How far can poorer countries benefit from scientific developments?

For and against points for poorer countries benefit from science

  • Present a broad interpretation of ‘poorer’.
  • Present a broad interpretation of ‘scientific’ to embrace technology/medicine etc.
  • the extent to which difficulties posed by pricing are insurmountable/avoidable, eg, declining prices; increasing affordability of new technologies; pricing of medicines may be slower to decline
  • ways in which companies/countries might not see it in their financial/political interests for poorer countries to profit
  • the problem of the ‘brain drain’ of talented scientists being attracted to richer countries for study, practice and research
  • the main beneficiaries actually are within a country – the state/individuals/particular groups
  • Poor countries may have other urgencies

How far can it be argued that wildlife tourism and zoos are the only ways to protect wild animals?

  • Observing animals in conservation areas and zoos can encourage practical concern for their cousins in the wild
  • Tourism can be vital for local economies
  • As last resort zoos can keep populations of wild animals that may disappear in the wild (provided zoo’s have the expertise)
  • Zoos cannot retain the genetic variability of a wild population
  • Threatened species need to attract cash to justify their protection and existence
  • There can be zoos without bars (but this is a weak argument since even with open spaces, a zoo is enclosed)
  • Opportunity for scientific research
  • Questionable when animals are simply kept for the entertainment of the public
  • The assumption of species superiority
  • Animals have consciousness, sentience, and intentionality
  • Their “natural” behaviours have to be recognised and catered for
  • The captive breeding of threatened species
  • Intense viewing of creatures can interrupt feeding patterns and cause stress
  • Captive animals can provide a genetic “lifeboat” for those in the wild
  • Opportunities to adopt an animal

‘The most effective learning takes place away from school.’ How far do you agree?

  • what do we learn outside school which is not generally available at/in school?
  • definitions of what constitutes ‘learning’ – informal/formal learning, ‘academic learning’, general life skills, etc
  • role of parents, grandparents, siblings, peer groups
  • rites of passage
  • importance of personal initiative – finding things out for oneself
  • homework is done outside school
  • how and what children might learn from the internet at home
  • the social environment in the school is essential for the working world

‘Sport is a greatly overrated activity.’ How far do you agree?

For and Against Points for Sports is Overrated Activity

  • health advantages of sport
  • ways in which sport might allow us to indulge competitive streak/combat etc. in ‘safe’/controlled environments
  • sport’s role in international politics
  • limitations of sport as a leisure activity (what it can’t do compared to more intellectual activities etc.)
  • what we mean by ‘sport’ – a very wide category; are some sports more/less ‘overrated’ than others?
  • coverage of sport in the media (e.g. at expense of other more pressing and important concerns)
  • views about financial outlay and costs

To what extent are Shakespeare’s works still relevant today?

Keywords: ‘To what extent …?’ and ‘still relevant’.

• Shakespeare keeps the reader/listener engaged: explores pertinent issues: challenges thoughts/opinions: plot, characters and themes are cleverly interwoven: emerging themes and ideas are timeless
• human flaws/faults, dilemmas and relationships transcend time
• characters being human is fallible, e.g. Macbeth being too ambitious and Hamlet struggling to come to terms with the death of his father
• love, friendship, betrayal and vengeance are timeless themes
• a voice is given to those marginalised in society, e.g. females in the later sixteenth/early seventeenth century
• the enrichment of the English language, e.g. Shakespeare is the most quoted author in the Oxford dictionary
• examples: ‘all’s well that ends well’, ‘the world is my oyster’ and ‘parting is such sweet sorrow’
• the entertainment value and range of subject matter, e.g. war, religious conflict, racial prejudice, class division

How far is it possible for societies to provide equal opportunities for all their citizens?

Equal opportunities for all citizens is an unrealistic goal.

  • What do we mean by ‘equal opportunities’ (a reference to gender, ethnicity, class etc.)
  • Economic and social factors at work in particular societies
  • How the provision of equal opportunities might be monitored
  • The obstacle of resistance to equal opportunities when rooted in cultural/religious issues
  • What about physically vs mentally disabled people?
  • Prisoners?

How important are brand names to consumers?

  • a range of techniques, including promotions, strap-lines and advertising are used to persuade us to buy (Read Article)
  • peer pressure influences conformity to consumer norms
  • role models and celebrities are used to endorse products
  • some consumers resist brand name marketing strategies
  • many consumers assume that brand names offer the best products and service and, therefore, remain loyal to the brand (Read Article)
  • many see brand names as a reflection of lifestyle choices.
  • Study on Car Buyers

Our choices are determined by experts and media personalities. How far do you agree?

For and against points for our choices are determined by experts and media personalities.

  • we are independent and can make our own decisions
  • experts can present technical and complex arguments that cannot be readily understood
  • the internet and electronic systems allow everyone access to goods from across the world, regardless of location
  • those in the media are prone to errors and inconsistencies that undermine their influence
  • art critics are less influential than friends and family in the choices we make
  • despite highly publicised campaigns, people still make consumer choices on price
  • celebrities can be very influential

Skyscrapers make powerful statements. What is your understanding of their significance?

• Tall buildings were found in past civilisations; pyramids in Egypt, medieval cathedrals and fortresses. The towers were a status symbol of the wealthy
• Competition to see who can build the tallest building
• The skyline can be an icon for the city
• Attracts tourists
• Are used when there is a shortage of building land
• A demonstration of the latest technology and architecture
• Symbolises the power and wealth of a state or country
• Often commercial buildings that may stand for financial success or vainglory
• The view! The penthouse
• Can be used to house many people in a small area
• Rooftops can be used as gardens and ways to save energy with solar power