1. Should uniforms be worn in school?
Why do schools enforce the wearing of uniforms?
How do they promote or prevent individuality?
Fxplain the advantages and disadvantages of wearing uniforms.
2. You are asked to be «Teacher for a day» at your English lesson.
Which topic and activities will you choose to create the best lesson?
What problems, if any, might you encounter9
How might this change your perspective on teaching?
3. Fairytales and short stories play an important role in the lives of children.
What was your favorite story growing up? Why?
What was the moral or lesson that you learned from it?
Describe the main characters and theme in a fairytale or short story you might write.
4. In Ukraine, it is common to eat meats such as pork and beef. In some foreign countries,
it is common to eat whale meat, horse meat, and even insects.
Are there any limits to what you would eat? What foods might you not eat and why? What cultural and/or moral differences are there between eating horse meat and pig meat? What reasons for vegetarianism do people give? Do you agree with these views? Why?
5. Travelling by plane is one of the safest modes of transportation, yet many people are still
afraid to fly.
Would you rather take a plane or a ship across the Atlantic Ocean? Why? Why do people still believe that flying is unsafe when the facts show otherwise? How can people learn to overcome their basic fears? How do you overcome yours?
6. You have been asked to write a book about the home town.
• What type of book would you write, and who would be your audience?
• Will characters based on people you know personally be left identifiable? Why?
• How would you react if you recognized yourself
in a character created by a close friend ? r
7. Transportation greatly influences our lifestyle and the growth patterns of our communities.
• What means of transportation does your community have, and how have they affected people’s lifestyle??
• How do you and your family usually get around?
• Which form of transportation in your town could you go without if necessary? Why?
8.You are travelling to another country for one year and can only take one suit case. can only take one suitcase. What will you bring?
• What items do you think you cannot live without?
• What items from your country would you like to show someone from another culture?
• I low do these items represent you and your country? '
9. When choosing a profession there are many factors to consider; for example, salary, the difficulty and availability of work, and the benefit the work has on society as a whole.
• When thinking about your future profession, which of these factors do you value most?
• I low does your future profession fulfill these factors?
• I low realistic is it for your future profession to address these factors?
10. The fall of the Berlin Wall was an important historical event for the world.
• What was an important historical event in your country?
• Why do you think this event was so important?
• What lessons can we learn from this event?
11. People make choices everyday that affect their health.
• What are the most important components of a healthy lifestyle?
• I low do you keep yourself healthy?
• What can be done to convince people with unhealthy habits to live a healthy lifestyle?
•
12. Imagine that you have begun correspondence with a pen pal in another country.
• Where is your friend from, and what is his/her life like7
• What will you share with him/her about your own life?
• How is your life different from his/hers?
13.Your family wants to adopt a new pet. Everybody has a chance to state their opinion.
• What kinds of pets would NOT be good for your family?
• How would you convince the rest of your family your idea is perfect for all of them?
• What kind of care would this pet need? I
•
14. Suppose someone wanted to make a biographic film of your life?
• Which actor or actress would portray you and why would this actor be the best choice?
• Which «scenes» from your life must the director include in the film?
• What music would you want as a soundtrack to your biography? Why?
15. Traditionally, holidays are spent with family and friends.
• If you could create your own holiday, what would it be called and what would it celebrate?
• On what day of the year would it be celebrated?
• With whom would you celebrate this holiday?
16. il you could be a super-hero, what would your name be?
• What power or ability would you choose to have?
• Who would you choose to protect?
• From whom/what would you have to save them?
17. Games and puzzles have been part of human traditions since the beginning of our existence.
• What is the value, if any, of such traditions? What are your favorite games and why7
• What games and puzzles are indicative of your country and/or culture?
• Are games as important for adults as they are for children? Why or why not?
18.You have become a famous writer or artist. Whom do you credit as your creative influence?
• What did this person accomplish in his or her life that has had such a great impact on you?
• What characteristics do you admire in this person and how do you hope to emulate them?
• If you could have dinner with this person, what would you ask him or her? Why?
19. Many people dream of the perfect home. In your dreams, what type of home would you
live in? Why?
Describe the architecture, floor plan, decoration and style of your home. Where would this home be located? Describe its surroundings. What influences your idea of a perfect home?
20. If you could have any talent that you don't already possess, what would it be?
Why is this talent so important for you to have?
How would you use it?
What is better: to gain talents through hard work or through natural ability? Why?
1. Most people in Ukraine have a mobile phone, and it has changed the way people
communicate.
Do you think it's necessary for children to have mobile phones? Why or why not?
What feature would be most attractive to you on a mobile phone?
What services on mobile phones do you think are most useful? Which are least useful?
2. Having goals in life is important because it keeps you focused and allows you to set prio
rities.
What are some goals you have set for yourself?
