20ESSAYS

1. Nowadays age discrimination in any company has become a common trend. Do you
think it is a positive or a negative development?
EASY VERSION: LEVEL 6.5
These days it has become a growing trend to see an upsurge in age discrimination in any
company. In my opinion, this trend gives birth to greater concerns, which will be explored
below.
The drawbacks of this practise are manifold. The salient one is that young people are often
immature and cannot handle too much pressure at work. Not only do they fail to cope with
tremendous work pressure, but they also fail to take appropriate decision, which can be
sometimes harmful for the company. There is no doubt that a company needs those
employees who have plenty of knowledge and experience in their own field. Needless to
say, it is the senior employees who can keep the company in a preponderant position, in
terms of its productivity.
Another important aspect of age discrimination is that it will not be an easy task for
employers to train the younger employees. This will cost time and money. On the contrary,
experienced employees need no training except in modern technologies, which should not
be a big concern at all. Hence, it is apparent why many are against favouring young
employees in a company.

To conclude, it is evident from the above discussion that no matter how energetic
youngsters are, old employees deserve greater attention and respect, as they are more
effective for the development of any company.
ADVANCED VERSION: LEVEL 8.5
One of the most conspicuous trends in today’s corporate world is an increased bias in
favour of the youth, thanks to their age, flexibility and adaptability to modern working
environment. As such, there are both merits and demerits to this trend, although I am of the
opinion that the latter outdo the former.
This practice is of myriad drawbacks. On the one hand, no matter how energetic and
enthusiastic they are, with insufficient knowledge and exposure about their work, young
employees often find it hard to take right decisions based on their limited experience unlike
their senior counterparts. On the other, by having these vulnerable and whimsical youths in
place of the experienced staff that have a wealth of knowledge and expertise gained in their
longhaul career, a company will suffer astronomically. It hardly needs mention that
choosing young employees over experienced ones is only likely to augment inefficiency and
affect productivity.
Besides, training young employees would mean that the employers will have to spend more
time, money and resources, which can affect the generation of revenues significantly. If
modern technology is what senior employees lag behind in, they can easily overcome this
shortcoming by taking relevant training in their respective field.

From what has been discussed, one can conclude that with all the skills and invaluable
experience at work, old employees are equally as effective as their younger peers, if not
more. Therefore, the practice of discriminatory policies towards a specific age group is
ungrounded indeed.
2. Which one is the most significant invention in the last century? Aeroplane, antibiotics
or computer?
There has long been much contention about whether it is computers, aeroplanes or
antibiotics that is the most important innovation of science in the last century. In my opinion,
the most successful and effective of them all is nothing but computer.
The reasons why I think computers are the best invention are manifold. The salient one is
that it is something that can be applied everywhere. For example, students can get
numerous benefits in studies and enrich their knowledge. Teachers can make lessons with
the help of this technological advancement, which not only makes learning interesting, but
also keeps attention of students. In addition to studies, computer has also made progress in
the field of medicine and treatment, thus treating patients with stateoftheart equipment.
Another pivotal aspect of computer is that it has replaced manual system from office, library,
transport, weather forecast, scientific research and the like. Unlike in the past, when things
were done manually resulting in many mistakes, now most of the work is performed by
computer. Undoubtedly, this development has improved efficiency at work.
To conclude, it is evident from the above discussion that computer is undoubtedly the
biggest wonder if modern science for mankind.

