Choose one of the following transportation vehicles and explain why you think it has changed people’s lives. Automobiles, bicycles, airplanes. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

The invention of the automobile is undoubtedly one of the humankind's greatest inventions. It had a great impact on people's lives. For several reasons that will be mentioned bellow I think that the invention of the automobile dramatically changed the way people lived before.

First of all, automobile allowed people to move faster from one place to another. This in one's turn dramatically increased people's life pace. Distance was no longer of that importance. It was a new means of communication.

Second of all, nowadays it is rather difficult to imagine life without a car. People can not do virtually anything without a car. Just imagine for a moment that one does not have a car. One needs to go an office, get a haircut, buy some food, watch a movie, meet one's friend, etc. To get all these done he uses a car to move fast from one place to another.

In addition, people can travel using their own vehicle. It is great because one can travel independently, without any train schedules.

Finally, I think that the invention of the automobile was inescapable. People could not continue using trains and horses to meet their life requirements. Moreover, just imagine for a moment how many horses people would need nowadays. I think we would talk about horse overpopulation as well as human overpopulation.

Unfortunately, the invention of the automobile has some negative aspects. The most obvious aspect of this is road accident. Many people every day suffer from different injuries. Also, with the  invention of the automobile humankind came across with a problem of air pollution. A huge amount of cars every day throw out many poisonous matters in the air. I believe that soon we all will be able to exchange our cars for those, which use sun energy instead of fuel.

Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

Some people prefer to travel with a companion. However, other people like to travel alone. Personally, I think these two options have their advantages and disadvantages. I state my opinion on the following points.

From the one side, traveling with a companion can bring many benefits. First of all, traveling with a companion is safer for several reasons. If travelers got lost in a strange city it is easier to find a way back. They can support and help each other if something happened and one of them is hurt. As for me I prefer to travel with a companion if we travel by car. I think it is very dangerous to be on a strange road by one's self. One more reason to have a companion in a car is that they can change each other if one of them is tired. Second of all, traveling with a companion is more exciting and interesting. They can share all beautiful moments and new experiences. Finally, it helps to save some money because companions can share all expenses on gas, hotels, etc.

From the other side, traveling alone can bring many benefits too. For example, one does not have to do things he does not want to. If one is tired he does not have to go to a bar with his friend only because he does not want to leave him alone. Moreover, sometimes I personally want to be alone and enjoy all beauty around me. I can relax and contemplate about my life sitting on a beautiful cliff.

To sum up, I think traveling with a companion is better. However, sometimes I prefer to be alone by my self in a strange city. It gives me the feeling of adventure and I like that.

Some universities require students to take classes in many subjects. Other universities require students to specialize in one subject. Which is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

I think the issue about what is better to specialize in many subjects or choose the one is a controversial one. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some people prefer to specialize in one subject and know it very well. However, others prefer to extend their range of interests and specialize in many subjects but not in detail. Bellow I will give reasons to support my position.

From the one side, learning something in detail brings many benefits. First of all, people gain more knowledge and experience in this area. So, after graduation they are well prepared for their further career in this field. Second of all, they do not spend their precious time on other subjects. This gives them the opportunity to focus on one subject.

From the other side, people who specialize in many subjects have more options to choose from. For example, if a person does not make a decision about what he is going to do after graduation it is a very good chance for him to try many fields of study and make the right decision. In addition to this practical benefit a person have the opportunity to extend his range of interests, his communication skills and have better conceptions of things around. Also, a person has a better chance to choose what he really likes to do and make self-realization.

To sup up, I think that every person should have a chance to choose. Does he want to specialize in one subject or he wants to take classes in many subjects.

You have the opportunity to visit a foreign country for two weeks. Which country would you like to visit? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

I am a person who likes to travel. I think traveling is a great opportunity to meet new people, gain more knowledge and experience, learn new customs and traditions. I did not travel a lot yet, but I am sure I will have a chance to do it. So, if I had the opportunity to visit a foreign country I would visit Egypt. I think it is a great and very interesting country with marvellous history. In the following paragraphs I will give some reasons to support my choice.

