When people move to another country, some of them decide to follow the customs of the new country. Others prefer to keep their own customs. Compare these two choices. Which one do you prefer? Support your answer with specific details.

People may choose to keep their old traditions from their native country or to accept new ones. Keeping the old customs will help one to overcome the cultural shock and the change of the environment. From the other side, accepting the new traditions will help one to adapt and make new friends with residents. In this essay I will give different reasons why people decide to follow the customs of the new country or to keep their own customs.

If one is from the country with strong and old traditions, I think it will be rather difficult for him to adapt to the new customs and moreover to reject his own. That is why some people from the same country try to live together and to create their own community where the old traditions are kept. They can not break the customs that were created by their ancestors. For example, some nations are restricted in certain kinds of food by their traditions. So, they do not go to the restaurants unless their traditional food is served there. Some nations according to their customs have to wear certain types of cloth because their religion tells them to do so.

From the other side, if one is from the country with traditions similar to ones of the new country it will be easy for him to adopt and to follow the customs of the new place. He will not feel much difference. Probably, the most difficult part of his relocation will be to accustom to the new climate.

I think that people of the new country are friendlier when they see that foreigner follows their customs. I belief that traditions of every country deserve respect, especially, when one lives there. In summary, I think that every country has its own beauty and if one wants to find out more about it he will love it.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Universities should give the same amount of money to their students’ sports activities as they give to their university libraries. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Some people believe that universities should give more money for the sports activities. They claim that importance of libraries and sports are the same. I can not completely agree with this statement. In the following paragraphs I will give some basic reasons why I think that way.

I am a former student and I know all advantages that can be given by libraries. First for all, it is the cheapest way to prepare for the incoming lecture, to do the homework, to make a research and just to read some books. From my point of view, it is very important to supply the libraries with the new books, magazines, journals and newspaper. Second of all, libraries are the places where students can spend a few hours reading between lectures if their schedule does not allow them to go home. So, libraries must be light and large enough, have comfortable chairs and tables. A third reason, why a good library is so significant for a student, is that it is a free access to computers and an Internet. If a student can not allow to buy himself a computer or an access to the Internet he can use it there. I like libraries because it is a good place to meet and communicate with each other, serf the Internet looking for the last news, read some books that you do not want to buy and just relax to the accompaniment of the pages.

As for sports activities, I think it must be up to a person. First of all, he or she goes to a university to gain knowledge, not lose some weight or work out. Second of all, a student must arrange his or her time in order to have time to exercise. However, I must say that every university should have a few playing-fields, a pool and a fitness center where students may have a rest after strained days.

One more reason to have really good libraries is that it can save not only money but time for students. A person has not to drive to the bookstore to get materials he or she is looking for. So, a library can save time that then can be spent on a sport.

To summarize, I think libraries must stay the main resource of knowledge. So, if a university has some extra money they should be spent on the new books, new software and new equipment for the libraries.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Obviously, the first teachers we have in our lives in most cases are our parents. They teach us to speak, walk, ride a bike, behave ourselves etc. From my everyday experience and observation I can totally agree with the statement that parents are the best teachers. In the following paragraphs I will try to support my answer with some reasons and examples.

First of all, I would say that parents are our very first teachers. They with great patience pass down the essential knowledge that we need in order to join "the real world". Children often copy their parents' habits and traits because children are sure that parents do only right things. Often children's first wish is to be like their mother of father. Parents are the best teachers because they wish their children a success and they do not teach them bad things.

However in order to succeed in today’s world children need more than just to know good manners and be able to read and write. They need real teachers who would teach them logic, mathematics, literature, foreign language, management etc. Moreover, they need to communicate with the children of the same age. Adolescence is a period when children learn more from their friends then from their parents. At this age many young people reject their parents' advices and warnings. They begin to learn from their own experience, make conclusions and analyze their first mistakes. It is very important for parents in this period to be supportive and patient. Children may slam door and refuse to do some things because they want to feel independence.

Another important aspect of this is that parents are the first people who must worn their children about the danger of drugs and cigarettes and how to avoid and say "No" when they need to. In the modern world parents must talk with their children about everything because it can save their life and make them happier. So, the role of parents is really important because it gives the strength and understanding the real world.

In conclusion, I think that parents are the best teachers because they give their knowledge that can not be taken from books when it needs to be known by children.

Should governments spend more money on improving roads and highways, or should governments spend more money on improving public transportation (buses, trains, subways)? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.

Many people believe that governments should spend more money on improving roads and highways. However, other people think that more money should be spent on improving public transportation. Personally, I think that both of these opinions have their advantages and disadvantages.

The first reason for improving public transportation is overpopulation. The amount of cars is rising dramatically. As a result of this fact the contemplation of air is increasing that leads to irreversible aftereffects such as the presence of acid rains and different kinds of human diseases. So, the improving of public transportation will reduce pollution.

The second reason for this is the possibility to decrease the amount of traffic jams that also have a huge influence on air pollution. Moreover, it will save time and people's money. One does not have to pay for gas for his car, car insurance, repair, oil change and etc.

The third reason for this is a sharp decrease in the level of car accidents. People will feel more secure in this case.

