• How important do you think family is? … (Why?)
• How much time do you spend with your family and what do you enjoy doing with them?
• What qualities does a close friend need to possess?
• With whom would you discuss a difficult personal situation, a family member or a close friend? … (Why?)

• What would you say your relationship with the arts is?
• Which kind of art are you most interested in?  (Why?)
• When was the last time you visited a museum, gallery or exhibition? What were your impressions on this visit?
• Who is your favourite artist? … (Why?)

• Who do you prefer to travel with? .. (Why?)
• Are you more fond of long or short distance travel?
• What has been your most exciting travel experience thus far?
• Name some things that you would never leave behind you when you travel.

• Do you prefer team sports or individual sports?
• What qualities do you need to possess in order to do well in a team sport?
• What do you think about extreme sports?
• What are the most popular sports in your country?

• What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of being famous?
• Who is your favourite celebrity? .. . (Why?)
• What would you be willing to sacrifice in order to be famous?
• Why do you think more and more young people nowadays long for fame and money?

• How often do you get around to working out?
• What are the pros and cons of doing physical activity?
• Have you ever had an amazing sporting experience?
• Are there any times that you would rather relax to unwind from the stress of your routine than be active?
• What has been your greatest sporting achievement?

• What would you consider to be your greatest achievement?
• What is success? Define it.
• Is money an essential part of success nowadays?
• Can massive failures ever contribute towards a person’s success?
• Have you ever failed miserably at something?

• How has the internet changed the way we communicate?
• What negative effects has the internet had on our social lives?
• Are you keen on talking on the phone? Why (not)?
• When was the last time you sent a personal letter?
• Which forms of communication will become obsolete?

• How important is our diet in living a healthy life?
• Would you ever consider having cosmetic surgery?
• Do you visit the doctor as often as you should?
• Are people aware of the dangers of cigarettes and alcohol?
• What is the best way of preventing or dealing with drug addiction?

• Do you know anyone who has been a victim of crime?
• Should any illegal substances such as marijuana be legalized?
• What is the most serious crime one can commit?
• What can we do to ensure that youngsters don’t get involved in criminal behaviour?
• What is the most common crime in your region?

Answer these questions: If you record your answers, state each question first, and then your answer. Record only three answers at a time.

• What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of buying a holiday online?
• In your opinion is working for a travel company a good job for young people? Why/Why not?
• Some people say that going away on holiday is a waste of money. What’s your opinion?
• Why do you think some people prefer to travel independently while others prefer to travel in a group?
• How do you think people can benefit from travelling to other countries?
• In future, do you think people will travel more, or less? Why?

• Do you think that people have the right priorities in life nowadays? Why/Why not?

• Some people say that certain jobs are overvalued and overpaid. What’s your opinion?

• What part does the media play in people’s expectations of life nowadays?

• Do you think that people’s expectations of what is achievable are too high nowadays? Why/Why not?

• Do you think that life is easier now than it was in our grandparents’ day? Why/Why not?

• Some people say that it’s only possible to be happy if you have a lot of money. What’s your opinion?

• What do you think is the most positive aspect of technology? Why?

• Some people dislike using technology. Why do you think this is?

• Do you think that life is generally easier now than it was in the past? Why/Why not?

• Some people say that computers are the biggest time-saving device in modem life. What do you think?

• The popularity of mobile phones means that people are always contactable. Is this a good thing?

• What effect do you think social networking sites have had on relationships?

• Which is more important in any job: qualifications, personality or practical experience?

• What type of jobs should be most highly-valued and paid? Why?

• Do you think it’s better to do one job all your life or change jobs frequently? Why?

• Should there be a compulsory retirement age or should people be allowed to work as long as they like? Why/Why not?

• Do you think that people can be taught to be good leaders in the workplace? Why/Why not?

• Some people say that it doesn’t matter what job you do – the most important thing is to enjoy doing it. What do you think?

• How important is it to follow trends in fashion? Why?

• Is it better to have a few close friends or a lot of acquaintances?

• Do you think that people’s interests and priorities change as they get older? Why/Why not?

• Some people say that having a high status is not the most important thing. What’s your opinion?

• Is it possible to be too rich? Why?/Why not?

• What kind of responsibilities do you think rich people have? Why?

• What’s the best way to find out what a job is really like?

• Do you think the media often gives a false impression of how glamorous some jobs are? Why/Why not?

• Do you think that some kinds of work are under-paid? Why/Why not?

• Some people say there’s no point in getting a university qualification nowadays because it’s better to get training while you work. Do you agree?

• How easy do you think it is to achieve a good work/life balance nowadays? Why?

• Is it a good thing to be ambitious? Why/Why not?

• Do you think that individuals can do very much on their own to protect things like these? Why/Why not?

• Do you think that children should be taught about conservation at school? Why/Why not?

• Some people say that it’s better to spend money on preserving what we’ve got than on inventing new things. What’s your opinion?

• Many young people feel that traditions are old-fashioned and not relevant to them. Do you agree with that view? Why/Why not?

• Do you think governments should work together to protect the environment? Why/Why not?

• Do you agree that in order to prepare for the future, we have to understand the past? Why/Why not?

Add your comments to the discussion.

Do the quizzes. If you get an answer wrong, make a note of that word, phrase or collocation in your vocabulary notes. Study them and try to use them as much as possible in your speaking and writing. Notice them in audio texts too.

This is an excellent website and you should explore the rest of the pages for CAE.

Share your opinion in the comments. How do you think AI should be used in education? How do you use AI to help you study or do homework? How good are your critical thinking skills?

This is a reading article and not a listening text.

Have you ever tried to use a touchscreen with anything other than your finger? What was it, and did it work?