisation the right to know what other people are doing online. [30]
6Assess whether or not sources of renewable energy offer a necessary and viable alternative to
fossil fuels. [30]
7 To what extent is the media in your country biased? [30]
8 ‘Music is a universal and unifying language.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
9‘Going to a theatre to experience a live event is far more enjoyable and interesting than going to a
cinema.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
10‘When power leads man towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations.’ (John F Kennedy)
To what extent do you agree? [30]
1Evaluate the actions which could be taken in your country to improve the welfare of disadvantaged
people. [30]
2‘Prison is ineffective in deterring criminal activity and rehabilitating offenders.’ Examine the possible
alternatives to prison sentences. [30]
3 ‘The joy of sport is in taking part, rather than watching.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
4‘Not enough is being done to tackle the problems of waste disposal.’ To what extent is this the case
in your country? [30]
5‘The overuse of antibiotics has made them less effective.’ To what extent is this a serious threat to
health? [30]
6 Assess whether or not mobile phones have improved human communication. [30]
7To what extent should television and radio be independent of government control in your country?
[30]
8‘Monsters in films, fairy tales and books force us to imagine the worst about ourselves.’ Evaluate
this statement with reference to at least two examples. [30]
9‘It is important for cultures to preserve their traditional beliefs and customs.’ To what extent do you
agree? [30]
10‘Free medical care is a fundamental right of all citizens in every country.’ To what extent do you
agree? [30]
1‘In the production of food, animal welfare should be a higher priority than cost.’ To what extent do
you agree? [30]
2‘International organisations, such as the World Health Organization and the International Monetary
Fund, have become more important in recent years.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
3‘Inequality in life expectancy between the rich and poor is growing.’ To what extent is health the
responsibility of the individual? [30]
4Assess whether it is important that areas of natural beauty should be preserved and protected in
your country. [30]
5‘It is difficult to justify spending money on space exploration while poverty exists.’ To what extent
do you agree? [30]
6‘Social media is now one of the main forms of communication.’ Assess the impact of this on society
today. [30]
7‘News media cannot be trusted to report the truth.’ To what extent is this the case in your
country? [30]
8‘Works of art are not just found in museums and galleries, but everywhere around us.’ Evaluate
this statement. [30]
9 ‘Cookery is the only art form available to everyone.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
10Identify an author from your country and justify the study of one or more of their works in schools.
[30]
1‘Families are less united than they have ever been.’ Discuss this statement with reference to family
values in your country. [30]
2‘Democracy is the ideal form of government but it is very difficult to achieve.’ Assess this statement.
[30]
3 ‘Wealth and happiness have nothing to do with income.’ Discuss. [30]
4Evaluate the actions which could be taken to solve the most serious environmental problem in your
country. [30]
5Modified animal organs could soon be transplanted into humans. To what extent is this desirable?
[30]
6Evaluate the implications for individuals and society of a world that depends on information
technology. [30]
7 Discuss whether the performing arts are important to the culture of your country. [30]
8Examine whether or not the reading of fiction enhances our understanding of human nature. You
should refer to novels you have read. [30]
9 ‘Freedom of the media is important in a democracy.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
10 ‘An uneducated society has never existed.’ Discuss.
1 Assess the reasons for the decline of religious observance in some societies. [30]
2 ‘The legacy of colonialism is alive today in many forms.’ Discuss. [30]
3 To what extent is continued global population growth sustainable and desirable? [30]
4‘Beautiful spaces enhance personal well-being.’ Examine whether such spaces are valued and
maintained in your country. [30]
5Scientists can now successfully edit genes in human embryos. Assess the advantages and
disadvantages of this. [30]
6Discuss whether an individual’s online activity should be monitored in the fight against crime and
terrorism. [30]
7Examine how important it is that the production of traditional crafts continues in your country.
[30]
8‘Fascination with the sea is common among writers, composers and artists.’ With reference to any
forms of artistic expression, suggest why the sea might provide inspiration. [30]
9 ‘Television advertising rarely tells the truth.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
10Identify the unique characteristics of a city in your country and explain the extent to which these
characteristics are significant. [30
1Examine whether or not the human race might benefit from the development of more technologically
advanced weapons. [30]
2 ‘Sport can unite people as well as divide them.’ Discuss. [30]
3‘Religious belief in the existence of a creator cannot be based on an argument or scientific
investigation.’ Discuss. [30]
4To what extent are the problems of traffic congestion being effectively dealt with in your country?
[30]
5 ‘Mathematical accuracy is unnecessary in everyday life.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
6‘Facial recognition software and similar technologies may threaten the rights of individuals.’ To
what extent do you agree? [30]
7To what extent do you agree that the government of your country should give substantial financial
support to the arts and crafts? [30]
8 ‘There should be no censorship of the arts.’ To what extent do you agree? [30]
9To what extent do you agree that the continued use of minority languages should be encouraged?
[30]
10The government of Qatar has laid down the following domestic guidelines: use leftovers, eat plants,
cook at home, conserve water. Suggest whether or not your country should adopt such an approach.