First of all, I always dreamed to visit Egypt pyramids. My aunt visited Egypt a few years ago. She was very excited after that trip and said that she would return there one more time at any cost. She said that Egypt had impressed her very much with its glorious pyramids and ancient buildings. Second of all, I think that in that country one can touch history, feel the hard breath of workers building a pyramid under the parching sun, see the chain of camels walking in the desert with the huge trunks full of presents for Cleopatra on their humps. Finally, I want to see a real dessert and ride the camel. All my friends who rode the camel say that it is an unforgettable experience.

I believe that I will have a chance to visit this beautiful country someday. Unfortunately, now I have plenty of plans and things to do, so, I am afraid that I will not be able to travel for the next two years. I want to finish my education and then find a job, and these things have higher priority then traveling. My husband wants to visit this country too and we made an agreement to make our trip to Egypt on our  five years anniversary which is in two years.

In conclusion, I want to add that after my trip to Egypt I will definitely visit Australia. This country is the second one on my list the most wanted to see. 

Some people prefer to spend time with one or two close friends. Others choose to spend time with a large number of friends. Compare the advantages of each choice. Which of these two ways of spending time do you prefer? Use specific reasons to support your answer.

Friends are people who support us through our lives. Some people prefer to have one or two close friends. However, others prefer to spent their time with many friends. I think that the number of friends depends on one's personality. Personally, I prefer to have a couple of close friends. In this essay I will analyze both cases and present my view in favor of having a few close friends.

First of all, a person can establish closer relationships with a few friends. They can spend their time together, relax, watch a movie in a silence that does not feel awkward. Second of all, close friends have more familiar atmosphere. They can share many beautiful moments and thoughts. For example, I have only two close friends - my husband and my class-mate. I can share my worries and great news and can tell everything  to them.

From the other side, having many friends can be hard and stressful. One has to spend his or her time with each of them. I think it is not healthy because a person does not have time to relax and contemplate about his/her own life. I know this type of people. They like to be in the center of everyone's attention. They talk a lot, make jokes, tell stories and rumors. Unfortunately, they basically do not have true friends. They just play and pretend to be friends with other people. There is no doubt they succeed in it, but they spend so much time listening to other's worries and troubles and entertaining them that they practically do not have time for themselves. In addition, it is difficult and almost impossible to relax, discuss interesting issues and just be oneself.

To sum up, I am totally agree with the statement that "a friend in need is a friend indeed". I am sure that my close friends will always help me and never betray or turn me down. However, a large number of friends does not allow to establish close and deep relationships.

A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do you think this person would like and dislike about living in your town or city? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.

I am from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. It is a very beautiful city that attract many people every year. My close friend is going to move here after her graduation. She already found a job and she asked me to help her with an apartment. Knowing her very well I think I can enumerate the majority of things she will like and dislike about my city.

First of all, I believe she will like a huge amount of museums, theatres, movie theatres, etc. My friend is from a small town, so, she can not enjoy all these benefits at her native town. Second of all, it seems to me that she will like the way people live here. The pace of life is much faster here then in a small town. People are always in a hurry, they try to catch a bus, then they run to the nearest subway station, go to an office, meet new people, etc. Also, I think my friend will like people here. They are very friendly and ready to offer a help to those in need.

Unfortunately, my friend will not surely like some things. As a result of a huge amount of cars and factories the air is polluted here. One more thing she will definitely not like is the weather. It is quite humid here.

However, I think she will also like the public transport here. The bus service are run by the Government and it is quite regular. If one in a hurry he can take a taxi, which also is quite cheap and provide a good transport.

In conclusion, I believe that in spite of all mentioned above disadvantages she will like this city.

People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

College is a place where people go to increase their knowledge, to prepare for a future career, to get a new experience, to meet new people. Of cause, different people have different reasons to attend college, but all of them want to change their life for better. In this essay I will give the basic reasons and explain why people go to college.

First of all, every person wants to improve his or her life. So, college is one of the places that helps one get more from his life, to meet more opportunities. Knowledge is a power that can be gotten through studding. After graduation people may get better job and completely change their career and life.