During the last century, the world has experienced revolutionary developments in the way
people live their lives, thanks to an array of innovations of modern science, from computing
and aviation to medicines and treatment. In my opinion, of all these wonders of science,
computers are what have played the most pivotal role in contributing to virtually every
aspect of human life.
There are a myriad of arguments in favour of computers as the most significant invention.
The most conspicuous one is that by using computer, the Internet, numerous software and
other such equipment, not only can teachers make lesson plans effectively, but students can
also enhance their knowledge and broaden their horizons with much ease, convenience and
efficacy. Besides, with the Internet being an indispensable part in computer, people no
longer feel detached or segregated from the everchanging world, irrespective of their
geographical locations. Facebook, twitter are example of social networking sites people use
today in an effort to keep abreast with others, be it in their personal, social or professional
life.
Another overt facet of computer is that thanks to its performance and contribution to such
sectors as transport, health care, scientific research, weather forecast and what not,
computer has greatly reduced human involvement. Apparently, less human involvement
means that the likelihood of making errors in these crucial areas has also declined. Hence,
there is no doubt that the improved efficiency, effective management and comfortable life we
enjoy today can primarily be attributed to computer, an extraordinary innovation that any
other achievement of modern science is no match for.
In view of the arguments outlined above, one can conclude that nothing is comparable to
computer. This is because never has any single invention of science benefited mankind in
so many ways as computer has.

3. The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education. Do you agree or
disagree?
EASY VERSION: Level 6.57
There has long been much contention about whether traditional academic learning helps
one to learn naturally or hampers one’s natural learning capabilities. I agree with the former
perspective for a number of reasons.
The benefits of academic education are manifold. The salient one is that not everyone can
learn spontaneously without any proper learning environment. There are some talented
people like Einstein or others who might not need traditional education with a fixed
curriculum. However, this is not something usual or normal. Children need to go through a
certain syllabus according to their age. Not only do the contents in the syllabus ensure the
pupils learn what they need to learn at a specific age, but they also contribute a great deal to
broadening their horizons step by step. It hardly needs mention that this preplanned orderly
system can keep learners in a preponderant position when it comes to acquiring knowledge
successfully.
Another pivotal aspect of traditional education is that the curriculum is set in such a way that
by the time they finish their academic studies, students learn a variety of subjects. They gain
knowledge in such fields as science, commerce, arts and literature. Apparently, learning a
wide range of subjects will help youths in a variety of ways, from extending their horizons to
instilling essential values in them to honing their skills in numerous fields. There is no
denying that without a fixed guideline to follow; learners are bound to go astray, ruining their
promising future.
To conclude, it is evident from the above discussion that formal education does not hinder
learning; it rather ensures effective learning.

ADVANCED VERSION: Level 8.59
The role of conventional ways of acquiring education is widely debated, with many
academics claiming that traditional academic studies hinder one’s spontaneous learning and
so prove detrimental in the acquisition of education. However, I do not entirely accept this
and I will explain why in this essay.
The arguments in favour of academic education are myriad. The most conspicuous one is
that not every learner possesses extraordinary talent as prodigies like Albert Einstein or
William Shakespeare, who did not require a proper learning environment. Instead, they
enhanced their knowledge spontaneously and did not require outside pressure or a
stereotyped curriculum. However, this is something that is applicable to a handful of pupils.
In general, in order to acquire knowledge successfully, learners need a stepbystep
procedure which also varies according to their age. There is no doubt that without strict rule
setting and stringent discipline, most students will not feel any pressure to study at all.
Besides, frequent tests and exams are also essential to insure that students have learnt
their lessons properly. Needless to say, all these merits will stand learners in good stead, as
far as effective learning is concerned.
promising future.

From what has been discussed, one can conclude that formal education complements
learning; the argument that claims conventional learning methods to be an interference with
real learning is ungrounded indeed.
4. The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education. Do you agree or
disagree?
There has long been much contention about whether traditional academic learning helps
one to learn naturally or hampers one’s natural learning capabilities. I agree with the former
The benefits of academic education are manifold. The salient one is that not everyone can
learn spontaneously without any proper learning environment. There are some talented
people like Einstein or others who might not need traditional education with a fixed
curriculum. However, this is not something usual or normal. Children need to go through a
certain syllabus according to their age. Not only do the contents in the syllabus ensure the
pupils learn what they need to learn at a specific age, but they also contribute a great deal to
broadening their horizons step by step. It hardly needs mention that this preplanned orderly
system can keep learners in a preponderant position when it comes to acquiring knowledge
successfully.