However, despite all these advantages this decision has a few disadvantages. First of all, public transportation means the presence of schedule and working hours. So, one has to wait for a bus or for a train in a subway or call for a taxi in order to get somewhere. Second of all, it is a big chance that one has to spend some time getting to the nearest bus stop or subway entrance.

As for roads and highways, I think it is a very important and topical issue. A personal car in this modern world is an essential vehicle. It gives one freedom and independence. Improving roads and highways governments will decrease the number of car accidents and traffic jams. I believe that in several years air pollution can be dramatically reduced by using sun energy to refuel our cars.

Finally, I think that governments should spend money on improving public transportation as well as on roads and highways because it will benefit all people.

Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

The issue whether working for a large company is better than working for a small company is a controversial one. From my everyday experience and observation I think that every option has its advantages and disadvantages. I base my opinion on the following points.

From the one side working for a large company brings many benefits. First of all, one has better medical insurance, higher salary. Often employees of a large company has less responsibilities. Moreover, they feel more secure because their company has more clients and this means better chance to survive on the modern market. However, one working for a large company has less chance to be promoted because one's manager does not want to lose his or her job unless she or he is promoted too. Also, from my observation, managers of a large company do not pay much attention to one's solutions and suggestions.

From the other side working for a small company has many advantages too. Firstly, one has better chance to be promoted. Secondly, one can talk to the owner of the company about any improvements that can be done in order to get more profit. Another important aspect of working for a small company is the opportunities to find out more about how company works. As a result of this one can gain more experience and get better recommendations. However, this also has some disadvantages. For instance, one can get less salary, worse medical benefits, etc.

To sum up, I think that every person chooses for himself what he or she wants. If one wants better career and more responsibilities then a small company is better choice. Otherwise, working for a large company may be a good option too.

Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Man, through the ages, has undergone many changes, from the times when he depicted a herd of mammoth on a wall of a cave to nowadays when he drives a car, watches TV and surfs an Internet. I believe that all achievements that were made by humankind are possible only because people always learnt from their past. In fact, the definition of learning includes the idea of accumulation of experiences from the past with present knowledge. So, I must totally disagree with the statement above that learning about the past has no value.

The first reason for this is that human evolution was possible only because people accumulated their experience and knowledge of ancestors and it helped them to make a step forward. Second of all, they analyzed their mistakes and tried to avoid them next time. People tried to improve their life by learning from the past. Just imagine that every one would have to discover by himself that 2 + 2 = 4 or that fire can be harmful. Furthermore, all knowledge that we have now is a result of the constant work of our ancestors.

Another important aspect of the fact that our past is essential is that past makes us doubt. Take for example the fact that a few centuries ago people were sure that the Earth was flat. Next generations with their new experience proved that the Earth was round. I believe that it happened not because scientists did not know about previous achievements in this area but because their new observations made them doubt about the well-known fact and they developed the new theory.

In addition, if follow the statement that our past has no value for us then we should not take experience and any advices from our parents. Imagine, that we learn by ourselves how to speak, walk, drive car, cook, read, etc.

To summarize, I think that learning from the past is even more important then our own experience. One can not move forward if he does not realize why and where he is now.

Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience. Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning about life. Which do you think is preferable? Use specific examples to support your preference.

From my everyday experience and observation I can stand that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience. However, some people think that it is wiser to learn about life through listening to the advice of family and friends. It does not mean I totally disagree with this way of learning. Moreover, I think that it is wise for a person to take an intermediate position because each of these ways has its own advantages. Bellow I will give my reasons to support my point of view.

From the one side, learning through one's personal experience brings many benefits. First of all, scientists say that personal experience has greater impact on a person. I have to agree with this. Take for example children. They will not believe their parents that something can hurt them until they try it and make sure in it. Furthermore, most likely they will remember this experience longer. Second of all, people learn how to analyze their mistakes, make conclusions and next time try to avoid them. So, I think it is a great experience that makes people stronger, more self-confident and persistent. They gain more knowledge and experience that will be very helpful and valuable in the future.

From the other side, listening to the advice of family and friends brings many benefits too. Parents with great patience pass down their knowledge and experience to their children. They teach them all they know and they want their children do not make the same mistakes. In addition to those practical benefits, learning from someone's advice is painless. For example, parents nowadays very often talk to their children about drugs. I think it is a great example when one should not try drugs in order to gain new experience. I think it is a case when children must trust their parents.

To sum up, I think it is wise to combine both of these ways to learn and try to analyze personal mistakes as well as not personal. I think together they can greatly simplify one's life and make the way to success shorter.

Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons to develop your essay.

People are learning through their entire life. Our first teachers in most cases are our parents. They teach us to walk, speak, behave ourselves, etc. They with great patience pass down their knowledge and experience to their children. There is no doubt that we need our parents to learn essential things. Parents giving their knowledge prepare children to join the "real world". So, at this point we need teachers to learn some basic things.

When children go to a school or college they have there many teachers who help them study more difficult and complicated things. Personally, I think that young people need teachers because in most cases they basically do not understand yet the importance of learning some "uninteresting things" such as logic, literature, grammatics, etc. So, teachers keep children on track and sometimes make them learn. I think, at adolescence young people need teachers because they help them develop and improve themselves in order to succeed in life.

