Section 1

SPORT
“Sport can promote social change.” In what ways is that statement true?
To what extent can sport foster a sense of community beyond the events themselves?
‘International sporting success is not necessarily dependent on a large population.’ Discuss.
Evaluate the extent to which sport and leisure should be priorities for your country.
Can expenditure on prestigious events, like the Olympic Games or a state occasion, be justified?
To what extent is sport good for a country’s image?
Would you agree that the Olympics are less about sports and more about nationalism and commercialism?
‘It is essential to maintain the integrity of sport.’ Discuss this statement in the light of recent scandals in
various sports.
‘There are few remaining sports where players abide strictly by the rules.’ How far do you agree?
Girls and women participate less in sport than boys and men. How far is this inevitable or desirable?

GOVT / Duty
“Governments have a duty to interfere in people’s lives.” What are the arguments for and against this view?
“Criticizing your own country is important for its well-being.” How far do you agree?
Assess the view that, in democracies, controversial issues should always be decided by a referendum (popular
vote).
‘An effective government needs strong opposition.’ To what extent is this true?
‘A country’s police force is only as effective as its justice system.’ Discuss.
To what extent should limits be placed upon the state’s surveillance of its citizens?
How important is protest in the democratic process?
To what extent have political decisions improved the lives of people in your country?
‘Equality of opportunity is the most important feature of a civilised society.’ How far do you agree?
‘Powerful nations are far more inward looking than weaker ones.’ How far do you agree?
To what extent is ‘people power’ the key to achieving a democratic society?
How important is it for a government to respect popular opinion?
‘Terrorists should be treated as criminals, not as political prisoners.’ Discuss.
How far can a country’s economy depend on only one main industry?
To what extent is it easier to run a revolution than a government?
How far would you agree that there is no real difference between government and opposition in most
democracies?

EDUCATION
“To raise standards, subjects such as art, music, and drama should be removed from primary education so that
there is more time for literacy and numeracy. Discuss.
To what extent should European history be an important part of your school curriculum?
To what extent do you agree that a nation’s wellbeing depends on the education of its women?
To what extent can distance learning replace the experience of a traditional classroom?
How far do you agree that all subjects taught on the school curriculum should be treated equally?
‘The classroom is the only place for education.’ Discuss.
To what extent is education the most reliable way out of poverty?
‘Religious Education should be a part of the school curriculum.’ Discuss.
‘Children do not achieve their potential in education.’ How far do you agree with this claim?
‘The skilled worker deserves as much recognition in society as the academically educated.’ How far do you
agree?
‘Education should not only be about qualifications.’ Discuss this view with reference to your country.
With the move to text entry on computers, some states no longer require handwriting to be taught. Is this a
desirable development?
Is sex education the responsibility of school or parents?
To what extent is a university education essential for an individual’s prospects?

ECONOMIC ISSUES
How far has confidence in financial institutions been undermined in your country since 2008?
How much importance should governments place on raising consumer awareness?
How important is the buying power of the under-21s to your country’s economy?
How much truth is there in the old joke that ‘economists have predicted ten of the last five recessions’?
How far is poverty still a problem in your country?
To what extent are small businesses in your country still affected by the recent financial upheavals?
How important is the buying power of the over-60s to your country’s economy?
‘All governments need to levy taxes.’ Explain which taxes you consider to be fair or unfair.

GOVT / Elite /Welfare

To what extent is a country’s government responsible for the living conditions of its people?
“High quality goods and services are only available to the privileged few.” Is this true in your opinion?
“Those who don’t work contribute nothing to society.” Discuss
“The interests of the few, not the many, drive government policy.” How far do you agree?
“The state should provide financial support for families raising children.” How far do you agree?
‘Every human being has the right to a decent place to live.’ How far is this true?
Should tax payers be expected to subsidise the cost of university courses?
Nelson Mandela wrote ‘The real heroes are men and women who are friends of the poorest of the poor.’ To
what extent do you agree?
‘Social security and welfare payments are essential in any modern society.’ How far do you agree?
How far is poverty still a problem in your country?