promising future.
To conclude, it is evident from the above discussion that formal education does not hinder
learning; it rather ensures effective learning.
The role of conventional ways of acquiring education is widely debated, with many
academics claiming that traditional academic studies hinder one’s spontaneous learning and
so prove detrimental in the acquisition of education. However, I do not entirely accept this
and I will explain why in this essay.
The arguments in favour of academic education are myriad. The most conspicuous one is
that not every learner possesses extraordinary talent as prodigies like Albert Einstein or
William Shakespeare, who did not require a proper learning environment. Instead, they
enhanced their knowledge spontaneously and did not require outside pressure or a
stereotyped curriculum. However, this is something that is applicable to a handful of pupils.
In general, in order to acquire knowledge successfully, learners need a stepbystep
procedure which also varies according to their age. There is no doubt that without strict rule
setting and stringent discipline, most students will not feel any pressure to study at all.
Besides, frequent tests and exams are also essential to insure that students have learnt
their lessons properly. Needless to say, all these merits will stand learners in good stead, as
far as effective learning is concerned.

promising future.
From what has been discussed, one can conclude that formal education complements
learning; the argument that claims conventional learning methods to be an interference with
real learning is ungrounded indeed.
5. Employers/Authorities of a company should take suggestions or ideas from
employees in taking any decision. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
There has long been much contention / a subject of discussion whether should take
suggestions from employees before taking any decision from the company or employers
should decide things on their own. I agree with the former aspect / perspective for a number
of reasons.
Whether an organisation should involve its employees in taking decisions in numerous
issues, be it big or small, is a matter of discussion. As such, there are both merits and
demerits to this idea, although I am of the opinion that the demerits are no match for the
merits.
The benefits of engaging employees in the decision making of a company are manifold. The
salient one is that thanks to the input from employers will have diverse ideas and concepts
to work on. Not only can the company come to a much wiser decision based on the data,
but they can also make the staff feel privileged by considering their opinion important.
Needless to say, this idea will keep any business in a preponderant position, in terms of
increasing productivity.
Another pivotal aspect of involving the employees in the strategic planning of an
organisation is that they will not feel they are merely following orders, they will rather feel
that they are an indispensable part of the organisation, which will motivate them to put in

more effort and later. Unlike, these companies, which impose orders on their employees and
so, fail to generate spontaneity among them, companies that value their employees opinions
succeed in motivating them to work spontaneously. Apparently, the latter benefit more when
it comes to productivity.
In view of the arguments outlined above, one can conclude that the benefits of considering
the employees and suggestions offers in a company are indeed too great to ignore.
6. Formal written examination is an effective way to assess students
There has long been much contention about whether formal written examination is an
effective way to assess students or there should be other ways to do so. I agree with the
latter perspective for a number of reasons.
The drawbacks of traditional written examination are manifold. The salient one is that to do
well in these tests, students do not need to study the whole subject properly. Only a few
strategies, skills and techniques are sufficient to do well in these exams. Sometimes,
cramming can be an effective way to score high as well. It is obvious that in these faulty
tests, any medium students can be the highest scorer, if he/she is good in memorising and
testtaking skills. Therefore, alternative tests need to be introduced to measure real progress
of students.
Besides, questions in these exams are often repeated and so, anyone having access to past
test papers can memorise preprepared scripts and achieve good marks. Needless to say,
the intellectual ability of students is impeded as they do not need to explore things with
inquisitive attitude to learning and discovering new limits. As such, rather than focusing
merely on writing, exams should entail a wide range of question types, from oral
presentation and group discussion to quizzes and assignments. This will ensure a realistic
assessment of one's progress.