However, I believe that when a person is no longer a child and he has a job and lives an independent life he can choose how he is going to study. As for me, my choice between studding by myself or with somebody's help depends on a teacher. If a teacher has very interesting lectures and gives many examples from different resources I will attend his or her classes with great pleasure. However, if a teacher has dry and boring lectures and does not try to make them interesting I will get some books and study this subject by myself. It saves me time and probably some money if I take books in a library.

So, basically, some teachers can give their students so much in a short period of time that it is worth to spend one's time attending lectures. At the same time, from my point of view, other teachers can not give me the knowledge I need at my pace.

Some people believe that students should be given one long vacation each year. Others believe that students should have several short vacations throughout the year. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

The issue whether students should be given one long vacation each year or they should have several vacations throughout the year is the one that is open for debate. Some people believe that students should have a few short vacations. However, others believe that one long vacation each year have more benefits for students. Personally, I think that every position has advantages as well as disadvantages. In the following paragraphs I will analyze these opinions and present my view which is that students should have one short vacation and one long vacation every year.

From the one side, one long vacation every year can bring many benefits to the students. First of all, students will have the opportunity to work full time during this vacation. They will be able to earn some pocket money or even money to cover the cost of their education. I think it is a great experience. Moreover, students will be able to be more independent, they will learn how to earn money and how to spend them more carefully. I am from Russia. Unfortunately, I do not have any experience in the USA in this field, but in my country students can barely combine their education with their jobs. So, basically, students in Russia have the opportunity to earn some money only during long vacation. Second of all, one long vocation gives students a great opportunity to travel, to learn more about other countries, their traditions and customs, gain more knowledge and experience.

From the other side, several short vocations bring a few benefits too. First of all, students have the opportunity to have a rest throughout the year. They can spend more time exercising, muster their strength for another term and then get higher grades. Second of all, during short vocations students usually have better opportunity to prepare for the incoming exams. Finally, usually a long vocation has a negative aspect: from my own experience students tend to forget many subjects they studied earlier. So, a couple of first weeks is usually spent on reviewing an old material.

To sum up, I think that in this case an intermediate position can be taken. Students should have one long vocation in summer and one short vocation in winter.

 How do movies influence people’s behavior?

I believe that television and especially movies are one of the major and outstanding achievements of humankind. I like movies. They help you leave your troubles behind, relax and enjoy your life. I must confess that most of all I like comedies and historical films. Comedies make me laugh and if I am not in a good mood they help me to cheer up. As for historical movies because it is interesting to find out more about some historical events.

Every movie makes an impression on people. How big this impression depends on a person, his characteristic features, his weak and strong sides. For instance, my sister likes serial “Friends” and she is a fan of “Chandler”. I can not say she looks like him after all she is female but they have a lot in common. She is smart and resilient. She makes faces just like he does. She has a similar sense of humor and she tries to imitate his habits. It is like she has a very close friend who is on the other side of the screen.

As far as I am concerned, I am terribly afraid of dark. Last time my husband and I were watching a scary film called “Spiders”. It is a horror movie with the large spiders creeping around and killing people in the dark. The only light in our apartment was the dim light of the TV screen. So when the movie was over I could not fall asleep. I heard rustling of dry leaf and it seemed to me that millions of spiders were crawling towards my bed. I felt tingles down my spine. For several days I was afraid of every shadow and every rustle reminded me of that disgusting noise.

In conclusion I want to point that movies have great influence on people’s behavior and it is not always positive.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Modern technology is creating a single world culture. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Man, through the ages, has undergone many changes from the time when he depicted a herd of mammoths on the walls of the cave to these days when he can chart with someone on the other side of the globe. Modern technology is rapidly changing the world's living standards that results in creating a single world culture. New technologies including Internet, television, electronic media, means of transportation, etc has a great impact on creating a similar culture all around the globe. Bellow I will list my reasons to support my opinion.

First of all, Internet and e-mail have changed the way people communicate to each other. Internet brought many benefits. It is a new means of communication, a fast access to information and news. People communicate with each other, share their ideas, happiness and difficulties. We have a great opportunity to find out more about countries and their history.

Second of all, the modern means of transportation allows people to move from one place to another very quickly. A few centuries ago it was impossible to imagine to wake up in one country and fall asleep in another.

Finally, as a result of all mentioned above the boundaries between countries, their traditions and customs are erased. Many people migrate during their lives. Some of them are looking for a better place to live, others want to get new experience and knowledge or just pleasure. So, many families are created between people from different countries. Traditions fuse and evolve into other ones or just vanish.

To sup up, modern technology has a great impact on the way people live now. It is creating a new single world culture where traditions and distances are no longer of that importance.

Some people think governments should spend as much money as possible exploring outer space (for example, traveling to the Moon and to other planets). Other people disagree and think governments should spend this money for our basic needs on Earth. Which of these two opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Curiosity is one of the great qualities of a human being. A man always wanted to break the limits and learn more. Curiosity cased many inventions and discoveries made by man. Nowadays a huge amount of money is spent on exploring outer space. Some people think that governments should spend as much money as possible on space researches. However, others disagree and think that this money should be better spent on people's basic needs. Personally, I think that this question is a controversial one. For several reasons, which I will mention bellow, I think that an intermediate position can be taken: governments should continue invests money in space research but this money should not be spent very carefully. At the same time, governments should spend more money on uplifting the living standards, improving facilities, developing the modern technology and helping people in need.