FAMILY / ADOLESCENCE
‘The breakdown of the family unit, such as divorce or other forms of separation, always has negative
consequences.’ To what extent is this true?
Assess the ideal circumstances for a child to grow up in.
‘How and where we live is as important for our well-being as the genes we were born with.’ Discuss.
‘Family and tradition are more important than the rights of the individual.’ Discuss.
To what extent do you agree that ‘children should be allowed to get bored’?
‘House work and child care are women’s work.’ How far do you agree?
“Young people are at high risk of begin damaged by addictions.” Explore the reasons for this.
How important is the father’s role in the modern family?
To what extent are the elderly revered or ignored in your society?
Assess the importance of the family in today’s world.
‘Young people are sometimes treated as second-class citizens.’ How far would you agree that this is the
situation in your country?
TOURISM
Political instability has destroyed tourism in several countries. Examine whether it will ever be possible for
such countries to recover.
To what extent might a country’s tourist industry harm the local people?
In a world that has become smaller through exploration and communication, assess the challenges that are
left for the adventurous.
To what extent is the safety of foreign tourists the responsibility of the country they are visiting?

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
To what extent will the world benefit from the rise of China?
Multi-national companies often exploit the resources of other countries. To what extent should they be made
responsible for any damage caused?
How true is it to claim that the focus of economic activity in the world is passing from West to East?
Examine why some democratic countries find it difficult to hold ‘safe and fair’ elections.
How far do receiving countries really benefit from development aid?
How important is it for individuals and nations to celebrate cultural events?
‘Wars do not resolve questions but create further disputes.’ Does this mean that war can never be justified?

IMMIGRATION
To what extent does migration from other countries benefit your country’s economy?
To what extent are refugees the responsibility of other countries?
‘Foreigners must integrate rather than keep to themselves when settling in another country.’ How far do you
agree with this view?
How important is it to respect the borders and territorial rights of countries? Explain your answer.
Assess the arguments, applicable to your country, for encouraging or discouraging immigration.

ENVIRONMENTAL
How far is water of more economic and political value than oil?
‘Noise pollution is a real threat to quality of life.’ To what extent is this true in your country?

HISTORY
“Memory creates myths; history records facts.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?
How far do you agree that people from history considered ‘great’ rarely deserve the title?
If you could go backwards in time, which historical period would you most like to visit? Explain why this period
appeals to you.
It is often said that there are not great leaders any more. How far do you agree?
Choose a famous person from the past and consider how that person would be viewed in today’s world.
Have there ever been successful revolutions in ideas or political systems?
‘Studying the history of your own country is of more value than studying the history of other countries.’ How
far would you agree with this statement?
‘There is more to history than just learning the facts.’ Discuss.
Why do all Empires decline in the end? Is there evidence for this in today’s world?
To what extent has the course of history been determined by the contribution of individuals?
How fairly can it be claimed that European colonisation was more beneficial than harmful to the countries
concerned?
‘As well as instructing and convincing, history should be thrilling and delightful.’ How far do you agree with this
proposition?
Have revolutions ever made the world a better place? Examine two revolutions in support of your view.
‘Tyranny is always better organised than freedom.’ How far would you agree?

GENDER ISSUES
Who is winning the gender wars? Give reasons to support your answer.
To what extent are justice and security for women respected in your country or region?

MINORITY GROUPS
‘Positive discrimination is essential to help minority groups succeed.’ How true is this claim?

CRIME / PUNISHMENT /LAW AND ORDER

What options, other than imprisonment, would you think appropriate for the punishment of criminals? Justify
your suggestions.
What do you understand by the rule of law? Consider how it might be applied in the modern world.
In order to cut crime and re-offending, consider measures that would prove effective in your society.
‘If you are convicted of a crime, you should lose your rights as a citizen.’ Consider this view.
How effective are the police in tackling crime where you live?

GENERAL
What is currently the most important political challenge being faced by your country and to what extent is it
being tackled?
The world faces many global challenges. Choose one, and explain why it ought to be taken more seriously.
In the world today, how difficult is it to feel optimistic, rather than pessimistic, about the future?

HUMAN RIGHTS
Slavery was abolished in the British Empire in 1833. To what extent is slavery still a problem in the 21st
Century?
Discuss some of the causes of human trafficking and suggest ways in which this practice can be effectively
defeated.
To what extent does your country’s constitution uphold and promote human rights?
To what extent are racism and other forms of discrimination a problem in your society?