In view of the arguments outlined above, one can conclude that formal written tests do not
reflect a learner's performance aptly and precisely. What seems more efficacious and more
pragmatic in this scenario is a variety of testing systems that will not require a learner to
memorise answers, but demand thorough understanding of the subject matter.
The role of conventional written tests in gauging a student's capability is widely debated,
with many academics claiming that these tests are flawed and can hardly measure one's
performance accurately and comprehensively. In my opinion, this proposition merits serious
consideration.
One of the most conspicuous drawbacks of traditional exams is that in order to attain good
grades in these stereotyped exams, students are not required to possess an indepth
knowledge in a specific subject. This is because it is through a number of testtaking skills,
strategies and techniques that even a mediocre student can perform as well as a prodigy.
There is no doubt that the core objective of education is not to prepare learners for exams,
but to instil knowledge in them in an effort to broaden their horizons. If cramming or applying
certain strategies is what learners need to master to augment their scores, it is highly
unlikely that high achievers will necessarily have greater potentials than their low achieving
peers. Hence, this faulty testing system does not help serve the purpose of education at all.
Besides, questions in these exams are often repeated and so, anyone having access to past
test papers can memorise preprepared scripts and achieve good marks. Needless to say,
the intellectual ability of students is impeded as they do not need to explore things with
inquisitive attitude to learning and discovering new limits. As such, rather than focusing
merely on writing, exams should entail a wide range of question types, from oral

presentation and group discussion to quizzes and assignments. This will ensure a realistic
assessment of one's progress.
In view of the arguments outlined above, one can conclude that formal written tests do not
reflect a learner's performance aptly and precisely. What seems more efficacious and more
pragmatic in this scenario is a variety of testing systems that will not require a learner to
memorise answers, but demand thorough understanding of the subject matter.
7. Some people say that law can change human behaviour. Do you agree or disagree?
The role of laws in bringing a positive change in people's behaviour is widely debated, with
many people claiming that human behaviour is rarely affected by enforcing stringent
rulesetting. However, I do not entirely accept this and I will explain why in this essay.
One of the most conspicuous arguments in lies in the fact that rigorous rules can engender
fear among miscreants, who mostly commit crimes because of the leeway they enjoy in
breaking the law. If people are aware that their illegal or unlawful activities will result in
severe punishment such as financial penalty, jail term or even death sentence, the likelihood
that they will indulge in criminal activities is bound to decline. For instance, unlike, in
impoverished nations, where there is little or no punishment for littering or driving offences
and so a deluge of such incidents occur, in affluent nations, the number of such offences is
insignificant/nominal, thanks to a wide range of strict regulations in place.
Another argument in favour of rulesetting can be seen in childhood, when a child learns to
do things following a proper order set either by their parents or by their teachers. By sticking
to these rules and regulations, children not only learn essential attributes like discipline and
punctuality, but also excel in academic studies. Hence, it is apparent that why human
behaviour is immensely shaped by law and order.

8. Nowadays millions of dollars are spent on space research every year. Some people
argue that the money should be spent on other essential areas such as healthcare
and education. What is your opinion?
The idea of spending astronomical sums of money on space research is widely debated,
with many people claiming that this could be better spent on such other vital sectors as
healthcare, education and the like. In my opinion, this notion merits serious consideration.
The reasons why space research deserves colossal expenditures are myriad. The primary
one lies the fact that with countless numbers of satellites out there, forecasting weather has
never been as precise and accurate as now. That scientists can predict flood, storm,
tsunami and other calamities with nearperfect precision is only due to space exploration.
Besides, researches on space also mean stateoftheart communication system in place,
without which maintaining constant contact between satellites, space shuttles and the like
would be next to impossible. There is no doubt that the way people communicate with each
other in today's fastpaced era can largely be attributed to the developments made in space
technologies. Last but not least, studies on space can pave the way to finding life in other
planets and benefiting from the natural resources out there.
However, there are some pitfalls that can easily overwhelm the potential benefits of space
exploration. The primary concern stems from the fact that space research entails colossal
amounts of expenditure, where as we have got millions of people starving all over the world.
Should we not feed these unprivileged people first before indulging in ambitious adventures
in space? As such, affluent nations are also equally responsible for shaking off the poverty
of the impoverished ones, as the later have limited budget and resources. In addition,
wealthy nations can best use their resources by improving the infrastructures in an array of
sectors such as healthcare, education, transport and so on, instead of sending robots to find

