Cambridge Essay Questions – by Theme Sports ................................................ ......................................................................... .................................................. .................................................. .............................................2 ....................2 Social Issues...................................... Issues............................................................... .................................................. .................................................. .............................................2 ....................2 Personal ............................................... ........................................................................ .................................................. .................................................. .........................................2 ................2 Ethics/ Morality ................................................. .......................................................................... .................................................. ................................................... .............................3 ...3 Health .................................................. ........................................................................... .................................................. .................................................. .........................................3 ................3
.......................................................................... .................................................. .................................................. .................................4 ........4 Social trends ................................................. .......................................................................... .................................................. .................................................. .................................4 ........4 Animal rights ................................................. The Mass Media ................................................ ......................................................................... .................................................. ................................................... .............................5 ...5 Education................................................... Education.......................... .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .....................................5 ............5 Crime and Punishment ............................................... ........................................................................ .................................................. .............................................6 ....................6 Prejudice & Discrimination Discrimination .................................................. ........................................................................... .................................................. .....................................6 ............6 The Role of Men, Women and Family in Society ................................................. ........................................................................... .............................6 ...6 Teen Issues ............................................... ........................................................................ .................................................. .................................................. .....................................6 ............6 Work & Leisure .................................................. ........................................................................... ................................................... ................................................... ............................7 ...7 Culture ............................................... ........................................................................ .................................................. .................................................. .............................................7 ....................7 The Arts (in general) general) ............................................... ........................................................................ .................................................. .................................................7 ........................7 Language............................................... Language...................... .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .........................................9 ................9 Literature........................... Literature.................................................... .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .....................................9 ............9 Population.................................................. Population......................... .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .....................................9 ............9 Poverty.................................. Poverty........................................................... .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................9 ........9 Nationalism Nationalism ................................................ ......................................................................... .................................................. .................................................. .....................................9 ............9 War and Terrorism Terrorism .................................................. ........................................................................... .................................................. ...............................................10 ......................10 History................................... History............................................................ .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ...............................10 ......10 Regionalism Regionalism & Internationalism Internationalism .................................................. ............................................................................ ................................................... ..........................10 .10 Politics ............................................... ........................................................................ .................................................. .................................................. ...........................................11 ..................11 Economics ................................................. .......................................................................... .................................................. .................................................. ...................................12 ..........12 Environment.............................. Environment....................................................... ................................................... ................................................... .................................................. ..........................12 .12 Science & Technology Technology ................................................ ......................................................................... .................................................. ...........................................13 ..................13 S’pore Questions ............................................... ......................................................................... ................................................... .................................................. ..........................13 .13 Others....................... Others ................................................ .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ...........................................14 ..................14
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Sports 1. What effects has commercialisation had upon sport? (1989) 2. Does sport always contribute to international harmony and understanding? (1993) 3. ‘Sports which contain the risk of serious physical injury or death should be banned.’ How far do you agree with this view? (1996) 4. ‘What is important is not winning, but taking part.’ How realistic is this attitude in the world of sport today? (1997) 5. Is sport too closely linked to money these days? (2001)
Social Issues
Personal
1. How do you measure success in life? (1982) 2. “The greatest thing in the world is to be self-sufficient.” Do you agree? (1985) 3. “Neither a borrower nor a lender be.” Should we follow this advice in our lives today? (1989) 4. Choose one modern or historical person you most admire and justify your choice. (1991) 5. If you could choose to be endowed with a great gift or talent, which one would you choose, and why? (1992) 6.