MISC
“Being a workaholic is always dangerous.” How far is this true?
Can the hunting of animals ever be justified?
Assess the consequences of spending more than is earned.
On-line playing of games can enhance language acquisition. Discuss other purposes of gaming that may be
beneficial.
To what extent has the quality of life improved for people aged 60 in your country?
Assess the value of countries joining together to form alliances or communities.
To what extent can ‘whistle-blowing’ (the revealing of state or business secrets by an individual) be justifiable?
Assess the reasons for unemployment in your country.
Examine whether manners and courtesy have any value in today’s society.
Is it fair to claim that the United Nations has achieved little in solving the problems of the world?
A meritocracy offers opportunities for advancement through individual ability and achievement. To what
extent is your society meritocratic?
How important is it to be an ‘ethical consumer’?
What is the greatest social challenge currently being faced by your country and how is it being met?
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of coalition governments.
Should quality and durability be essential features of consumer goods?
Assess the discrimination you might face when choosing a career, considering such issues as age, sex, and
background.
Evaluate the characteristics that make the people of your country unique as a nation.
Is it democratically acceptable not to vote in elections?
How far are cultures other than European significant in your country?
Section 2
TOURISM
People often overlook the benefits of exploring their own country when deciding on a holiday destination.
Compare the benefits of holidaying in your own country with holidaying abroad.
‘Travel broadens the mind.’ How far is this true?
‘In order to protect the planet, tourism should be discouraged.’ How far would you agree?
‘A balance between work and leisure is seen as essential for a country’s well-being.’ How far could this be
achieved in your country?
‘Tourists are rejecting the traditional holiday vacation in favour of experiencing different places and
activities.’ Why might this be?
How far can it be argued that wildlife tourism and zoos are the only ways to protect wild animals?
How far is tourism in Space viable?

SUPERNATURAL
Despite the progress made in science, people are still interested in the supernatural. Why is this so?
Should searching for intelligent extra-terrestrial life be considered important?

HEALTH /MEDICAL
Genetically modified crops have been grown since the early 1990s and now account for 10% of the world’s
cultivated land. Should GM crops still give us cause for concern?
The need for donor organs is greater than the number available. Consider the implication of this for society.
Recent research has claimed that the poorly educated will age faster and possibly die younger. What is your
view?
‘Modern society is too reliant on “pill-popping”.’ Assess this opinion.
Assess the benefits and drawbacks of cosmetic surgery.
Some people would argue that those who smoke, drink alcohol or are obese should not have priority
medical treatment. What is your view?
‘In developing countries, public health education should have a higher priority than the provision of
medicines.’ Discuss.
‘Medical research should be focused on the needs of poorer nations.’ Discuss.
There are alternative ways to feed the world other than through biotechnology such as genetically-modified
(GM) crops.’ Discuss.
What is now regarded as alternative medicine has been used in some cultures for centuries. Evaluate its
relevance in the modern world.
To what extent is health and well-being the responsibility of the individual?
Today, health warnings are everywhere: on cigarettes, alcohol and even food. How effective are such
warnings?
To what extent is medical aid benefiting the poorer areas of the world?
Should everyone have access to free medical care?
We should all eat less meat. How far is this true?
Thirty years ago childhood obesity was rare, whereas today it is common in many areas of the world. How
can this problem be reduced?
To what extent should your country monitor and screen the health of young people?
‘Sugar is the new tobacco.’ Consider the relevance of this statement.
To what extent is the saying ‘a healthy body means a healthy mind’ as true as it seems?
What qualities should a good doctor possess? Give reasons for your selection.
How far would you agree that the Internet is helping to improve the health and well-being of society?
Is living longer necessarily a good thing?
‘The war against drug trafficking is a worldwide failure.’ Discuss.