Exploring outer space without any doubts will bring important results in the future. But nowadays we do not move much forward. Humankind made a huge step in exploring the space a half of the century ago. So, my point is that money should be spent very carefully.

From the other side, I think that nowadays the Earth and people need more attention then ever. People breath polluted air and drink contaminated water. Many animals are at danger of disappearance. People suffer from hunger, diseases and poverty. I think that governments should pay more attention to these problems, mentioned above. They need to create programs for saving the environment and animals.

Another important aspect of this that governments should sponsor more programs connected with the improving educational system.

To sum up, I believe that we should not stop exploring outer space but we need to make our Earth healthier.

Some people prefer to work for themselves or own a business. Others prefer to work for an employer. Would you rather be self-employed, work for someone else, or own a business? Use specific reasons to explain your choice.

Basically, people work for money and self-realization. However, some people prefer to be self-employed and others prefer to work for an employer. These two options are very different ones and I did not make my choice yet. I think that each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Working as an employee brings many benefits. First of all, one can spend more time with his family helping his child do his homework, fishing with the whole family, etc. Second of all, one has less responsibilities. He just does his job and does not care about the market, competitors and expected profit. One taking a vocation can forget about all troubles, relax and not worry about who does his job during his absence. Finally, an employee can always find a more interesting job with a higher salary.

From the other side, be self-employed have many benefits too. First of all, one knows the more he works the more he gets. Another important reason of being self-employed is independence. One does not have to report to anyone except one's self. However, in addition to these practical benefits one gets more responsibilities to take care of.

To sum up, I think that be self-employed is not as easy as it may seem. A person must be self-confident, strong, patient. He must know exactly what he wants and be ready to sacrifice all his spare time to it. I have a family and at this moment I am not sure that I am ready to sacrifice my time to the job.

You need to travel from your home to a place 40 miles (64 kilometers) away. Compare the different kinds of transportation you could use. Tell which method of travel you would choose. Give specific reasons for your choice.

If I had to travel 40 miles away from my home I would be considering the following means of transportations: a car, bicycle and bus. Every of this methods of transportation has advantages as well as disadvantages. In this essay I will analyze all of them and present my view in favor of traveling by a car.

Traveling by bus brings many benefits. First of all, one does not have to drive. So, I can just relax and enjoy the view from my window. Second of all, it is cheaper. I will not have to buy gasoline or pay for the car insurance. However, traveling by bus has a few disadvantages as well. For example, I will have to follow the bus schedule. Another important aspect, I will not be able to arrange the speed or make a stop when I need to.

From the other hand, traveling by bicycle is a great exercise. Secondly, it is pollution free. However, It can take too much time and at the end of my trip I will be tired and exhausted. In addition, I will most likely need a shower and some rest.

In contrast, traveling by car brings many advantages. First of all, I can arrange my speed as I want to. If I am in a hurry I will speed up a little. Otherwise, if I am not in a hurry, I can make some stops and enjoy the surroundings or have a lunch in the nearest bar. Second of all, I do not depend on a schedule like with traveling by bus. So, I can start my trip when and where I want to. In addition to those practical benefits, traveling by car is the fastest way. Another important aspect of this if I am traveling with my friends, we can talk, listen to the radio we like and discuss everything we want. A car can give us privacy. Of cause, I will have to pay for gasoline and traveling by car is not as save as traveling by bicycle or bus but I think it can not change my mind.

To sum up, I think that I would choose to travel by car. It is more convenient and offers a great amount of advantages.

In your country, is there more need for land to be left in its natural condition or is there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

I am from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. I think that the question about whether land should be left in it is natural condition or there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry is the one that is open for debate. Personally, I believe that it is a controversial question, because every option has its advantages. However, in this situation an intermediate position can be taken. In the following paragraphs I will give my reasons to support the answer.

From the one side, saving land in its natural condition brings many benefits. First of all, many wild animals will thrive in our forests. Unfortunately, nowadays many wild animals are endangered because they do not have place to live and there are not enough food for them. Second of all, our children will be able to learn about animals not only from books but also from observing them in their natural environment. In addition to those benefits our air will be cleaner because many forests will clean it from pollution and make it fresher.

From the other side, deforesting our land and building many new constructions can have a few positive aspects. For example, building new industrial buildings may have a positive impact on the country's economy. Many new companies will have the opportunity to produce more goods and as the result of this the country will receive more money from abroad and this will lead to the improvement of the economy on the whole.

To sum up all mentioned above, I think that we need to be more careful with the natural resources we consume and, moreover, we can do something to preserve them. For example, companies that produce lumber can also resume the resources of wood by planting new trees there. This way we can preserve our land and save it from defrosting. I must agree that it is difficult for Russia at this moment not to develop land for housing and industry because the country needs money and strong economy, but I believe that many new factories can replace the old ones without developing new land. So, my point is that we must extend the production of new goods but not at the expense of the wild animals and their land.

Some people say that the Internet provides people with a lot of valuable information. Others think access to so much information creates problems. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

There is no doubt that the Internet is one of the greatest humankind's inventions of the last century. It is fast and easy way to get a lot of valuable information. However, some people believe that the Internet creates many problems. From my point of view I think that the Internet brings us advantages as well as disadvantages.