‘A life without challenge and risk is not worth living.’ How far do you agree with this view? (1995)
7. How important is discipline in society? (1995) 8. Is greater life expectancy always desirable? (1996) 9. Consider the value in life of planning. (1996) 10. ‘Human beings have unlimited desires, but limited resources.’ Is it possible to reconcile the two? (1998) 11. Do arguments ever settle anything? (1999) 12. ‘The secret of a happy life is moderation in all things.’ Discuss. (1999) 13. ‘Being in fashion makes a person popular; being different makes a person special.’ Discuss. (1999) 14. A life of total luxury – dream or nightmare? (2000) 15. Is it always important to succeed? (2000) 16. Is friendly rivalry ever possible? (2002) 17. ‘The only worthwhile form of discipline is self-discipline.’ Discuss. (2003)
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Ethics/ Morality
18. What are “good manners”? Are they important? (1985) 19. Should all forms of gambling be abolished? (1989) 20. Franklin D. Roosevelt said that the world should be founded upon four freedoms: freedom of speech; freedom of worship; freedom from want and freedom from fear. Which, in your opinion, is the most important freedom? (1990) 21. ‘Far too little attention is paid to the needs of the handicapped.’ Discuss. (1990) 22. ‘Money is the root of all evil.’ Do you agree? (1991) 23. Can telling lies ever be justified? (1992) 24. ‘The truth should always be told, whatever the cost.’ Should it? (1993) 25. ‘The strong do what they will; the weak do what they must.’ Discuss. (1994) 26. Should promises always be kept? (1995) 27. Is personal morality the concern of the State? (1996) 28. ‘One’s first duty is to one’s nation; only afterwards to oneself and one’s family.’ Discuss. (1996) 29. ‘Where business and industry are concerned, the profit motive must always be the main priority.’ Is this attitude acceptable? (1998) 30. ‘The first duty of a doctor has always been to preserve life.’ How far can this principle still be maintained? (1998) 31. ‘Idealism brings disillusionment; realism brings results.’ Discuss. (2000) 32. Can the trade in weapons ever be justified? (2002)
Health
33. Which is the more important, to cure disease or to prevent it? (1985) 34. Should tobacco-smoking be discouraged or even banned? (1986) 35. What diseases are most prevalent in your part of the world and how can they be combated? (1987) 36. How can we as individuals become healthier? (1988) 37. Discuss the ways in which attitudes to health have changed in your society and the effects which have resulted. (1994) 38. ‘A preoccupation with physical fitness is the curse of modern life.’ Do you agree? (1999) 39. How far do you agree that health is the responsibility of the State, not of the individual? (2000) 40. ‘If people become ill it is largely their own fault.’ How far do you agree? (2002)
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Social trends
41. In what ways is the life style in your country changing today? (1987) 42. Loneliness is becoming an increasing social problem. Discuss the possible causes and suggest some remedies. (1991) 43. What changes would you like to see in today’s society? (1992) 44. ‘Modern methods of transport have transformed our world into a village.’ Is this a blessing or a curse? (1992) 45. Should human beings look forward to the next century more with optimism than pessimism? (1997) 46. ‘I am a Millionaire. That is my religion.’ To what extent has the pursuit of wealth become the modern goal? (2000) 47. Is it true that the old must now learn from the young? (2000) 48. ‘In the modern world, image is everything.’ Discuss. (2000) 49. Do you think that life today offers us too many choices? (2001) 50. Do you agree that city life is becoming increasingly unattractive? (2002) 51. To what extent are the young in Singapore favoured at the expense of the elderly?(2004) 52. Discuss the importance of religion in society today. (2004)
Animal rights
53. Are you for or against zoos? (1986) 54. ‘The place for animals is in the wild, not in zoos or circuses.’ Do you agree? (1993) 55. Do animals have rights and, if so, should they be protected? (1995) 56. Can the transplanting of animal organs into human beings ever be justified? (1999) 57. Is there a case for keeping animals in zoos? (2002)
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The Mass Media 1. Discuss the various methods of advertising and their effectiveness. (1983) 2. “Statistics can be both helpful and misleading.” Discuss, with examples. (1984) 3. Write a critical account of the newspapers and popular magazines produced in your country. (1986) 4. What are the merits of the cinema as a means of amusement and education? (1990) 5. ‘Television will eventually be the death of sport.’ Do you agree? (1991) 6. Should the Press be completely free? (1991) 7. To what extent should the private lives of public figures be the subject of media coverage? (1995) 8. ‘The media can largely be blamed for the world-wide increase in violence.” To what extent to you agree? (1996) 9. Compare the effectiveness of any two of the following as a means of news coverage: the radio, television, newspapers. (1997) 10. Should advertising be restricted in any way? (2001) 11. Can the media ever be relied upon to convey the truth? (2003) 12. Advertising encourages a desire for products which people do not actually need. Discuss. (2004)