water in the Mars, costing taxpayers billions of dollars. Hence, it is apparent why many are
against extravagant ventures to space.
From what has been discussed, one can observe that there are other priorities in the world
at present, from eradicating poverty to setting up new infrastructures to improving the
standard of living, which should be looked after first, before investing such mammoth sums
of money on space research programmes.
9. Some people say that increased travels between countries bring more disadvantages
than advantage. Agree or disagree?
Whether an upsurge in international travelling in recent decades has offered greater upsides
than drawbacks is a matter of discussion, with many people claiming that the demerits of
this trend outweigh its merits. However, I do not entirely accept this and I will explain why in
this essay.
One of the most conspicuous aspects of increased international travels is that it will
augment the number of tourists, who will spend money on food, accommodation, shopping
and other amenities. Needless to say, the more money tourists spend, the greater revenue it
will generate for the government. Besides, an upsurge in the number of travellers would also
mean an influx in the number of foreign entrepreneurs, who can collaborate with their local
counterparts in investing on a range of projects. This will inevitably open up a wealth of
employment opportunities for the unemployed, thus contributing to economy astronomically.
Another pivotal facet of a surge in travelling Is a successful interaction of cultural values,
ideologies, languages and lifestyles. Far from giving birth to conflicts between diverse
beliefs, this trend rather renders an opportunity to learn from each other, contributing a great
deal to enriching one's experience and broadening one's horizons.

In view of the arguments outlined above, one can conclude that despite some of its
concerns, the role of increased travels is instrumental indeed, not only in helping the local
economy to thrive, but also in providing with an exposure to diverse cultural values and
ideologies
10.It is argued that university students should study a full range of subjects, instead of
some specific subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
There has long been much contention about whether university students should study a
wide range of subjects or they should only focus on some particular subjects. In my opinion,
the former perspective is more warranted as will now be elaborated.
The benefits of studying a variety of subjects at university are manifold. The salient one is
that it will make student more qualified to deal with any situation in their job, keeping them
ahead in this competitive job market. For example, a bank clerk needs various skills in
finance, accounting, management, communication and so on. Apparently, employees who
have vast knowledge in a number of fields succeed in their career, unlike those who have
little knowledge in different areas.
There, however, some arguments against the aforementioned view. Part of the problem with
this idea is that, students will not gain much knowledge about a particular subject, whereas
learners of a certain subject will do well in their own field. Hence, it is apparent why many
are against teaching a whole range of subjects at university.
In conclusion, it is evident from the above discussion that studying certain subjects at
university may have some benefits, to an extent. Nevertheless, the role different subjects’
play in helping a youth face the challenges of this fastpaced era is immense, indeed.

The idea of teaching university students only a few subjects is widely debated, with many
academics claiming that only when the curriculum entails a large array of subjects, are
youngsters likely to be well prepared for future challenges. In my opinion, this proposition
merits serious consideration.
To begin with, one of the most predominant aspects of studying a variety of subjects at
university is that it will instil in youngsters a wealth of cognisance and expertise in numerous
fields. Not only will this vast knowledge make the young more capable to cope with any
challenge their work is likely to entail, but it will also help them excel in their career, thus
making them preponderant in this competitive job market. A bank clerk, for instance, is
required to possess a number of skills, from the fields of finance and accounting to other
relevant areas such as management and communication. Apparently, employees having
colossal knowledge in myriad fields are more likely to thrive and remain ahead of their
counterparts who have limited exposure in different spheres.
However, there are some pitfalls that can easily overwhelm the potential benefits of studying
a large range of subjects at university. The primary concern stems from the fact that
students will not attain an indepth knowledge on a particular stream, while learners of a
certain subject will specialise in their own field. Apparently, the likelihood of the latter's
excellence in the given subjects will increase, making them stand out. The society will also
benefit from their expertise enormously.
From what has been discussed, one can conclude that the benefits studying certain relevant
subjects at university offers may seem warranted, to some extent. Nevertheless, the role