First of all, I think that the Internet brings us many benefits. People can have access to the latest news, weather, traffic, bid-and-asked quotations, etc. Another important benefit is that the Internet is a great means of communication. A few years ago it was rather difficult to imagine that it would be possible to communicate with people from all around the world. Students have the opportunity to speak to the professors from prestigious universities, ask their opinions and extend their range of interests. People have the opportunity to communicate with the people from other countries, find out their customs, traditions and even visit each other. I think that the Internet makes our world smaller and friendlier. We' ve got the chance to learn more about the world's history, our forefathers and gain more knowledge.

From the other hand, many questions and difficulties arose with the appearance of the Internet. For example, children got the easy access to the information they are not supposed to read. Also, people's security and privacy are often violated through steeling and gathering information about people and then selling it. Many banks had to increase their Internet security because of hacking.

However, I believe that Internet gave us more advantages and opportunities than disadvantages and problems.

You have decided to give several hours of your time each month to improve the community where you live. What is one thing you will do to improve your community? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

I think the question what would I do if I had a chance to improve my community is difficult. I have in my mind many things, the improvement of which will make our community better place to live but they all require the participation of many people and, moreover, they require investments, which I can not provide. For example, my community is quite noisy. We have the huge mall just in front of our community, so traffic jams are very common for this place. I think that the construction of a few pass-by roads will benefit all people who live here as well as people who drive by every day.

Unfortunately, the question is what I can do for my community giving a few hours of my time every month. I think I can not do much, but I still can help someone in my community. For example, I can baby-sit. I know a couple of families with little children, who can not afford to spend much money on the baby-sitter. One of these families is a single mom with a little girl. Julia, this is her name, is a waitress in a restaurant. She is a great person and we became close friends. So, sometimes I offer her help with her child when she has to work in the evenings. Another family has two funny little twins. One time their parents asked me to baby-sit their children because they had to attend an unexpected presentation.

I think this kind of help brings many benefits to my community. First of all, people become friendlier. For example, those families, which I mentioned above, became friends after I introduced them to each other. Second of all, people get to know each other and feel more secure in their houses and apartments. Finally, I am ready to help those people because I am sure that they will help me too. One time I lost the keys from my car and Julia offered me her car for a while.

To sum up, I believe that baby-sitting is a great way to help my community in many aspects.

What do you consider to be the most important room in a house? Why is this room more important to you than any other room? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

My husband and I live in an apartment, which include a bedroom, living room, bath room and kitchen. We do not have children yet, so our apartment is pretty small but it is cheap and cozy. If I would have to choose the most important room in a house I think it would be living room. In the following paragraphs I will present my reasons to support my answer.

First of all, living room is the place where we take our guests. It is the main and the biggest room in our apartment and we try to keep it clean and cozy. For example, my husband vacuums it every other day especially when it is wet outside and our dog makes dirty sports on the carpet with its paws after a walk. Second of all, I think that living room is the most important room in our house because we spend most of our time there watching TV, having our dinner and just talking with each other.

Finally, our living room is a place where we study. Since our apartment is rather small we do not have a room for studying, so I have my table with the computer on it in our living room. I like to study there because the room is perfectly light with the large windows and the beautiful view from them.

My parents have a much bigger house with six rooms, large kitchen and two floors. However, I think that my mother would agree with me that their living room is the most important room in the house. When we visit them we always gather there, lay the table, and have a long talk. My mother makes delicious cakes and aromatic tea. I like those moments.

To sum up, I think many people will agree with me that living room is the most important room in a house because it is the room where people spend most of there time at home.

What are the important qualities of a good son or daughter? Have these qualities changed or remained the same over time in your culture? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

I am from Russia. I think that qualities of a good son and daughter almost have not changed for the past several centuries. However, I believe that some qualities have changed. I will give the following reasons to support my answer.

Parents always expect from their children love, respect and help. I think these qualities remain unchanged. However, at old times parents expected from their daughter to be a good and practical woman because in this case she can marry a good and perspective man. Nowadays, I think parents' expectations from their daughter have changed. Now a woman has the same rights and opportunities to make a great career, make money and be successful at equal terms with a man. It means that now parents are not so worried about a future perspective husband. They know that their daughter can take care of herself and be happy. Nowadays parents teach their daughter to believe in herself, be motivated and strong. They want to be proud of her.

As for a son, I think expectations remain the same. Parents see their son as a clever, motivated and successful man.

To sum up, parents wish their children be more successful then themselves, achieve more goals. So, they with great patience pass down their knowledge and experience to their children. They teach them only good things and expect respect and love in return. Also, parents try to teach their children how to avoid mistakes they have made in their lives. I think the main quality of a good son or daughter is to make their parents proud.

Plants can provide food, shelter, clothing, or medicine. What is one kind of plant that is important to you or the people in your country? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

Plants play a very important role in our everyday life. They give us oxygen, provide with medicine, clothing and food. Every country has its own staple food that dominates in the diet of dwellers of that country. For example, the staple food for Japan and Korea is rice. As for me, I am from Russia. I believe that our staple plants are potato and wheat.

