Sample topics and questions

Is there any advertising that can be harmful to children?


Young people view more than 40 000 ads per year on television alone and increasingly are being exposed to advertising on the Internet, in magazines, and in schools. This exposure may contribute significantly to childhood and adolescent obesity, poor nutrition, and cigarette and alcohol use
Art
How do people in your country feel about art?
Art holds a special place in my country. In fact, there are many museums and art galleries where a wide range of local and international works of art are displayed. People from all walks of life visit them. They love art and appreciate artists.
How has art changed in the past few decades in your country?
I am no art expert, but as far as I can understand, art has certainly changed in the last few decades in my country. For example, before a few decades, any artwork, be it a drama performance, film, or painting work, used to be “original” and “thought-provoking”. But these days, most artworks are void of any particular “message” or sometimes bear complex meanings which could possibly reflect our society and lifestyle in general. Besides, before a few decades ago, artists were reluctant to stay close to “power and establishment”, but these days, their artworks act as some kind of “mouthpiece” of the “establishment” most of the times. Finally, in the past, artworks mostly reflected our own culture and tradition but they are more "universal" in these days.
Do you think children should study art in school?
Art is like food for the soul, and that’s why children can benefit a lot from learning at school. To start with, through learning art children can draw their “creativities” out in the light by painting some interesting art pieces or by acting in a certain way in drama class. Learning art may also increase patience and determination in children because it takes a long time and efforts to learn and understand this subject. Finally, it also promotes teamwork and problem-solving skills as the children learn to collaborate and compete with each other in order to do well in art classes.