different subjects’ play in making a youth consummate as well as in helping them match the
needs of a fastchanging and competitive society is instrumental indeed.
11. Today youngsters follow celebrities in sports or in entertainment. Is it good or
bad?
It has long been a subject of discussion whether young people should follow celebrities, be it
in sports or in entertainment or doing so would cause greater concerns. I agree with the
latter perspective for a number of reasons.
The drawbacks of following celebrities by youngsters are manifold. The salient one is that
these famous personalities often show positive sides of their characteristics. In fact, they are
involved in a race against each other. Their main goal is to gain name, fame and money.
Their appearance may look positive and impressive, but they are unhappy in their heart.
They suffer from other mental complications like depression, frustration, loneliness and the
like. Many of them are addicted to drugs and some are so frustrated that they even commit
suicide. There is no denying that no one would recommend that a teenager should pursue
an artificial life like this.
Another pivotal aspect of the life of a celebrity is that he or she rarely possesses moral and
ethical values. Instead, they are often seen abusing each other in public without considering
its impact on their young followers. Because of the widespread use of the Internet, the
teenagers who are both sensitive and vulnerable are exposed to these verbal fights.
Needless to say, these immature, shallow, artificial and greedy people cannot be the role
model of youths. Teenagers should rather imitate their parents or teachers, who possess a
range of qualities such as sincerity, honesty, perseverance and the like.

To conclude, it is evident from the above discussion that the pitfalls of following celebrities
by youths are indeed too great to ignore.
The role of celebrities be it in sports or in entertainment, as a role model for youngsters is
widely debated, with many people claiming that these famous personalities have hardly any
elect didactic purpose to serve. In my opinion, this notion merits serious consideration.
Following celebrities by youngsters is of myriad concerns. The most conspicuous one is that
these famous personalities often show the brighter side of their lifestyle. Most of the inner
aspects of their characteristics are hidden from the public. They are involved in a race
against each other to gain name, fame and money. Attaining worldly desires seems to be
their sole objective. No matter how positive their appearance might look, they are unhappy
in their family life. They suffer from other mental complications like depression, frustration,
loneliness and the like. Out of despair, many of them resort to drugs and some even commit
suicide. There is no denying that with all these concerns, no one would recommend that a
teenager should pursue an artificial life like this.
Another overt facet of celebrities is that rarely do they possess such essential attributes as
moral and ethical values that are deemed vital in becoming a good human being. As such,
they are often seen brawling over insignificant things, verbally assaulting their counterparts
and what not. Thanks to the ubiquity of the Internet and the popularity of the social

networking sites, practice youngsters who are both immature and vulnerable are readily
exposed to these altercations. Apparently, the likelihood that these shallow, artificial and
greedy people will benefit youths in shaping their beliefs and ideologies in a positive way is
bleak indeed. Teenagers should rather imitate the lifestyle of their parents or teachers, who
possess a deluge of qualities, from sincerity and honesty to perseverance and dedication.
There is no doubt that youths can benefit from these practical role models astronomically.
From what has been discussed, one can conclude that the drawbacks associated with the
youth’s imitating the lifestyle of celebrities far outweigh the upsides, if any.
The bad weather conditions allow to several cancellations
12. ESSAY: 25 JUNE 2015:
The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who
cannot learn, unlearn and relearn. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
EASY VERSION: LEVEL 7
There has long been much contention about whether one’s literacy depends on being able to read
and write or on learning and relearning without any academic qualification. I agree with the latter
The arguments in favour of my stance are manifold. The salient one is that being able to read and
write does not make one capable to learn naturally. Students today not only study to get good marks,
but also to ensure their future. In fact, the purpose of education is not just to read and write, but to
learn from one’s experience, past mistakes and the like. This is because learning is a lifelong process
where one has to make improvements throughout their life.
Besides, in this fast-paced modern era, unlike in the past, information about anything is available to
everyone because of the proliferation of the Internet. As a result, even adults deprived of the light of