Education 1. What changes, if any, would you like to see in your country’s education system? (1980) 2. What scientific knowledge should an educated person have? (1983) 3. Should one aim of education be the development of talent in such fields as music, art, drama? (1984) 4. Do schools try to teach too much? (1985) 5. How necessary is it for the non-scientist to have some knowledge of mathematics? (1987) 6. How can modern technology be used to aid learning in schools? (1988) 7. What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of a university education for a business man or woman? (1989) 8. Do you think there is any need for change in the educational system in your country? (1990) 9. ‘The main function of education should be to enable people to gain employment.’ Do you agree? (1994) 10. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being educated abroad. (1997) 11. Discuss the benefits and disadvantages which technological development is likely to have upon education in the near future. (1997) 12. ‘Education does not develop individuality but conformity.’ Is such a statement always valid? (1998) 13. Is a sound knowledge of science and technology essential for a well-educated person in today’s world? (1999) 14. ‘Conformity should be the main aim of all schools.’ How far is this true? (2002) www.thegptutor.com
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Crime and Punishment 1. Describe the system for maintaining law and order in your country. Can you suggest any improvements? (1982) 2. What do you consider to be effective means of keeping law and order in today’s society? (1988) 3. Discuss the reasons for crime among young people and the ways in which they can be encouraged to behave differently. (1993) 4. Consider the arguments for and against the use of the death penalty in a modern society. (1997) 5. Should the police have unlimited powers when dealing with crime? (2002)
Prejudice & Discrimination 1. Do you think girls should be given the same education as boys? (1981) 2. Is a world without racial conflict an impossible dream? (1993) 3. Examine some forms of prejudice in the world and consider the ways in which they might be tackled. (1997)
The Role of Men, Women and Family in Society 1. In general, traditional family ties are weakening. What effects is this trend likely to have on your society? (1980) 2. Describe the part that grandparents play in the family life of your country. (1981) 3. Do you agree that a woman’s most important role is that of wife and mother? (1984) 4. Discuss the qualities you would look for in an ideal parent. (1988) 5. Should marriage be a life-long commitment? (1995) 6. To what extent is a stable family vital for a successful society? (1997) 7. Discuss the view that children always suffer when both parents work. (1998) 8. ‘The world of the future will be a woman’s world.’ What are your views? (1999) 9. Is the idea of having one partner for life still a realistic one? (2001)
Teen Issues 10. What rights and responsibilities should teenagers have? (1989) 11. ‘The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are impatient of all restraint. They talk as if they alone know everything.’ These words were written many years ago. Are they true today? (1990) 12. Young people are slaves to fashion. Discuss. (1992) 13. ‘The teenage years are the best years of one’s life.’ Would you agree with this view? (1994) 14. Consider the criticism levelled at young people that their only values are self-centred ones. (1999) www.thegptutor.com
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Work & Leisure 1. What considerations have to be taken into account when choosing a career? (1983) 2. On what should rates of pay for work be based? (1985) 3. If life were one long holiday, would leisure then become as tedious as work? (1989) 4. Is it right that a ‘pop’ singer should earn more money than a nurse? (1990) 5. Is there sufficient provision for the leisure activities of teenagers in your country? (1990) 6. As technology advances, our leisure time is increasing. Do we need to be educated in how to use this time sensibly? (1991) 7. Eventually computers will allow people to work from home. Is this desirable? (1992) 8. ‘‘Work is the only route to happiness.” Discuss. (1992) 9. ‘The most worthwhile jobs are those with the least financial gain.’ Do you agree? (2001)