Second of all, people go to a college to get a new life experience, which is very important because students learn to take care of themselves. Many of them  work during their college years and earn their first money. It is really great and exiting. They learn how to save money and keep house, how to arrange their time in order to get all things done etc.

Additionally, students learn how to co-operate and communicate with each other. Many of them have to live with a roommate. From the first sight, it may seem difficult to live with  a completely strange person, but it helps one to be friendlier, more supportive and it helps you save some money.

In summary, I would like to add that graduation is one of the major goals people try to accomplish in their life, because after that many beautiful, exciting changes will happen. That changes will make a person proud of himself. 

People work because they need money to live. What are some other reasons that people work? Discuss one or more of these reasons. Use specific examples and details to support

I think there are two types of people. The first type is people who work for money, another type is people who work for self-realization. I state my position on the following points.

First of all, people who work for self-realization like their job. Money is not important for them, they need satisfaction. I believe that this kind of people makes our evolution and history. They aspire after new inventions and discoveries overcoming all obstacles on their ways. I think that these people are very interesting because they know a lot, read many books and have their own life experience. Of course they need money for some essential needs such as food and cloth, but they do not need them for luxury houses or expensive furnishings. Many scientists are people who devote their lives to new knowledge and discoveries.

Second of all, I believe that people need self-realization. It gives them opportunity to contribute in world's history and share their knowledge and experience with other people. I think it helps them to realize that they are needed by humankind and will not be forgotten. This is priceless.

To sum up, I think that people's aspiration after self-realization is the main reason why we have now good medicine, different means of communications, many devices to make our lives easier, etc. 

People remember special gifts or presents that they have received. Why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Receiving gifts is always very exciting. I think that all people like to receive presents from their relatives, friends, co-workers, etc. Personally, I am sure that a person does not remember all gifts he has received because it is impossible. However, I know that all people remember a few gifts that were special. Why people remember those special gifts?

First of all, I believe that people remember special gifts because they were from very close and dear people. For example, I remember my parents presented me a ring when I was sixteen years old. It was not an expensive ring but it was very valuable for me and when I left my home and moved to another city I often looked at that ring and felt like my parents were somewhere near me. I felt their support and understanding. It is like people who are close to us give their small parts of their sole with that gift. They want us to remember them and they want to make us happy. These gifts are very valuable for people of all countries and nationalities.

Another reason why people remember special gifts because they were exactly what people wanted to have for a long time, but for some reasons, for example, they just could not afford those things, they did not buy them. So, when they receive those things as  gifts it makes them very happy and they remember those moments for a long time. When I was a child my mother could not buy me a bicycle because we did not have enough money at that time. So, when my grandfather bought me my first bicycle it was the happiest moment in my life. Moreover, he personally taught me how to ride and I spent all my spare time after that event cycling.

To sum up, I think that people remember special gifts because they presented with love

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? With the help of technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

From my everyday experience and observation I can state several factors, which defend the statement that with the help of technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly.

First of all, the latest inventions of humankind dramatically improved our life. Nowadays we can move from one place to another more quickly, we do not spend much time cooking, we have many different recourses of information and means of communication. So, our life now is more dynamic and changeable. During our day we receive a huge amount of information and process it. Students at the same time have more resources to get information they need. They can go to a library, the nearest bookstore, or borrow it from a friend or even download it from an Internet. I think It is great. Instead of waiting for one's turn to get a book in a library, one can print it from a file downloaded earlier. The great thing about it that one can print only those pages he is interested in and also make marks on the pages to mark important ideas.

Another important aspect of this is the advantages of using computer the greatest invention of the last century. Students do not have to spend their time by writing and re-writing many papers. It is really time-consuming. They just type information in and may use many useful features such as "copy", "past", "delete", "save", etc. Also, sometimes students do not have to write down lectures because they already have them on their computers.