education can still educate themselves by gaining knowledge about numerous things such as people,
their languages and their cultures. All of these can broaden their horizons and help them succeed in
life.
From what has been discussed, one can conclude that the necessity of considering learning as a
continuous process is indeed too great to ignore.
ADVANCED VERSION: LEVEL 9
The idea of determining one’s literacy based on the capability to read and write is widely debated
with many academics claiming that there are such other factors as being able to learn, unlearn and
relearn that have a greater role to play in this regard. In my opinion, this notion merits serious
consideration.
There are a myriad of arguments in favour of my stance. The most conspicuous one is that gaining
academic qualification does not necessarily mean that one will be able to learn naturally. Far from
learning for the sake of learning, these days students study only to acquire good marks. Not only do
students today consider education as a way of getting employment opportunities in future, but they
also acquire it to gain name and fame. However, as such, the purpose of education is not to be able
to merely read and write, but to enlighten one’s life. There is no denying that only when learners
attain knowledge through experience, past mistakes and self-analysis, can they successfully educate
themselves. Academic excellence without the ability to learn and relearn is only likely to make them
crippled, dependent and ineffective when it comes to facing the real world. This is because learning
is a lifelong process with a requirement to ameliorate one’s status in every step.
Another pivotal aspect of this argument is that in this globalised era, where information about
anything is so readily available thanks to the ubiquity of the Internet, people can learn numerous
skills, enhance their knowledge about other cultures and above all broaden their horizons.
Apparently, with an open mind, people can thrive and excel in their career unlike those who do not
consider acquiring knowledge limited to schools and colleges. A deluge of examples of this scenario
can be seen both in affluent as well as impoverished nations.

In view of the arguments outlined above, one can conclude that the idea of defining literacy as the
capability to read and write is flawed, especially in this modern era. In my opinion, it is high time we
considered learning to be a never-ending process with constant improvements throughout life.
13. ESSAY OF THIS WEEK (11-15 MAY 2015):
Topic: The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education. Do you agree or disagree?
EASY VERSION: Level 6.5-7
There has long been much contention about whether traditional academic learning helps one to
learn naturally or hampers one’s natural learning capabilities. I agree with the former perspective
for a number of reasons.
The benefits of academic education are manifold. The salient one is that not everyone can learn
spontaneously without any proper learning environment. There are some talented people like
Einstein or others who might not need traditional education with a fixed curriculum. However, this
is not something usual or normal. Children need to go through a certain syllabus according to their
age. Not only do the contents in the syllabus ensure the pupils learn what they need to learn at a
specific age, but they also contribute a great deal to broadening their horizons step by step. It hardly
needs mention that this pre-planned orderly system can keep learners in a preponderant position
when it comes to acquiring knowledge successfully.
Another pivotal aspect of traditional education is that the curriculum is set in such a way that by the
time they finish their academic studies, students learn a variety of subjects.They gain knowledge in
such fields as science, commerce, arts and literature. Apparently, learning a wide range of subjects
will help youths in a variety of ways, from extending their horizons to instilling essential values in
them to honing their skills in numerous fields. There is no denying that without a fixed guideline to
follow, learners are bound to go astray, ruining their promising future.
To conclude, it is evident from the above discussion that formal education does not hinder learning;
it rather ensures effective learning.
ADVANCED VERSION: Level 8.5-9
The role of conventional ways of acquiring education is widely debated, with many academics
claiming that traditional academic studies hinder one’s spontaneous learning and so prove
detrimental in the acquisition of education. However, I do not entirely accept this and I will explain
why in this essay.
The arguments in favour of academic education are myriad. The most conspicuous one is that not
every learner possesses extraordinary talent as prodigies like Albert Einstein or William