Some people believe that wheat is the most important plant because it provides full and nutritious meal. People bake bread and cookies, cook kasha and soup. At old times people in Russia raised wheat and prayed for the good harvest in order to survive. Millet has a good storage time so it gives the opportunity to consume it a whole year.

However, nowadays bread is no longer of that importance. A person has more products to choose from. Besides, some people tend to exclude bread from their diet in order to decrease the amount of daily calories and lose some weight. Personally, I think that potato is more important plant then wheat.

Virtually, every Russian has potato every day at least once. One can boil, fry, bake or mash it. My favorite meal is baked potato with cheese and a glass of milk. I think it is delicious and it does not take much time to cook it. Moreover, potato is easier to raise and store.

To summarize, I think that potato by far is the most important plant in Russia.

Many teachers assign homework to students every day. Do you think that daily homework is necessary for students? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Homework helps students to understand material more deeply. However, some people believe that homework does not bring any benefits. Personally, I think that this issue has some advantages and disadvantages. In this essay first I will focus on the reasons why I support this idea about daily homework and then I will move on to analyzing its disadvantages.

From the one side, daily homework brings many benefits. As I already mentioned, it helps students understand subjects more deeply. Also, young people learn how to arrange their time to have all things done on time. In addition to those practical benefits daily homework teaches students how to make their own research if something is not clear. Curiosity is one of the main reasons that leads a person to a success. Students learn to make their research, work with different kinds of informational resources such as an Internet, books, magazines, journals and newspapers. I think it is a great experience and it is very good for a long run.

From the other side, daily homework can bring many disadvantages. For instance, if a person has no interest in biology, but has a huge interest in music he has to spend his precious time doing his homework and reading uninteresting books instead of spending this time practicing new melodies. Another important aspect of this that a student can have no time for his physical activities. So, basically, doing daily homework will not keep him in a good shape.

To sum up, I think that an intermediate position can be taken. For example, a student will have to do his daily homework if he is going to specialize in this field in the future.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person should never make an important decision alone. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

From my everyday experience and observation I can claim that discussion of an important decision with other people bring many benefits. In the following paragraphs I will give my reasons to defend this statement.

First of all, different people have different opinions. In order to make the right choice people should discuss every possible decision and its consequences. Making an important decision alone can bring many negative aspects. For instance, a person can reveal his selfishness or impatience and the consequences of that decision can effect many people in the future. I think that a good and wise decision can be born only in discussion because people can share their knowledge and experiences a look at the problem from different sides and aspects.

Second of all, I think that making decision alone is unacceptable especially for a company. Imagine that a chief makes the decision about increasing a production line without discussing it with his employees. In this case a part of company's profit will be spend on extended purchase of raw materials. So, share holders will be left without dividends. This decision may lead to getting rid of company's shares and as a result of this declining the value of a company as a whole.

To sum up, I think that a person should always consult his relatives or colleges when making an important decision to avoid possible mistakes.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more important for students to study history and literature than it is for them to study science and mathematics. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Some people believe that students should study more history and literature. However, other people think that studying science and mathematics is more important. From my experience and observation I think that students should study both science and history. Bellow I will outline some basic reasons to support my opinion.

First of all, I believe that studying history and literature is important for the range of interests of students and people on the whole. It extends the range of interests and teach people to analyze their history. Every person should know the history of the country where he or she was born. Knowledge of one's roots and origins gives the opportunity to understand many things that are around. Second of all, I think that this kind of knowledge is essential for students who are going to be lawyers, newspapermen, political figures, etc. One more reason to study history is that it helps one to analyze mistakes made by ancestors or learn from their wise decisions.

From the other side, I think that it is also important for students to study science. Personally, I like studding mathematics because for me it is very interesting to work with figures, analyze them, develop different ways to solve the problem. It teaches one to think logically and improves one's ability to think non-typically. I think it is great.

Studding of science allows people to improve their life conditions, make discoveries, develop innovations, etc. Scientists work on new vaccines and pills to make our life longer and happier. They make researches in different fields from medicine to space. Because of this kind of knowledge humankind has opportunities to watch TV, fly, using jet airplanes, surf an Internet, play computer games, watch movies, drive cars, etc.

In conclusion, I think that students must study many things including science and literature in order to succeed in the modern world.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should be required to help with household tasks as soon as they are able to do so. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

The issue about whether children should help with household tasks as soon as they are able to do so is open for debate. Some people say that children should devote more time for playing with their friends, watching TV and studying. However, other people believe that children should help their parents with household tasks. Personally, for several reasons, which I will explain bellow, I adhere to the latter point of view.

First of all, I think that every child should have his or her own responsibilities. When I was a child my parents taught me how to make breakfast in the morning. So, I woke up, went to the kitchen and prepared a couple of toasts for breakfast. It was easy and I enjoyed doing it because I liked the way my parents thanked me and I felt that they were proud of me. Also, my mom always wanted me to know how to cook, clean and iron my cloth. Thanks to the learning, nowadays, when my maid can not come to my house I handle all household tasks myself.

Second of all, performing household tasks teaches children to value the job of people who did it. When I was a child I did not imagine that cleaning house could be so time and energy consuming. So, when I began to do some of the household tasks by myself I began to respect the job of others and tryed to collect all my toys after my playing with them.