Culture 1. Apart from the need to earn a living, what arguments would you advance for the encouragement of local arts and crafts? (1980) 2. Which are the most important days in the calendar for the community to which you belong? Explain their significance. (1982) 3. Describe some of the interesting things that tourists are rarely shown when they visit your area. (1984) 4. Should efforts be made to preserve traditional forms of dress? (1985) 5. Can a country preserve its culture nowadays when subject continually to outside influences? (1986) 6. How important is ceremony in your country? (1987) 7. Is it foolish to believe in superstitions? (1989) 8. How far should architecture be both beautiful and practical? Discuss with reference to particular examples in your country. (1991) 9. Assess the ways in which the geographical features of your country have shaped its development and its people. (1993) 10. What in your view is distinctive about the culture of your country? Give examples to illustrate your answer. (1993) 11. How far do we agree that, in spite of all the changes in society, traditional values always remain the best? (1998)
The Arts (in general) 12. Discuss the appeal of either modern novels, or modern music, or modern drama. (1980) 13. Why paint when you can use a camera? (1981) 14. “Music is a kind of international language.” Do you agree? (1981) 15. What are the most popular types of film in your country and why? (1982) www.thegptutor.com
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16. Should a work of art always have to give you something to think about? Discuss in relation to either novels or paintings. (1982) 17. Consider the influence of pop stars and their music. (1982) 18. What do you understand by “fashion” and why does fashion change? (1983) 19. Discuss the part music plays in public and private life. (1983) 20. Do you agree that the primary purpose of the Arts, whether music, painting, drama or literature, is to entertain? (1985) 21. What makes a great film? (1986) 22. Music is purely for relaxation. Do you agree? (1986) 23. Which of the artistic talents would you most like to possess and why? (1987) 24. What is the place of music in modern life? (1989) 25. ‘All art is propaganda in some form.’ Discuss. (1990) 26. Consider the importance of drama in your country today. You may refer to live theatre, television and radio plays or any combination of these. (1994) 27. ‘It is impossible to prove that one art form is superior to another.’ Do you agree? Refer to specific examples from painting, music or literature to support your answer. (1995) 28. ‘Films which have the greatest appeal are usually those which have the least value.’ By reference to specific examples, consider how far this is a fair assessment. (1997) 29. ‘Enjoyable, but ultimately of little practical use.’ Consider the value of music or art or literature in the light of this comment. (1998) 30. In a world without books or music, what would be missing? Discuss with reference to specific examples. (1999) 31. ‘Public money should not be wasted on supporting the Arts; they should support themselves.’ Discuss. (2000) 32. ‘A film has one purpose – to entertain.’ Using examples, consider this view. (2001) 33. ‘A work of art can never be valued just in financial terms.’ Discuss. (2002)
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Language 1. How far do you think English is a good universal language? (1988) 2. ‘Mathematics is the most perfect language of all.” Discuss. (1991) 3. How far would a universal language be valuable and practical? (1995)
Literature 1. What significance do any two of the following have in the folk tales that you know (a) rivers, (b) forests, (c) mountains, (d) thunder and lightning? (1981) 2. What makes a best-selling novel? (1983) 3. What types of fiction do you enjoy reading and why? (1984) 4. “Education… has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish what is worth reading.” (G. M. Trevelyan). What do you consider to be worth reading? (1988) 5. Write a critical review of a book, play or film which you have read or seen. (1991) 6. ‘Reading novels is a waste of time.” Discuss. (1992)
Population 1. What contributions might be brought to a country’s culture by immigrants? (1980) 2. Discuss the causes and consequences of the refugee problems in the modern world. (1988) 3. Assess the arguments for and against the control of population. (1994)
Poverty 1. ‘If people are poor it is largely their own fault.’ How far would you agree? (1994) 2. Are the poor an inevitable feature in any society?(2004)
Nationalism 1. Every country has its special kind of natural beauty. What do you see as that of your own country? (1980) 2. Are there advantages in living in a multi-racial society? (1981) 3. How far should the teaching of history aim to foster pride in one’s country and its past? (1986) 4. What would you most miss about your country if you were obliged to live abroad permanently? (1988) 5. ‘It is a sweet and honourable thing to die for one’s country.’ The poet Wilfred Owen described this saying as ‘the old lie’. Do you agree? (1992) 6. Does pride in one’s country still have a place in the modern world today? (1999)
