以下的20个话题是慎小嶷预测的2013年4月高频话题。考生们可以先多留意以下此方面的知识。

1 Some people think that the developments in agriculture, such as factory farming and creation of new types of vegetables, have brought us more benefits than problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

2 Today, many countries are trying to improve the standard of living of their people through economic development. However, some people think that cultural and social values are lost as a result. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

3 Sending children to boarding schools is becoming increasingly popular. What are the causes of this trend? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

4 Some people think that students should attend university to further their education. Others, however, think that students should go to university to learn skills such as fixing cars or construction. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

5 Some people believe that students should study a wide range of subjects, while others argue that students should focus on the subjects they are best at or they find most interesting. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

6 Some people think that external influences play a more important role in children’s lives than family life. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

7 Traditional games are more useful than modern games in developing children’s skills. Do you agree or disagree?

8 Charities cannot help everyone in the world that needs help, so they should only try to help people in their own communities and countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

9 As global trade increases, many goods, including some daily goods, are exported to other countries. Such goods are usually transported over long distances. Do the benefits of this trend outweigh the drawbacks?

10 International travel is cheaper than ever before, and more countries have opened their doors to tourists. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

11 Many people think that private companies, rather than the government, should pay for cleaning up the environment. Do you agree or disagree?

12 In many countries, fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas and oil，are the main sources of energy. However, in some other countries, the use of alternative sources of energy，such as wind power and solar energy，is increasingly encouraged. To what extent do you think this is a positive development?

13 Some people think that museums should be enjoyable places to entertain people. Others, however, think that the purpose of museums is to educate. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

14 Today, people can work and live almost anywhere they want to because of the improvements in communication technology and road and air transport. Do you think that the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

15 Some people think that government leaders have the greatest influence on the world. Other people, however, believe that scientists have the greatest influence. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

16 Today, more work is done by machines. Do you think that the positive effects of this trend overweigh the negative effects?

17 Some people believe that the range of technology available to individuals today is increasing the gap between rich people and poor people, while others think it has the opposite effect. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

18 Some people believe that public health should be improved by increasing the number of sports facilities and promoting healthy diets, while others think that other measures should be taken. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

19 Some people think that zoos are cruel and all the zoos should be closed. Others, however, think that zoos are useful for the protection of rare animals. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

20 If a product is good or can meet people’s needs, people will buy it. Advertising in the media is no more than a form of entertainment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?