Finally, doing household tasks teaches children to arrange their time. In addition to those practical benefits, help from children allows parents to have more spare time for their personal lives and for the children. A family can have more time to spend with each other talking, watching movies or just enjoying the beautiful moments.

To sum up, I think that children should help their parents with household tasks. Doing household tasks helps them to grow into independent, self-confident, and attentive persons who respect their parents.

 It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.

Some people believe that it is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. However, other people think that a big city gives more opportunities and it is good for the long run. Personally, for several reasons I think that it is better for children's health to grow up in the country.

First of all, it is very important for a child to grow up in a healthy environment. Children need fresh air, not polluted by the huge amount of cars and factories of the modern city. In the country they can spend more time exercising and walking with their friends. Scientists say that now children spend the same amount of time watching TV as they do at school. Probably, the possibility to join their friends for a play will change this proportion. Another important aspect of this is that parents will have more time to spend with their children as a result of eliminating traffic jams and decreasing driving time as a whole.

From the other side, children have some advantages living in a big city. For example, they have more opportunities to choose from what they want to do. They can choose to attend ballet school, school of art, gymnastics, etc. For the long run, it is good for them. They will be better prepared for a live in a "real world" and they will have more chances to make a good career and succeed. Moreover, a big city usually has many entertaining centers with movie theatres and play stations. When I was a child I liked to go to the movie theatre with my parents to watch a premiere.

One more reason to choose a big city for a child is that a city provide better live conditions and services such as medical, dental, etc. My friend lived in the country for a while and one time he and his family had to drive a couple of hours to the nearest medical center when his child got a heavy cough.

To summarize, I agree with those people who want to raise their children in a city. The plenty of opportunities offered by a city helps children to find what they really like and be the best at it. Moreover, despite the air pollution, children get a better medical service that is good for their health

Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Man, through the ages, has undergone many changes, from a period when he hunted for food to the present time, when he buys preprocessed food in the shop centers. Some people say that the fact our food are easier to prepare these days has definitely improved our life. However, other people belief that this change has some negative aspects. In this essay I will least some advantages and disadvantages of such a change.

First of all, when people use a preprocessed food it definitely saves time. One does not have to spend much time in the kitchen washing, peeling, cutting and cooking vegetables, etc. All one has to do is just to use a microwave or a stove to warm up a ready for use food. Frankly, I think it is a very good benefit. People can more enjoy things they like to do like spending time with the loved ones, exercising, watching TV or walking with a dog.

Second of all, if one has a good salary he can allow himself to go to a restaurant every day. It is a great opportunity to have a fresh cooked meal with excellent service, meet friends and new people. One more reason to have dinner at a restaurant because one can taste different and delicious food from all over the world from Chinese to Mexican.

However, some people think that a preprocessed food has negative aspects. Unfortunately,

preprocessed food has less vitamins and minerals than fresh cooked food. Besides, it has more preservatives and unnatural ingredient that can not be good for man's health. In addition, the number of diseases such as obesity, fatigue, reflux disease etc. is rising.

Cooking is a great tradition. It is a means of eliminating stress and tension. Personally, I believe that people should not forget this tradition and do not abuse fast food.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, email, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Humankind, through the ages, has undergone many changes from the time when people communicated only face-to-face to nowadays when a person has in use many types of communication means. Some people still prefer to use face-to-face communication despite many other sometimes more convenient ones such as phone, mail, e-mail and fax. I think to continue this essay it is essential to clarify what kind of conversation we are talking about.

For example, if people are negotiating it is very important to have a face-to-face communication. It is very important to see during a negotiation how one's opponent is moving, is he nervous or relaxed, what he is doing, etc. Scientists say that the body language and facial gestures can say many thing about a person, his strong and weak sides, his traits, manners and even habits. To know what kind of man one is dealing with is very essential aspect in negotiation. Many managers prefer to have with the future employees face-to-face conversation. So, in this case they see how a person behaves.

From the other side, if I need to notify my bank that I am going to close an account I do not want to spend my time driving there, waiting for my turn and talking with a representative. It is easier for me just to call or e-mail them. It saves my time and my bank's too.

To summarize, from my opinion all important issues better be discussed in face-to-face conversation. It will eliminate many farther misunderstandings and bring only benefits to both sides.

Some famous athletes and entertainers earn millions of dollars every year. Do you think these people deserve such high salaries? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Some people think that famous athletes and entertainers have too high salaries for their work. However, others believe that these people deserve such high salary. Personally, I think that it is a controversial question and it is open for debate. For several reasons, which I will mention bellow, I think that famous athletes and entertainers have a great impact on our social life and make a big contribution to our society and, hense, deserve high salary.

The first reason why I think that such high salary is deserved by famous athletes and entertainers because we all need them. Entertainment plays an essential role in our everyday's life. We need to relax, watching TV with our favorite TV stars or favorite football players. Entertainment is one of the best ways to eliminate stress and tension and leave all troubles behind. For example, I can not stay home all day long without watching TV. So, basically, I believe that famous athletes and entertainers have such high salaries because we need them. They like doctors for our minds and soles. Scientists say that people usually spend the same amount of money for their food and entertainment. I think this fact tells a lot.

