Category: Outlines

Evaluate how important it is for a person’s health, to spend time in the natural world.

Possible points for the importance of spending time in the natural world for a person’s health

  • assess the reasons why the natural world is important for physical and mental health
  • consider the possible limitations of nature in achieving physical and mental health
  • make a judgement based on a consideration of the evidence and argument put forward your stand on whether it is important to spend time in the natural world.
  • it is not always easy to discover nature when living in urban areas that have few or no parks
  • taking part in leisure activities in a green space is beneficial to a person’s health
  • the health benefits of working in a natural environment
  • the impact of prolonged time spent on the internet or a virtual world
  • nature can be harsh with storms, drought and famine sometimes leading to poverty and displacement of people
  • health benefits can be achieved through diet, indoor exercise and meditation or medical treatment
  • music, art and literature can also provide solace, healing and personal growth
  • working in a job you like, feeling needed and having family and friends can be a consolation.

Fossil fuel extraction belongs in the past not the future. Evaluate this statement.

Possible Points of discussion for fossil fuel extraction belonging in the past not the future.

  • consider the reasons why fossil fuels may be the energy of the past
  • assess the alternatives to fossil fuel extraction
  • make a judgement based on a consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
  • fossil fuels becoming depleted, due to excessive extraction of them in the past
  • fossil fuels are damaging the environment and considerably increasing pollution
  • the stability of the international order being threatened by the dependence on fossil fuels
  • fossil fuels no longer being a primary source in many countries as they have been replaced by renewable energy
  • renewable energy not being able to meet the energy demands of many countries
  • continual improvements made in increasing the efficiency of renewable energy generation
  • modern nuclear energy provides a safe and reliable source of energy
  • the dangers of neglecting fossil fuels when other methods cannot deliver or are too costly.

To what extent has traditional family life lost its importance in your country?

Possible points for discussing if traditional family life has lost its importance

  • examine the role of the traditional family in their country
  • consider how far traditional family life has lost its importance
  • make a judgement, based on the consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
  • the changing view of gender roles in society at large being reflected in life at home
  • less attention being given to the elders in society, with a resultant loss of respect
  • more knowledge of what is happening in the wider world provides alternative examples of family life
  • the influence of technology, especially on the young, meaning that family authority is eroded
  • most upbringing being still in the area of one’s birth, where tradition often prevails
  • how traditional values are linked to family structure and way of living
  • the impact of migration as people leave from or return to their countries
  • familial bonds being difficult to break, even when younger members leave the area.

The most successful businesses make the biggest profits. Evaluate this view.

Possible Points for discussing whether most successful businesses make the biggest profits

  • consider the importance of making profits in business
  • discuss other factors which may contribute to a business’s success
  • make a judgement, based on consideration of the evidence and argument put forward about most successful businesses.
  • businesses needing profits to survive; exceed their operational costs, gain market share and wide recognition of their brand
  • business owners, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders requiring the business to make a profit
  • alternative goals; providing a useful or novel product or service or solving an existing problem
  • some business owners simply wish to develop or share a skill, talent or love for their product or service
  • the calculation of ‘biggest profits’ depends on the scale of the business and its revenue-to-cost ratio
  • profit and ethics not being mutually exclusive; profitable businesses can more easily achieve philanthropy, ethical sourcing or greener practices
  • environmental, social, animal welfare or ethical credentials being a unique selling point
  • other success factors including market influence, brand recognition, customer service and treatment of employees.

Nations and peoples should always forgive the wrongs of the past. Evaluate this view.

Points discussing if nations and people should always forgive the wrongs of the past

  • show an understanding of the nature and role of forgiveness, in a national and personal context
  • discuss the extent to which past wrongdoing should always be forgiven
  • make a judgement, based on consideration of the evidence and argument put forward about.
  • the role of forgiveness for past wrongdoing in international relations
  • whether past actions can or should be forgiven depends on their intention, nature and impact
  • the severity, duration and reach of the impact of the wrongdoing needing to be taken into account
  • it being necessary to forgive the wrongs of the past in order to move forward and maintain economic, personal and diplomatic relationships
  • countries, their governments and people being more worthy of forgiveness if they show genuine remorse
  • attempts to make up for past actions and for repairing the damage done
  • some actions by countries, especially during the war, being so terrible that forgiveness may be extremely difficult
  • it may take a long period of time before forgiveness takes effect.