Have you made steps towards accomplishing these goals?
What are some obstacles you have faced and overcome while trying to reach your goals?
3. Traditions allow us to maintain a quasi-connection to our ancestors.
What traditions do you have in your family?
From where/whom do they originate?
Do you think that you will continue these traditions, or start new ones?
4. Tell about your favorite city or place that you have traveled to.
What is it about this place that makes it significant to you?
Describe this place and its points of interest.
What suggestions would you have for other people who wish to travel to this location?
5. Some would say it's almost impossible to be true friends with people from different ge
nerations. Do you agree?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of these types of relationships?
What does society think about such relationships?
Do you have any close friends from a different generation?
6. Imagine the world 100 years from now.
Of all the problems facing the world today, which ones will we have solved?
How will everyday life have changed?
How will Ukraine have changed during this time?
7. Unlike family members , we can choose family friends .
• What is the most important quality a friend should have ?
• When has a friend of yours demonstrated that quality to you?
• What qualities do you think your friends see in you?
8. Let us imagine that many people have fallen ill in the city where you live due to the high number of cars in town that are creating air pollution.
• What would you suggest be done about this problem?
• I low do you think people of your town will respond to limitations on car use?
• I low practical do you think bicycle riding is as an alternative to car driving in Ukraine?
9. The invention of the wheel has changed the course of human progress.
• What do you think are the three most influential inventions of the last 100 years?
• Why do you think these inventions are so significant?
• What are some qualities that might be common to all inventors?
10. People say that «classics» are books that people can relate to throughout the ages. Tell about a book you have read that you feel is a classic.
• Briefly explain the book's main elements (plot, genre, etc.).
• In what ways were you influenced or affected by the book? Why and how do you think the book would appeal to a broader audience? i
11. In English there is a saying, «The apple doesn't fall far from the tree,» which means that - children are not very different from their parents. Speak about the ways in which you are similar to and different from your parents or other relatives.
• Are you or your siblings more like one parent than the other?
• Do you believe that the environment or genetic make-up determines a child's character?
• give examples from your experiences. ■
12. Imagine that aliens have landed on Earth and wish to interact with humans. Explain to the aliens some general rules of etiquette for our planet and, in particular, for Ukraine.
• I low do people here generally form friendships and/or relationships? Describe the pro-
• I low would you treat a friend differently from a colleague, acquaintance, or neighbor?
•
What types of interactions, relationships and/or friendships do you attempt to avoid?
13. Vegetarianism is promoted for its health benefits, for environmental reasons, and to prevent animal cruelty.
• Winch of these reasons do you relate to the most?
• II you were a vegetarian, what dishes would you miss the most?
• Are there any social situations where it would be awkward for you to be a vegetarian?
14. II is often said that, «The world is getting smaller."
• I low has technology made the world smaller?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a more connected world?
• Does it make sense to say that 'The world is getting bigger'? Explain. '
15. Studies show that aerobic exercises (running, swimming, etc.) increase blood flow to the brain and can improve memory, problem solving, and other mental functions.
• In what kinds of physical activities do you participate?
• What other benefits does regular exercise have?
• Do you think that the smartest people are also the most physically fit? Explain.
16. Many pupils dream of travelling to other countries. Let's imagine that you have to choose one country, not your native country, where you will go to live for a long time.
• Which country would you choose? Why?
• What would be the worst part about living there? The best?
• I low would you deal with the problem of being far from your native land? ,
17. People sometimes wish that they had been born in another time and place. They would like the chance to observe both life and themselves through a different lens.
• Where would you like to live? In what time period? Explain.
• What things would you try to do?
• What would you miss most about your current life? .:
18. Many people believe that by driving cars they produce emissions that help contribute to the earth growing environmental problems. They have stopped driving and started using public transportation like buses and the metro
• Do you believe that small measures like these are effective?
• What measures can be taken to
• If emissions continue to rise and the environment gets worse, what will some consequences be?
19. Thanks to your excellent marks in English class, you have been awarded a trip to any English-speaking country in the world. Which country will you choose? Why?
• Describe the places in this country that you will visit.
• What lessons do you anticipate learning on your trip?
• What will you miss most about your native country?
20. Smoking is a growing problem in your town; men, women, and even children as young as fourteen smoke cigarettes. You realize that their smoke can make you and others ill.
You and your friends decide to start a campaign against smoking.
• How can you convince your fellow townspeople to stop smoking?
• What can be done to prevent pupils and children from starting to smoke?
• How does smoking affect our world?
1. A well known proverb states: «When in Rome, do as the Romans do.» What does this
mean? Do you agree or disagree?
• What does this statement say about cultural sensitivity?
• When travelling in countries with different customs is this an important rule?
• What suggestions would you give to a foreigner travelling in your country?