The second reason for this is that famous athletes have to work hard in order to get good results. I am sure that achievements they make is the result of hard work, persistence and pain. They sometimes risk their lives and health. For example, I am a big fun of L. Amstrong, the most famous cyclist in world's history. He faced probably, the most challenging difficulty in his life, cancer. He was very young for this disease. Amstrong was in his early twenties when he found out about it. I read a book about his life, and what impressed me were his words after his victory in France. He said: "Cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me ".He defeated the disease only because he believed in himself and did not give up. I think such person deserves to have a high salary and be loved by many people through out the world.

In conclusions, I want to say that if people get high salaries it means they are needed and their contribution to the society is huge.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Most experiences in our lives that seemed difficult at the time become valuable lessons for the future. Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

From my everyday experience and observation I have to agree with the statement that our present experiences become valuable lessons for the future. Someone said that today's problems will be the best experience in the future. Below I will give some examples to support my position.

First of all, I want to say that obstacles make people stronger. By overcoming difficulties people gain priceless and essential knowledge and experience. If one has to struggle with a disease he becomes stronger may be not in a physical way but in a mental way. A person becomes more patient, more self-confident and more attentive. These qualities will help him to win his disease.

Success has nothing to do with luck. People have to work hard in order to reach their goals. They face challenges and failures and often they lose. However, people do not give up. They use their previous experience and knowledge to try again and again. I think that difficulties teach us very valuable lessons. Only a man who understands this fact and knows how to use it in the future can succeed. Failures bring us wisdom and new experience. Personally, I always try to analyze my mistakes and make conclusions. If I am not succeed I know that next time I will avoid these mistakes and do my best.

To sum up, I think that human evolution and development are a result of constant efforts based on previous experience and knowledge.

People recognize a difference between children and adults. What events (experiences or ceremonies) make a person an adult? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

I think the question what events make a person an adult is the one that is open for debate. Some people think that the graduation of high school makes a person an adult. Others think that the age of 21 is the age when childhood is replaced by adulthood. However, from my everyday experience and observation I can stand three major events that make a person an adult.

The first event that makes a person an adult is getting a job. The ability to earn his own money gives a person the opportunity to live independently from his parents. Personally, I think the first job is a very important experience in person's life and it has a great impact on his personality. He learns how to manage his expenses and how to save money for the more important things. In addition to those benefits, one learns how to arrange his time in order to have all done on time.

The second event, which from my opinion deserves an attention, is the graduation from a college or university. I think it is a very essential step in one's life because this means the beginning of a new life with more responsibilities.

Finally, I believe that marriage has a great impact on person's life. Marriage means an independent life from one's parents with a new person. It is a very great experience. Two persons create a new family and they face new difficulties and responsibilities.

In conclusion, I think that the list of events that make a person an adult can be continued. For example, getting a driving license has sometimes a very great impact on person's life. Another important event in a person's life is the army. I know many young men who served in the Army that changed them very much. They became more serious, self-confident and independent people. So, my point is that every person has different events that influenced his life and make him an adult.

 Groups or organizations are an important part of some people’s lives. Why are groups or organizations important to people? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

Man, through the ages, has undergone many changes from the time when he lived in the caves to nowadays when he lives in a comfortable apartment. But one thing that remains the same is that people always lived in groups and organizations such as families, the smallest group, and tribes, the bigger group. I think that the reason why people live in groups is because we need communication and what is more important we need support to survive. So, from old times to nowadays people merged in groups because it made them stronger and helped to overcome many obstacles and difficulties. In the following paragraphs I will give my reasons and examples to support my answer.

First of all, people need to communicate with each other. We need to share out ideas and thoughts with each other. I think it is very important to know that someone think the same way one does and supports one. In addition, communication is one of the features of reasonable animals. All animals that can communicate with each other live in herds and support each other when one of them is in need.

The second reason, why I think groups and organization are important to people is because they make us stronger. For example, football team plays better then one player. Another example is the ancient hunters. At old times people gathered in order to get food and survive in severe conditions. It was impossible for one man to kill a big animal, but when people gathered in groups their chances increased. Scientists say that people survived because they lived together and supported each other.

For the reasons, which I mentioned above, I believe groups and organizations play an essential role in our life. Moreover, people's evolution would not be possible without them.

Some people believe that a college or university education should be available to all students. Others believe that higher education should be available only to good students. Discuss these views. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.

People learn through their entire lives. They constantly improve their knowledge and develop. I think that a college or university education should be available to all students because every person has the right to choose the way to self-perfection. Bellow I will give some of my reasons to support my position.

First of all, every person should have the chance to get a higher degree, gain new knowledge and experience. However, some people believe that higher education should be available only to good students. I think it is silly. It is like to make unavailable traveling for one who does not have IQ high enough.

Second of all, some young people do not do well at school but they have great personality and ability to learn. They are self-confident, persistent and patient. With these qualities they can get higher grades then their classmates who are talented but lazy. Imagine for example situation when a teenager gets high grades because his or her parents constantly make him or her study and help to do most of the homework. In this case a child does very good at school but I think a college can show the opposite results.

Finally, it is a discrimination against students to make available higher education only for good ones.

So, if a students does poor and gets low grades he/she should be sent down. But if a person was never given a chance to try himself/herself at college what to do in this case?

To sum up, I think that all young people should have the chance to get a higher education. To take or not this chance must be up to them.