TECHNOLOGY / MODERNIZATION
‘Sophisticated technology does not make us more secure.’ How true is this?
‘Social networks, like Facebook, have radically changed our attitude to personal privacy.’ Consider this
statement.
Consider how far web services such as Twitter and Facebook are a force for harmony or discord.
‘Modern technology imprisons the human spirit.’ How much truth is there in this view?
Certain schools in the USA have no computers in their classrooms. To what extent can this be justified?
‘Video calling and social networking have reduced the need to meet friends and relatives in person.’ To
what extent is this desirable?
‘The internet has done more harm than good to the entertainment industry.’ How far do you agree?
‘There is too much information in the digital age.’ Discuss.
Assess the ways that robotic technology might feature in different areas of our lives in the twenty-first
century.
‘Construction requiring traditional materials is a thing of the past.’ How substantial is this claim?
Assess whether it will ever be possible to eliminate traffic congestion in urban areas.
To what extent does climate determine the types of buildings in a country? Justify your answer.
Parks, gardens and open spaces enhance city living. To what extent are features like these important?
‘Although this is the age of the internet, ignorance of others and their lifestyles is as common now as it ever
was.’ Discuss.
Evaluate the dangers and advantages of internet blogging sites such as the social network ‘Twitter’.
‘The educational potential of the internet is greater than any danger it may pose to younger users.’ Discuss.
To what extent do modern communications isolate us, rather than connect us, to others?
‘Nowadays the use of the Internet is a necessary part of our daily lives but, for some, it has become an
addiction.’ Discuss.
Is the world becoming too reliant on Information Technology?
Assess the advantages and disadvantages of making computer technology available in pocketsized devices.
How far is it true to say that the Internet is a musician’s best friend and worst enemy?
To what extent do you consider the increasing popularity of internet-based friendships and relationships to
be desirable?
To what extent can an individual in a developed country function effectively without the internet?

ENVIRONMENTAL
Does it matter that insects such as bees might be in danger of extinction?
‘Water is too precious to be treated as a commodity.’ How far do you agree?
Scorpion venom may be used to cure cancer in the future. Evaluate the importance of species’ preservation.
How far can it be argued that wildlife tourism and zoos are the only ways to protect wild animals?
There are many opinions regarding the environment and how we should treat it. Explain what would be the
most effective environmental initiative that could be taken.
How important is it for other countries to respond and provide aid when natural disasters strike poorer
countries?
Consider the view that ‘conservation of wilderness and wildlife should be the priority of all nations’.
Explain how effective your country has been in using its land.
Consider the arguments for and against using the resources of the Polar regions.
To what extent would you agree with Al Gore that ‘the science is settled’ with regard to global warming?
Will mankind always be at the mercy of weather and climate?
How far is it true that a country’s climate governs how the people live and work?
‘Global warming is a far greater threat to our planet than international terrorism.’ Evaluate the truth of this
observation.
How far is it true that the Earth’s geology subjects our civilisations to dramatic change without notice?
To what extent is your country experiencing substantial climate change?

FARMING / FEEDING POPULATIONS

‘The intensive rearing of animals for meat production worsens the world’s food problems and harms the
environment.’ Discuss.
Consider the effectiveness of the land use and farming techniques of your country in meeting its future
needs.
‘Organic farming can never solve the world’s food problems.’ Discuss.
Considering the problems facing your region’s agriculture, how effective are farm and land management in
coping with these difficulties?

NATURAL DISASTERS
‘Natural disasters teach us about the world we live in.’ How true is this statement?
‘Places where natural disasters are likely should not be inhabited.’ Explain your view.
‘Natural disasters bring out the best in a nation’s people.’ How far is this true?

SCIENCE
Evaluate the contribution to human progress of the work of one or more scientists.
Many scientists involved in the Manhattan Project’s development of nuclear weapons later regretted their
work. Were they right to do so?
‘Science will always appeal more to men than women.’ Assess this view.
How far is it possible for traditional stories of creation to co-exist with science?
To what extent do our genes determine our future?
Choose an independent scientific research project you would like to pursue and explain how you would
make it happen.
‘Without science, the beauty and wonder of nature would not be fully appreciated.’ Discuss.
‘There are circumstances in which curiosity might endanger scientific progress.’ Discuss.
‘We are lucky to live in an age in which we are still making scientific discoveries.’ Discuss.