2. In our global community, immigration is an important topic of discussion.
• Why do people immigrate to other countries?
• List advantages and disadvantages of immigration for the people and countries involved?
• How can immigrants adapt to their new country and culture?
3. What are some common occupations in your country? Winch occupations do you think are most respected by the society and why?
• Which jobs are most common for men and tor women?
• When you were a child, what kind of job did you want?
• Does it differ from the career you want to peruse now?
4. A foreign visitor has only one day to spend in your country. Where should this traveler What one place should they see?
• What makes this place the most significant in your country?
• Give them directions on how to get there from the airport.
• What should they do and how should they act while in this place?
5. Many years ago, pupils graduating secondary schools were expected to know the Latin, Greek and French. Yet today, many students leave school without knowing the basics of one foreign language.
• Which system of education do you prefer, the old or current?
• It is important to learn a foreign language in school? Why?
• How could learning Latin, ancient Greek or other dead languages, help you in lilc ' c
6. In most American schools, students may begin to choose their classes after the tenth form. However, this means that many students may elect to take a photography class rather than Physics.
• What do you think about this system? Is it healthy for the pupils' minds?
• Do students who choose not to learn Physics have a disadvantage in the world? Explain
II you could choose to take certain courses, which would you choose and why?
7. Today, many people claim that even a simple pencil drawing is art. But had you lived 1)00 years ago, they would have told you that only the works of seriously trained pain tors, sculptors and architects are eligible to receive the title of 'art.'
In your opinion, what is the truest form of art? Why?
How does art affect you personally? How does art make you feel?
What is your favorite work of art? Artist? Why? ;i Given a chance to have any job in the world, what would you choose and why?
What allure does this job hold for you?
What changes would you make in your realm of influence? Why?
How could you use this job to make the world a better place? !). Exercise creates stronger, happier, and smarter people.
Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
Explain how you would improve physical education classes at your school.
What are some ways to keep a healthy lifestyle? What are some bad habits to avoid?
10. You have the opportunity to raise money for a charity.
Which cause do you choose and why?
How do you intend to raise funds and generate support within your community?
What possible challenges do you think you may encounter in your quest?
11. The invention of the Internet is one of the most revolutionary inventions of the past century.
How has the Internet impacted your life?
How has it impacted the lives of the people around you?
What do you think life would be like without the Internet?
12. Adults and teenagers often misunderstand each other.
Do you think it's more difficult to be an adult or a teenager? What difficult decisions do teenagers face today? Adults? What similarities and differences do adults and teenagers have?
13. Often in Ukraine many generations of the same family live together in one house.
What does this mean for the lives of the different family members? What roles do the different family members have? What is your own family like?
14. Imagine you woke up invisible.
Where would you go and what would you do? What things would you do that are usually forbidden, E
• How do other people's perceptions of us influence our notions'-'
15. Imagine there has been a cataclysmic world event, and the climate of Ukraine has
suddenly become tropical.
• Describe the climate in Ukraine and the lifestyle of its inhabitants before the event.
• How would life change if the weather were tropical?
• What would you do in order to survive and be successful in this, new environment?
16. Imagine you have won two million dollars, but you aren't allowed to spend the money
on yourself.
• Describe how you would spend the money.
• After telling your loved ones about the situation how would your relationships change?
• Do you believe your own life would be improved by such an experience? Explain.
17. Your parents have decided to send you off to a prestigious boarding school.
• Give some reasons why this might be a good or bad idea.
• Are you mature enough to live on your own?
• Why or why not? How would a year at boarding school change your life?
18. In the United States the legal driving age is sixteen years old, and most young people
drive regularly.
• How would having your own means of transportation affect your lifestyle?
• What are some of the positives and negatives associated with teen driving?
• How would the ability to drive influence your relationship with your parents?
19. It is now clear that the world is getting warmer. Do you think this is a natural change or
due to human activity?
• What would a warmer world be like? How might Ukraine be affected by global warming?
• How do you think countries can cooperate and address the issue of global warming?
• What can individuals do to improve their environment and reduce their waste?
20. Although humans have been flying in space for more than 50 years, we have not tra
velled very far from our planet.
• Do you think the destiny of humankind lies on earth or in space? Explain your opinion.
• Would you go into space if someone invited you? Why or why not?
• Do you think there is life on other planets? Why do you think this?
21. Many countries are now passing very strict laws against smoking.
• Do people have the right to smoke wherever they want? Why or why not?
• Do you think that governments should be able to control where people smoke? Explain.
• Does Ukraine have such laws? If so, should the laws be more or less strict?
22. Herbert Spencer once said, «The great aim of education is not knowledge but action."
• How do you interpret this statement?
• Do you agree that the purpose of education is to help make the world better?
• Do you think that knowledge itself has value? Explain your answer.