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War and Terrorism 1. In what circumstances is the invasion of one country by another justified? (1982) 2. Can terrorism ever be justified? (1987) 3. Has war ever been justifiable? (1988) 4. ‘Nuclear weapons have ceased to serve any purpose and should be abolished.’ Discuss. (1993) 5. ‘The decisive use of force is the only practical means to resolve territorial conflicts.’ Discuss. (1995) 6. ‘To ensure peace, it is vital to prepare for war.’ To what extent is such a viewpoint justifiable? (1998) 7. ‘The prospect of a Third World War is now unthinkable.’ Do you agree? (2002)
History 1. “All history books are biased.” Do you support this view? (1984) 2. What do you think have been the most important changes in your country during the last 100 years? (1991) 3. ‘Those who have no knowledge of the past are condemned to repeat it.’ Is a knowledge of history important? (1992) 4. Can anything worthwhile be gained from continued research into historical events? (1996) 5. Is a preoccupation with the past merely an escape from the present? (2000) 6. ‘History can never be anything more than an intelligent guess at what the past was like. The reality is inevitably lost forever.’ Do you agree? (2001) 7. Does a study of history make you optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the human race? (2002) 8. Is History anything more than the study of warfare? (2003) 9. Do the past and present offer any guidance for the future? (2004)
Regionalism & Internationalism 1. How do you think the world’s politicians could best promote more understanding and better relations among different nations? (1985) 2. What influence can the world’s non-aligned nations exert on the international scene? (1988) 3. What are the main causes of international tensions today? (1989) 4. What can be done to alleviate suffering in the world? (1989) 5. How can we build up friendship between nations? (1990) 6. To what extent can international aid be really effective? Refer to specific examples to support your case. (1996) 7. Is it ever right for one country to become involved in the internal affairs of another? (1997) 8. To what extent should richer nations help the poorer ones? (2000) www.thegptutor.com
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9. Discuss the extent to which global and national interests can be balanced. (2001) 10. In what ways does a country both benefit and suffer from where it is situated? (2001) 11. Can small countries have a significant voice in world affairs? (2004)
Politics 1. What lessons can be learnt from the study of past dictatorships? (1980) 2. How far and in what circumstances has the state the right to restrict the freedom of the individual? (1981) 3. What, if anything, have the great empires of the world achieved? (1983) 4. What priorities would you set for government expenditure and why? (1984,1993) 5. Politics is the art of persuasion. Discuss. (1986) 6. Is “one man one vote” the best way to choose a government? (1987) 7. “As society becomes more complex, we have more government and less freedom.” Discuss. (1989) 8. ‘Public campaigns are hardly ever effective.’ Is this true? (1993) 9. Is equality for all a realistic and desirable aim within a society? (1994) 10. ‘Good government requires the courage to take unpopular decisions.’ Discuss this statement, with examples to support your answer. (1996) 11. ‘The best test of a civilised society is the way in which it treats its weakest members.’ Discuss. (1996) 12. ‘In today’s world, power is determined by economic success, not by military might.’ Discuss. (1997) 13. ‘Freedom of speech is a basic right- as long as the speakers do not abuse it.’ Discuss. (1998) 14. ‘A benevolent dictatorship is the most effective form of government.’ How far would you agree? (1999) 15. ‘A good leader must always look beyond the needs of his or her country.’ Do you agree? (2003) 16. ‘People, not the government, should decide how to organize their lives.’ Is this a fair comment? (2004)
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Economics 1. Describe the effects of inflation in your country. (1980) 2. What do you understand to be the main differences between “developed” and “under-developed” countries? (1981) 3. Describe the part played by either the banking system or multi-national companies in the economic life of your country. (1982) 4. What scope is there for industrial development in your country? (1986) 5. How important is foreign trade to your country? (1987) 6. ‘Consider the advantages and disadvantages of the tourist industry for your country. (1993) 7. Economists do not control events, they merely respond to them.’ Discuss. (1994) 8. To what extent are small businesses preferable to large ones? (2003) 9. Have multi-national businesses had a positive or negative impact on your society? (2004)