MATHEMATICS
Assess the usefulness of statistics in people’s lives.
‘Mathematics is no longer about calculating.’ Discuss the implications of this for the teaching of
mathematics in schools.
Is it more acceptable to say ‘I can’t do mathematics’ than to say ‘I can’t read’?
To what extent is mathematics both a science and an art?
How reliable are statistics measuring aspects of health, crime and employment?
‘Our understanding of modern technology is enhanced by knowledge of mathematics.’ Discuss.
Evaluate the impact of mathematics on modern technology.
How far would you agree that ‘learning mathematics is like learning a foreign language’?
‘Mathematics is unnecessary for the majority of people.’ Discuss.
Evaluate the importance of mathematics and engineering in art and design.
‘Mathematics is more feared than respected.’ How far do you agree with this view?
What are the ‘delights’ of studying mathematics?
‘Mathematics can reveal the beauty and order of the world.’ How is your understanding of the world
enhanced by mathematics?

ENERGY RESOURCES
To what extent should countries have the right to develop their own energy programmes?
Argue the case for and against nuclear power generation.
‘Of all renewable energies, solar power has emerged as the most popular.’ To what extent is this true?
‘Using less energy is a solution to the world’s energy crisis.’ How far do you agree?
‘A country’s energy development should be restricted to its own natural resources.’ How realistic is this
opinion?
There are still many unexploited fossil fuel resources in the world. How important is it to continue exploiting
such resources?
How far do the resources of your country meet the needs of its local population?
To what extent is ‘green’ technology affordable?
Several countries that pioneered and developed wind power technology are less enthusiastic about it now.
Is their lack of enthusiasm justified?
To what extent is a lack of cooperation amongst countries impeding the development of successful energy
policies?
‘Our demand for energy justifies drilling anywhere.’ Consider this claim.
What do you understand by ‘sustainable development’? How far has it progressed in your region?

WEAPONRY
‘It is no longer sufficient to have armed forces because future wars will also be fought in cyberspace.’
Discuss.
What, if any, justification can there be for weapons’ development research?

SPACE EXPLORATION
Scientists are now searching for habitable Earth-like planets in the universe. To what extent is this wasteful
of resources?
‘Space exploration projects will only survive if commercial businesses are involved.’ Discuss.
Assess the advantages and disadvantages of countries ‘cutting back’ on their space programmes.
How far is tourism in Space viable?

TRANSPORTATION
Assess the efficiency of your country’s transport network.
How efficient is the transport infrastructure in your country?

MEDICAL / ETHICAL ISSUES

‘No one should be prosecuted for helping the terminally ill to die with dignity.’ How far do you agree with
this statement?
Research using animals has reached an all-time high. How far is this ethical?
DNA tests are now affordable and easy to obtain. Consider the arguments for and against DNA testing.
Ought there to be any limits to genetic research?
‘Without animal research and testing, medical advances would be seriously delayed.’ How far do you agree?
‘No limits whatsoever should be placed on medical research.’ Discuss.
How far should the state interfere with an individual’s right to smoke and drink alcohol?
How far is it the duty of couples to limit the number of children they have?

GENERAL
Various writers have envisaged a bleak future world. To what extent do you share their pessimistic vision?
Given the misery in both human and personal history, is it possible to believe in compassionate Divinity?
How far would you consider the huge cost of a census to be justified by the information gained?
How far have scientific developments removed our sense of awe and mystery?

EDUCATION
What advantages and disadvantages do you see in studying for a qualification online?
Consider the view that the computer has failed to meet our educational needs in school.
Recent research has claimed that the poorly educated will age faster and possibly die younger. What is your
view?
Evaluate the possible advantages of apprenticeships and training in the work place over school and college
courses.

MIGRATION
‘Human migration is solely determined by economic considerations.’ How far do you agree?
Should immigrants have to pass language proficiency and citizenship tests before they are allowed to settle
in their host countries?
Section 3
LITERATURE
Recommend an autobiography, personal memoir or diary and explain why you have enjoyed reading it.
Writers, like Dickens, draw our attention to injustice happening before our eyes. Write a commentary on any
writer or writers that have stirred your conscience.
‘There are many writers in the world but only a few achieve success.’ Explain why this is the case.
‘Comic books and graphic novels are aimed at a mature and intelligent readership.’ To what extent is this
true?
‘What teenagers read today is of little value.’ Discuss.
‘Writers are the voices of the people.’ Explain which writer you feel fits this role and why.
Books written specifically for children are often enjoyed by adults. Consider why this should be.
With reference to at least two women writers, assess the importance of their writing.
Name two children’s books that both provoke and educate the reader. Show how they do this.
What have you read that illustrates ‘heroism’ most effectively? Fully explain your answer.
‘To be an effective writer you need to be influenced by what you have read.’ How far do you agree?
Account for the popularity of biographies and autobiographies.
You are designing a literature syllabus for post-16 students in your country. Indicate which local writers you
would include and why.
Which novels have you least enjoyed studying at school? Give reasons for your choices.
What do you consider to be a ‘good read’, and why? Refer to at least two novels with which you are familiar.
‘Great writers explore ideas of universal significance.’ Show how this applies to a writer or writers from your
region.