Shakespeare, who did not require a proper learning environment. Instead, they enhanced their
knowledge spontaneously and did not require outside pressure or a stereotyped curriculum.
However, this is something that is applicable to a handful of pupils. In general, in order to acquire
knowledge successfully, learners need a step-by-step procedure which also varies according to their
age. There is no doubt that without strict rule setting and stringent discipline, most students will not
feel any pressure to study at all. Besides, frequent tests and exams are also essential to insure that
students have learnt their lessons properly. Needless to say, all these merits will stand learners in
good stead, as far as effective learning is concerned.
Another pivotal aspect of traditional education is that the curriculum is set in such a way that by the
time they finish their academic studies, students learn a variety of subjects.They gain knowledge in
such fields as science, commerce, arts and literature. Apparently, learning a wide range of subjects
will help youths in a variety of ways, from extending their horizons to instilling essential values in
them to honing their skills in numerous fields. There is no denying that without a fixed guideline to
follow, learners are bound to go astray, ruining their promising future.
From what has been discussed, one can conclude that formal education complements learning; the
argument that claims conventional learning methods to be an interference with real learning is
ungrounded indeed.
14. PARTIAL
IS SKYDIVING OR DEEP SEADIVING GOOD FOR ENJOYMENT OR MORE DANGEROUS?
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION?
Whether such adventurous sports as skydiving and deep seadiving can be a good source of
enjoyment or they should be deemed perilous for human life is a subject of discussion. In my
opinion, the latter proposition merits serious consideration.
One of the most conspicuous drawbacks of these activities is that they are likely to pose life
threatening dangers, thanks to the nature of these sports with peril being an integral part. Although
they are filled with excitement, rapture and tremendous pleasure, they are only transient and so can’t
be supported and encouraged at the expense of one’s invaluable life, which is of immense
importance as far as contributing to the humanity is concerned. For example, mankind benefits
astronomically from prodigies, be it in the field of science, arts, music and literature. Hence, putting
life into danger by indulging in deleterious activities is of little significance.

15. ESSAY: 16-17 JUNE 2015:
Places where one grows up play a key role in one’s success. Write about a person
who got accomplishments because of the place s/he grew up in.
EASY VERSION: LEVEL 7
Where one grows up plays a key role in one’s success. In this essay, I will explain how a
person succeeded in life because of the environment he was raised in. This person is Dr
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
There are a variety of ways how environment contributed to Abdul Kalam’s success. The
salient one is that his parents were highly educated who provided a helpful atmosphere at
home. He not only got motivation from home, but also from society. This is because people
in his society were poor and unfortunate. So he wanted to bring a positive change in their
life. Needless to say, one’s environment can keep them in a preponderant position, in terms
of pushing them to thrive for success.
Another pivotal aspect is that Abdul Kalam’s sufferings because of poverty didn’t make him
weak. He rather took them as a challenge. Unlike his other classmates, who surrendered to
poverty, Abdul Kalam always had a strong will to fight against poverty in order to become
successful in life.
From what has been discussed, one can conclude that the role of the environment in pushing one to
work hard and succeed is indeed too great to ignore.
ADVANCED VERSION: LEVEL 9
There is no denying that where one is raised plays an instrumental role in contributing to
one’s success. In this essay, I will elaborate the story of such a successful person whose
accomplishments can largely be attributed to the environment he was brought up in. This
person is Dr A.P. J. Abdul kalam, who became an eminent scientist as well as the president
of India.
There are a myriad of ways how Abdul Kalam benefited from the atmosphere he was brought up in.
The most conspicuous one is that both his parents were highly educated with plenty of support in
numerous forms. Not only did the congenial environment at home motivate him to succeed, but the
society he was raised in also had a role to play in this regard. This is because people in his society
were impoverished and underprivileged, which encouraged him more to become something so that

he could bring a positive change in the lives of these destitute people. Needless to say, the place
one grows up in can stand one in good stead, in terms of achieving success.
Another pivotal aspect of Abdul Kalam’s life is that the suffering and hardship he went through in
childhood made him more capable to deal with the arduous and cumbersome pressures of life in
future. Unlike his other classmates, who did not take motivation from their poverty and conceded
defeat, Abdul Kalam always had a strong determination from the start to become educated, famous
and contribute to eradicating poverty from society. It is apparent how his financial insolvency has
made him a warrior to change the world.
In view of the arguments outlined above, one can observe that the impact of the ambience one
grows up in is indeed too great to ignore, as far as attaining success in life is concerned.

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