Internet plays an important role in our life now. We can communicate with the people who are on another part of the planet. We also can get the latest news very quickly. People can ask for a piece of advice or find different kinds of information on the Internet. Students can get their degree on-line, register for classes, communicate with professors, take tests and even listen to a lecture.

I think the great part in it that students may more effectively arrange their time. They can get their task by e-mail and stay home to do it. It really saves time and make studying more fun especially if a person has to work in order to pay his or her tuition.

To summarize, I think that many last inventions improved students' life and allowed them to concentrate more on studying.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? There is nothing that young people can teach older people. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

I have to totally disagree with the statement that there is nothing that young people can teach older people. For several reasons, which I will mention bellow, I think that young people can teach older people many things.

First of all, young people intend to learn new things faster. They faster learn new technologies. Second of all, young people are more motivated. They aspire to succeed and make a good career, which requires good knowledge and experience. So, they try to get more knowledge and experience from different sources like Internet, books, newspaper, magazines and of cause from conversations with other people. In addition to this young people bring many fresh ideas to the team they are working in. For example, when my friend was hired as a software developer he surprised everybody with his energy, a bunch of new and fresh ideas about what could be done to improve the process. He was the youngest person in the team but everybody listened to him and it was like a fresh air, an impulse, which made everyone work harder.

Finally, young people often know more about new technologies. For example, my husband is 26 years old and he is a good professional in software development. So, he is often asked to read a lecture for different companies and audience. Needless to say, the majority of people who attend those lectures are older than my husband.

To sum up, I think that young people have many things to teach older people. Moreover, I think that people from every generation have something to learn from each other. People learn through their entire lives from books that hold the experience and the history of previous generations as well as from their own experience and experience of the younger people.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A zoo has no useful purpose. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

I think that the question about whether a zoo has no useful purpose is the one that is open for debate. It is a topical question nowadays. Some people believe that a zoo has an essential and cognitive purpose. However, other people believe that a zoo has no useful purpose and people should observe wild animals in their nature. Personally, I think that both options have their advantages. In the following paragraphs I will analyze these points and present my own view in favor of people who think that animals should not be kept in a zoo.

From the one side, a zoo has many benefits for people. First of all, children can learn about animals not only from books and TV programs but from actually watching them alive. They can see animals, touch them and even feed them. I think it is an amazing experience for a child. He gains more knowledge and experience from this "communication" with an animal. Second of all, a zoo is a perfect place for adults to see many animals that people are not able to see in their lives.

However, from the other side, I keep asking myself  "What kind of benefits wild animals have from a zoo?". Unfortunately, I can not find any of them. I think that wild animals should live in their nature environment. Moreover, I think that we should observe them through TV programs sitting in our favorite chairs,  or people who like danger should try to observe them in the native environment. I think that animals are not toys. I know that most zoos try to keep their animals in the environment which is close to their native, but they can not give them as much freedom as animals want to.

To sum up, I think that wild animals should not be kept in a zoo. Personally, I enjoy more watching "Discovery Channel" then watching a black bear who does not know where to hide from the scorching sun in a Texas zoo.

Some people believe that students should be given one long vacation each year. Others believe that students should have several short vacations throughout the year. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

The issue whether students should be given one long vacation each year or they should have several vacations throughout the year is the one that is open for debate. Some people believe that students should have a few short vacations. However, others believe that one long vacation each year have more benefits for students. Personally, I think that every position has advantages as well as disadvantages. In the following paragraphs I will analyze these opinions and present my view which is that students should have one short vacation and one long vacation every year.

From the one side, one long vacation every year can bring many benefits to the students. First of all, students will have the opportunity to work full time during this vacation. They will be able to earn some pocket money or even money to cover the cost of their education. I think it is a great experience. Moreover, students will be able to be more independent, they will learn how to earn money and how to spend them more carefully. I am from Russia. Unfortunately, I do not have any experience in the USA in this field, but in my country students can barely combine their education with their jobs. So, basically, students in Russia have the opportunity to earn some money only during long vacation. Second of all, one long vocation gives students a great opportunity to travel, to learn more about other countries, their traditions and customs, gain more knowledge and experience.