MEDIA (TV, radio, satellite)

TV
Examine whether television is anything more than an escape from reality.
‘Reality television shows and video-sharing sites like ‘YouTube’ have empowered ordinary people.’ To what
extent is this true?
To what extent are ‘reality shows’ on television actually ‘real’?
‘Television is a weapon of mass distraction.’ How far would you agree?

COMEDY
With reference to any books, films, TV shows and life in general, examine what you consider to be ‘good
comedy’.
To what extent should comedy be taken seriously?
‘A society that cannot laugh at itself cannot learn from its failings.’ How far do you agree?

RADIO
‘Radio broadcasting has no future.’ To what extent do you agree?
‘Watching television limits the imagination whereas listening to the radio expands it.’ Discuss.

FILM
Usually a film is reviewed in the media before its release date. To what extent is this useful?
‘A film can shape the way in which you understand the world.’ How true is this of any film, or films, that you
have seen?
Assess what distinguishes a successful film from an unsuccessful one.
How far do you agree that films should focus more on storytelling than special effects?
To what extent is it important for a good film to have a big budget? Refer to specific examples.
How far would you agree that the film industry is focusing too much on ‘blockbusters’ based on comic books
and video games?
Discuss the appeal of science fiction films.
‘3D does not add anything of value to the cinema.’ What is your opinion?

CELEBRITIES
To what extent is the phenomenon of celebrity modern?
‘Celebrities promoting charitable causes do more harm than good.’ How far is this statement justifiable?
Can celebrity culture ever provide worthwhile role models? [You need to consider their contributions, not just
list their life stories.]
How far would you consider that royal and/or celebrity weddings merit the attention they receive worldwide?
‘The media pay far too much attention to people who do not deserve it.’ How far do you agree?

CENSORSHIP / ACTIVISM /POLITICAL

Should the Arts play a role in political activism? Discuss with reference to specific examples.
To what extent is it justifiable to use horrific real events as the basis for a film or play?
‘Censorship of foreign influences is the only way to preserve a country’s traditions and culture.’ How far do
you agree?
Consider the value of films and/or books which contain material intended to provoke or disturb.
‘Unless there is the freedom to give offence there is no freedom of expression.’ How far do you agree?
‘There are no circumstances in which it is acceptable to censor the internet.’ Discuss.
To what extent is censorship essential in advertising?

TRADITIONAL ARTS AND CRAFTS (heritage/preservation; tourism)

To what extent are traditional arts and crafts still important in your country?
Assess whether traditional stories with which you are familiar have any relevance to the modern world.
Puppetry is one of the world’s most ancient performing arts. How significant is this art form today?
Advertising revenue in traditional newspapers and magazines is declining. To what extent is this a regrettable
development?
To what extent would it matter if printed newspapers and magazines disappeared completely?

LANGUAGE
Language is constantly changing. Should we be concerned about this?
‘Slang and colloquialisms are often used in speech but not in writing.’ To what extent is this acceptable?
‘If English is the language of education and business, we are one happy family, no matter how far apart
countries are.’ How far do you agree?
‘It is often easier to communicate through speaking than writing.’ Consider this view.
‘Languages with a declining number of speakers should be left to die out.’ How far do you agree with this
view?
In considering the languages you are familiar with, evaluate the influence they have in your society and on
yourself.
As long as we communicate, does it matter if we are grammatically inaccurate?

ARCHITECTURE
To what extent is your country’s heritage expressed in its buildings?
Skyscrapers make powerful statements. What is your understanding of their significance?
At its best, architecture is both artistic and functional. How far do you agree?
‘Modern buildings are ugly; historic buildings are beautiful.’ To what extent would you agree?