Environment 1. Consider the importance of trees. (1980) 2. Discuss the benefits of and the problems caused by the artificial damming of rivers. (1982) 3. Consider how the transport system in your country might be improved. (1983) 4. Consider the importance of grass. (1984) 5. Why should a world wide afforestation programme be considered? (1986) 6. The problems of survival for mankind have never been so great as they are today. Do you agree? (1986) 7. Discuss the causes and consequences of erosion. (1987) 8. ‘The sea is a bottomless rubbish pit.” Discuss. (1991) 9. Should we be concerned about the “greenhouse effect”? (1992) 10. How far can we satisfy the world-wide demand for food and still protect the environment? (1997) 11. Consider whether noise is a problem in modern society. (1998) 12. ‘The only future for the car is its elimination.’ Discuss. (1998) 13. Evaluate the problems, and benefits, of the various ways in which society deals with waste materials. (1999) 14. How far is recycling the answer to the problem of waste? (2004)
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Science & Technology 1. What benefits are likely to result from an increasing use of computers? (1980) 2. Discuss with examples the relationship between pure and applied science. (1982) 3. “Scientists are the explorers of today.” Discuss. (1983) 4. How might advances in technology affect society and the individual in the near future? (1984) 5. How far should scientists be held responsible for the uses made of their discoveries? (1990) 6. Is space exploration worthwhile? (1990) 7. What scientific or technological advances have most affected modern life in your country? (1990) 8. ‘Science can never provide a final answer to things; it is only a way of studying them.” Do you agree? (1992) 9. In your opinion what are the most interesting current developments in science? (1993) 10. Examine the advantages and disadvantages resulting from the use of satellite technology. (1994) 11. ‘As science advances, the importance of religion declines.’ To what extent is this an accurate claim? (1994) 12. To what extent is continued research into nuclear power justifiable? (1995) 13. ‘Computer games have great appeal but little value.’ Is this a fair comment? (1995) 14. ‘For parents to choose the sex of their unborn child is neither natural nor desirable.’ Discuss. (1995) 15. Should any limits be placed upon scientific developments? (1996) 16. Why, in a scientific age, are people still interested in- or afraid of- the supernatural? (1996) 17. Is a world dominated by science a dream or a nightmare for future generations? (1998) 18. ‘Science never provides any solutions – it only poses more questions.’ Is this a fair comment? (2000) 19. ‘Computers and mobile phones have made us all worse at talking to one another, not better!’ What do you think? (2001) 20. Examine the implications of cloning for the human race. (2001) 21. ‘Science and religion will always conflict.’ Discuss. (2002) 22. Should medical science always seek to prolong life? (2003) 23. Does the modern world place too much reliance on technology? (2003) 24. ‘How inventions and discoveries are used is not the concern of the scientist.’ Do you agree? (2004)
S’pore Questions 1. How far can the needs of minorities be met in modern Singapore? (2003) 2. Was life for young people in Singapore better in the past than it is today? (2003) 3. ‘The family has suffered at the expense of career in Singaporean society.’ Is this a fair comment? (2003)
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Others 1. Discuss the relative importance to men and animals of the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. (1982) 2. Discuss the importance of colour in the world of nature. (1983) 3. How does the climate of your country affect the design and construction of its buildings? (1987) 4. Consider ways in which household furniture and equipment could be better designed. (1988) 5. Is air travel as safe as it should be? (1989) 6. ‘To live is to change.’ Is change always beneficial? (1994) 7. ‘Pets need us more than we need them.’ What do you think? (2000) 8. Discuss the appeal, and the dangers, of attempting to predict the future. (2001) 9. ‘Air travel creates more problems than benefits.’ Is this a fair comment? (2002) 10. Does the book still have a future? (2003) 11. ‘Statistics measure everything but prove nothing.’ Discuss. (2003) 12. Discuss the appeal and value of fantasy stories and films. (2004) 13. ‘Far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments.’ Do you agree? (2004)
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