From the other side, several short vocations bring a few benefits too. First of all, students have the opportunity to have a rest throughout the year. They can spend more time exercising, muster their strength for another term and then get higher grades. Second of all, during short vocations students usually have better opportunity to prepare for the incoming exams. Finally, usually a long vocation has a negative aspect: from my own experience students tend to forget many subjects they studied earlier. So, a couple of first weeks is usually spent on reviewing an old material.

To sum up, I think that in this case an intermediate position can be taken. Students should have one long vocation in summer and one short vocation in winter.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Universities should give the same amount of money to their students’ sports activities as they give to their university libraries. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Some people believe that universities should give more money for the sports activities. They claim that importance of libraries and sports are the same. I can not completely agree with this statement. In the following paragraphs I will give some basic reasons why I think that way.

I am a former student and I know all advantages that can be given by libraries. First for all, it is the cheapest way to prepare for the incoming lecture, to do the homework, to make a research and just to read some books. From my point of view, it is very important to supply the libraries with the new books, magazines, journals and newspaper. Second of all, libraries are the places where students can spend a few hours reading between lectures if their schedule does not allow them to go home.  So, libraries must be light and large enough, have comfortable chairs and tables. A third reason, why a good library is so significant for a student, is that it is a free access to computers and an Internet. If a student can not allow to buy himself a computer or an access to the Internet he can use it there. I like libraries because  it is a good place to meet and communicate with each other, serf the Internet looking for the last news, read some books that you do not want to buy and just relax to the accompaniment of the pages.

As for sports activities, I think it must be up to a person. First of all, he or she goes to a university to gain knowledge, not lose some weight or  work out. Second of all, a student must arrange his or her time in order to have time to exercise. However, I must say that every university should have a few playing-fields, a pool and a fitness center where students may have a rest after strained days.

One more reason to have really good libraries is that it can save not only money but time for students. A person has not to drive to the bookstore to get materials he or she is looking for. So, a library can save time that then can be spent on a sport.

To summarize, I think libraries must stay the main resource of knowledge. So, if a university has some extra money they should be spent on the new books, new software and new equipment for the libraries.

Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience. Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning about life. Which do you think is preferable? Use specific examples to support your preference.

From my everyday experience and observation I can stand that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience. However, some people think that it is wiser to learn about life through listening to the advice of family and friends. It does not mean I totally disagree with this way of learning. Moreover, I think that it is wise for a person to take an intermediate position because each of these ways has its own advantages. Bellow I will give my reasons to support my point of view.

From the one side, learning through one's personal experience brings many benefits. First of all, scientists say that personal experience has greater impact on a person. I have to agree with this. Take for example children. They will not believe their parents that something can hurt them until they try it and make sure in it. Furthermore, most likely they will remember this experience longer. Second of all, people learn how to analyze their mistakes, make conclusions and next time try to avoid them. So, I think it is a great experience that makes people stronger, more self-confident and persistent. They gain more knowledge and experience that will be very helpful and valuable in the future.

From the other side, listening to the advice of family and friends brings many benefits too. Parents with great patience pass down their knowledge and experience to their children. They teach them all they know and they want their children do not make the same mistakes. In addition to those practical benefits, learning from someone's advice is painless. For example, parents nowadays very often talk to their children about drugs. I think it is a great example when one should not try drugs in order to gain new experience. I think it is a case when children must trust their parents.

To sum up, I think it is wise to combine both of these ways to learn and try to analyze personal mistakes as well as not personal. I think together they can greatly simplify one's life and make the way to success shorter.

Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Man, through the ages, has undergone many changes, from the times when he depicted a herd of mammoth on a wall of a cave to nowadays when he drives a car, watches TV and surfs an Internet. I believe that all achievements that were made by humankind are possible only because people always learnt from their past. In fact, the definition of learning includes the idea of accumulation of experiences from the past with present knowledge. So, I must totally disagree with the statement above that learning about the past has no value.

