Category: Outlines

‘I wish I were outdoors and not stuck in a classroom!’ Explain the possible benefits of learning in the open air.

Possible points for/against benefits of learning in the open air

• The importance of play in early education
• A break from the traditional curriculum
• Demands of a curriculum may be seen to conflict with freedom
• Various opportunities for inner-city children
• Theatre and drama
• Creative writing
• Health and safety concerns
• Improvement in cognitive ability
• Less exposure to traffic and pollutants
• Restorative and good for mental health
• In some countries, teaching traditionally takes place outside because of
climate or lack of buildings

To what extent is gun control a priority?

• More people have been killed by guns than by terrorist attacks
• Some argue that constitutional rights should not be set in stone; they
should be relevant to the times we live in
• Most gun violence is inter-communal
• Therefore the real priority is not gun control but the eradication of injustice
and the reduction of ghettos
• The various drug cartels might be seen as the root of the problem
• Violence is normalised in various ways, for example, video games
• Disturbed people would be less likely to acquire guns
• In homes guns can easily fall into the hands of the young
• The gun lobby and vested interests
• Limits to gun control – self-protection, hunting, other sports

‘Believing in evolution demands that one rejects the existence of a creator.’ Discuss.

Consider whether believing in evolution demands the rejection of the existence of a creator.

• The two can be compatible
• Scientists have been proven wrong
• Much depends on our perception of the created and the creator
• Monotheistic teaching and the book
• Logic versus faith
• Science and evolution
• GM and cloning
• Artificial intelligence
• Many prominent physicists believe in a creator God
• Revelation is endless – our exploration of the cosmos

‘People’s views matter as little in a democracy as in a one-party state.’ How far do you agree?

Points for whether people’s views matter as little in a democracy

• Consensus politics reduces the scope for change
• Public apathy
• The electoral system ensures that a truly popular government is unlikely
• Community involvement is often negligible
• Powerful interest groups are unchallenged
• The interests and needs of minorities are unrepresented
• Lack of diversity – women and minority ethnic groups
• General feeling of powerlessness
• If we deserve better, how do we go about achieving it?
• Corruption in public office
• Other views often do not count in one-party states

‘Adverts have to be memorable to be successful.’ Examine this claim.

Points for whether adverts have to be memorable to be successful.

• Eye-catching slogans
• Connection with the brand (verbal and visual cues)
• Create a storyline that connects to the audience
• Humour and satire can make adverts memorable
• Not just one-offs but a series which carry theme and character,
connecting to the brand
• Needs imagery which has an immediate impact
• Needs to be simple and clear
• Quality is essential, as part of a marketing strategy
• Depends on the medium (TV, magazine, billboard, internet)
• Jingles/music can be easily recalled to connect to the brand
• New products need as much factual information as possible.
• Celebrity endorsement
• High-end products do not require targeted marketing
• There needs to be an informed discussion with a reasoned conclusion