FASHION
‘Being fashionable is more about conformity than individuality.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
Many people are dedicated followers of fashion. How far are health and happiness dependent on image?
‘The way we choose to furnish and decorate our homes reflects who we are.’ How true is this statement?
Assess whether fashion is more about image than practicality.
Are there any aspects of fashion that you would consider timeless?
‘Affordable fashion comes at a cost.’ What do you understand by this statement?

PHOTOGRAPHY
How necessary is it still to have professional photographers when many people can capture images on their
mobile phones?
‘The photograph rarely tells the whole truth.’ Discuss.
To what extent can photography arouse our political and social awareness?
Photography is both skilful and creative. Explain why this is true.

DANCE
Assess the cultural and social importance of dance in your community.
Evaluate the importance of dance in your society or community.
How far, in your opinion, can communication be achieved through dance and/or drama?

MUSIC
How true is it that modern ‘dance music’ is about repetitive rhythms and nothing else?
Assess the value of a musical education in your country.
Which singer, musician or band would you most like to see performing live? Explain why that would make a
difference to your appreciation of the music.
How far do you agree that music needs words to be of any interest?
How far do you agree that music is an important aspect of a film? Refer to specific examples.
It is not the singer but the song that counts.’ How far do you agree?
Would you consider rap to be a ‘chant’ or a ‘rant’ or, indeed, something else?

HERITAGE /CUTLURE
If you were the Culture Minister of your country, explain what your priorities would be.
How effectively are your nation’s characteristics conveyed by any creative artist whose work you have
enjoyed?
Memorials, statues, flags, buildings and place names from one era are often renamed or removed by those
who come after. How justifiable is this?
Choose two well-known people and assess their importance in the culture of our times.
To what extent has the music of your country influenced the rest of the world?
How important is it for television programmes to reflect the diverse cultures within your country?
To what extent is the media in your country focused on international events?
‘Tourism encourages countries to maintain and preserve their historical sites and buildings.’ To what extent is
this true?
To what extent are foreign television programmes destroying the culture of your country?
To what extent is preserving buildings of architectural importance in your country worth the time and expense
involved?
How successfully have traditional performing arts been preserved in your country?
How well are the arts, for example, drama, music and painting, promoted and supported where you live?
How important is it for a country to have its own film industry?
To what extent are art galleries still important in the cultural life of your country?

POETRY
Assess the impact of poetry on people today. Refer to specific poets.
‘Poetry makes nothing happen.’ (W H Auden). How far is this justified?

MODERNIZATION OF ART
‘Taking a photograph of yourself (a selfie) is an art form just as much as portrait painting is.’ How far do you
agree?
Consider whether ‘blogs’ (regular postings on the internet of experiences and ideas) have any literary value.
Assess the advantages and disadvantages of writing about yourself on the internet.
‘Modern technologies such as E-readers, texting and the Internet encourage rather than discourage reading.’
Discuss.
Today, with modern technology, not just journalists but everyone can create news. Discuss the effects of these
developments.
There is no beauty in modern art.’ Discuss with reference to specific examples.
‘I still value reading books but the e-reader is simply more convenient.’ What is your view?

ADVERTISING
Consider adverts you know well and suggest reasons for their impact.
How far would you agree that most people today are too smart to be manipulated by advertising?
What kind of advertising do you find ineffective and unconvincing? Give reasons for your choices.

VISUAL ARTS
Consider the role of visual art in creating an identity for bands, singers, or musicians.
In advertising, the visual image is more important than language. Discuss.
What role does art and design play in your life?

QUESTION OF TASTE??
How far is it true that art can be as useful as it can be beautiful?
How far is it true that successful performers require formal training, not just natural talent?
How realistic an experience of the past should we expect museums to provide?
How far has music, art or theatre influenced your outlook on the world?
Films and photography produced in black and white are becoming popular again. Account for this trend.
Account for the popularity of the superhero genre among younger age groups.
How far would you agree that art is ‘anything you can get away with’?
Consider what makes a beautiful garden or park. Using local or other examples, state your case.
Do you agree with Oscar Wilde that ‘all art is quite useless’?
What purposes are served by awards, and award ceremonies, in the film and/or book industries?
To what extent should news be ‘in the public interest’ and not just ‘interesting to the public’?
‘Journalists often intrude too far into private lives.’ Discuss.
Handwriting is often considered a relic of the past. Argue the case for retaining it.