The first reason for this is that human evolution was possible only because  people accumulated their experience and knowledge of ancestors and it helped them to make a step forward. Second of all, they analyzed their mistakes and tried to avoid them next time. People tried to improve their life by learning from the past. Just imagine that every one would have to discover by himself that 2 + 2 = 4 or that fire can be harmful. Furthermore, all knowledge that we have now is a result of the constant work of our ancestors.

Another important aspect of the fact that our past is essential is that past makes us doubt. Take for example the fact that a few centuries ago people were sure that the Earth was flat. Next generations with their new experience proved that the Earth was round. I believe that it happened not because scientists did not know about previous achievements in this area but because their new observations made them doubt about the well-known fact and they developed the new theory.

In addition, if follow the statement that our past has no value for us then we should not take experience and any advices from our parents. Imagine, that we learn by ourselves how to speak, walk, drive car, cook, read, etc.

To summarize, I think that learning from the past is even more important then our own experience. One can not move forward if he does not realize why and where he is now.

Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

The issue whether working for a large company is better than working for a small company is a controversial one. From my everyday experience and observation I think that every option has its advantages and disadvantages. I base my opinion on the following points.

From the one side working for a large company brings many benefits. First of all, one has better medical insurance, higher salary. Often employees of a large company has less responsibilities. Moreover, they feel more secure because their company has more clients and this means better chance to survive on the modern market.  However, one working for a large company has less chance to be promoted because one's manager does not want to lose his or her job unless she or he is promoted too. Also, from my observation, managers of a large company do not pay much attention to one's solutions and suggestions.

From the other side working for a small company has many advantages too. Firstly, one has better chance to be promoted. Secondly, one can talk to the owner of the company about any improvements that can be done in order to get more profit. Another important aspect of working for a small company is the opportunities to find out more about how company works. As a result of this one can gain more experience and get better recommendations. However, this also has some disadvantages. For instance, one can get less salary, worse medical benefits, etc.

To sum up, I think that every person chooses for himself what he or she wants. If one wants better career and more responsibilities then a small company is better choice. Otherwise, working for a large company may be a good option too.

In your country, is there more need for land to be left in its natural condition or is there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

I am from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. I think that the question about whether land should be left in it is natural condition or there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry is the one that is open for debate. Personally, I believe that it is a controversial question, because every option has its advantages. However, in this situation an intermediate position can be taken. In the following paragraphs I will give my reasons to support the answer.

From the one side, saving land in its natural condition brings many benefits. First of all, many wild animals will thrive in our forests. Unfortunately, nowadays many wild animals are endangered because they do not have place to live and there are not enough food for them. Second of all, our children will be able to learn about animals not only from books but also from observing them in their natural environment. In addition to those benefits our air will be cleaner because many forests will clean it from pollution and make it fresher.

From the other side, deforesting our land and building many new constructions can have a few positive aspects. For example, building new industrial buildings may have a positive impact on the country's economy. Many new companies will have the opportunity to produce more goods and as the result of this the country will receive more money from abroad and this will lead to the improvement of the economy on the whole.

To sum up all mentioned above, I think that we need to be more careful with the natural resources we consume and, moreover, we can do something to preserve them. For example, companies that produce lumber can also resume the resources of wood by planting new trees there. This way we can preserve our land and save it from defrosting. I must agree that it is difficult for Russia at this moment not to develop land for housing and industry because the country needs money and strong economy, but I believe that many new factories can replace the old ones without developing new land. So, my point is that we must extend the production of new goods but not at the expense of the wild animals and their land.

You need to travel from your home to a place 40 miles (64 kilometers) away. Compare the different kinds of transportation you could use. Tell which method of travel you would choose. Give specific reasons for your choice.

If I had to travel 40 miles away from my home I would be considering the following means of transportations: a car, bicycle and bus. Every of this methods of transportation has advantages as well as disadvantages. In this essay I will analyze all of them and present my view in favor of traveling by a car.

Traveling by bus brings many benefits. First of all, one does not have to drive. So, I can just relax and enjoy the view from my window. Second of all, it is cheaper. I will not have to buy gasoline or pay for the car insurance. However, traveling by bus has a few disadvantages as well. For example, I will have to follow the bus schedule. Another important aspect, I will not be able to arrange the speed or make a stop when I need to.