The media has become a dangerous part of daily life. To what extent do you agree?

Possible points for discussing if media has become a dangerous part of daily life

  • examine the role that media in its various forms must play in daily life
  • explore the extent to which media has become dangerous
  • make a judgement, based on the consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
  • the media benefits daily life in many ways as it is an instant form of communication
  • media can inform, educate and inspire people of all ages
  • it allows for the showcasing of talents and gives great entertainment
  • it being a simple means of promoting awareness of products, services, views and ideals
  • media isolating people resulting in various social and health problems
  • the promotion of extreme views can have a damaging impact on society
  • media can be one-sided and give narrow viewpoints on important issues
  • inappropriate media having a damaging impact on children and other vulnerable people

Evaluate whether poets have any role to play in society.

Possible points for whether poets have any role to play in society.

  • explore the various forms that poetry can take
  • assess the function and role of poets in society
  • make a judgement, based on the consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
  • poetry being a distinct literary art form, conveying a message in fewer words than a novel
  • poetry having historic and current roles being central to our culture
  • poets performing their work live as well as writing it down
  • new ideas about the understanding of poetry being established in the literary world
  • many poets writing in protest against various important current issues
  • poetry being conveyed by music, which may attract a wider audience
  • poets are not always looked at with favour, as many feel their role is not important in the world today
  • it is being difficult to engage young people in poetry as they argue that other subjects are more important.

To what extent do films have to be realistic to be enjoyable?

Possible points for discussing if films have to be realistic to be enjoyable

  • explore what constitutes realism in films
  • assess whether films need to be realistic to be enjoyable
  • make a judgement, based on the consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
  • films that are realistic in terms of drawing on real life
  • the need for realistic places and locations to engage the audience
  • the need for believable characters in believable scenarios to whom we can relate
  • the importance of realism in documentary films and their impact on the audience
  • escapism being the main reason for watching a film for many
  • a film may be more unpleasant to view if it is too realistic
  • some people watch films in order to view extraordinary people or situations
  • too much emphasis on real-life could render a film as dull.

There should be no limits to a country’s surveillance of its citizens. Discuss.

Possible points for limits to a country’s surveillance of its citizens

  • explore the extent to which a country uses surveillance to observe its citizens
  • evaluate whether there should be limits on a country’s surveillance
  • make a judgement, based on the consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
  • how surveillance is used to monitor people without their knowledge or approval
  • the moral implications of using spyware and other hidden software on devices
  • how the use of CCTV is ensuring the safety of a country’s citizens whilst removing privacy
  • the increasing use of fingerprint and facial recognition devices and their benefits and dangers
  • how companies are using data to profile and target us without our consent
  • the use of National Identity cards and the likely disenfranchisement of some citizens
  • the increasing use of listening devices and Smart items in everyday life
  • how increasing surveillance has helped law enforcement agencies to protect people.

To what extent is it necessary to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads of your country?

Possible points for discussing the necessity to reduce the number of vehicles

  • assess the number of vehicles on the roads
  • evaluate the extent to which it is necessary to reduce the number of vehicles
  • make a judgement, based on considering the evidence and argument put forward.
  • the need to reduce pollution and noise, especially in cities and towns
  • the negative impact of reducing the number of vehicles in terms of taxes,
  • jobs and technological developments
  • the constant need to replace road surfaces due to the number of cars
  • the need to create a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists and commuters
  • the commercial benefits of pedestrianised zones might include access for supplies and people
  • reducing the number of cars being bought would have a negative economic impact
  • many jobs in the manufacturing industry are linked to the number of cars bought each year
  • improvements in urban infrastructure are often due to increased car usage.