From the other hand, traveling by bicycle is a great exercise. Secondly, it is pollution free. However, It can take too much time and at the end of my trip I will be tired and exhausted. In addition, I will most likely need a shower and some rest.

In contrast, traveling by car brings many advantages. First of all, I can arrange my speed as I want to. If I am in  a hurry I will speed up a little. Otherwise, if I am not in a hurry, I can make some stops and enjoy the surroundings or have a lunch in the nearest bar. Second of all, I do not depend on a schedule like with traveling by bus. So, I can start my trip when and where I want to. In addition to those practical benefits, traveling by car is the fastest way. Another important aspect of this if I am traveling with my friends, we can talk, listen to the radio we like and discuss everything we want. A car can give us privacy. Of cause, I will have to pay for gasoline and traveling by car is not as save as traveling by bicycle or bus but I think it can not change my mind.

To sum up, I think that I would 

Some people trust their first impressions about a person’s character because they believe these judgments are generally correct. Other people do not judge a person’s character quickly because they believe first impressions are often wrong. Compare these two attitudes. Which attitude do you agree with? Support your choice with specific examples.

Some people think that first impression about a person is the most correct. However, other people disagree and believe that first impression is often wrong. From my everyday experience and observation  I can stand that the first impression about a person is very often incorrect. In the following paragraphs I will list my reasons to support my answer.

First of all, when people meet for the first time they often do not have time to get to know each other or even have a conversation. So, sometimes all they remember is how they looked. Personally, I often myself judge a person by his or her external appearance. Fortunately, I many times made sure of  the incorrectness of my judgments. For example, when I met my future husband for the first time he made an impression of frown and not talkative person and, frankly speaking, I did not like him at all. We did not have a chance to talk, but his cloth and manners gave me that impression. However, after we were introduced to each other and had a long talk I changed my opinion about him. He happened to be a very sensitive and kind person.

Second of all, I believe that the true impression about a person can be made only after people spent at least a few weeks with each other and were in different situations including extreme and danger ones. I think that a person shows his or her internal characteristics when in danger. Moreover, some people, especially celebrities, tend to hide their weaknesses and not attractive sides in order to please an audience.

In conclusion, I believe that first impression is very often wrong. I must confess that I unconsciously judge a person by his or her first appearance but I tell my self that this is subject to change and try to keep my opinion with me.

Which would you choose: a high-paying job with long hours that would give you little time with family and friends or a lower-paying job with shorter hours that would give you more time with family and friends? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.

If I was asked to make a choice between a high-paying job with long hours and a lower-paying job with shorter hours I would hesitate to answer. I did not decide for my self yet what I want in my life more my family or my career. I think that these options are very different ones and one needs time to make a right decision.

From the one side, a high-paying job with long hours gives one more opportunities to make a great career and succeed in life. Another important aspect of this is that one can earn more money for his family. In addition to these practical benefits, a person can get satisfaction and self-realization that are very important in one's life. I think that it is a very great and essential feeling to be a part of progress, make difference and be satisfied with the job. However, a high-paying job with long hours brings many disadvantages too. For example, a person will have less time for his family and friends. Secondly, the job will be more stressful and bring more responsibilities. A person will have to sacrifice many things to his job.

From the other side, lower-paying job with shorter hours can bring many benefits. One can spend more time with his family and have many pleasant and beautiful moments together. Also, a job will be less stressful and not require to sacrifice one's spare time to get it done. However, a person most likely will not be able to make a career and make much money. Moreover, one's salary may be not enough to pay for his children's education.

To sum up, I think that every person at least one time in his life realize this and make a decision whether he or she wants a career or great family. And I did not make this decision yet.

You have decided to give several hours of your time each month to improve the community where you live. What is one thing you will do to improve your community? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

I think the question what would I do if I had a chance to improve my community is difficult. I have in my mind many things, the improvement of which will make our community better place to live but they all require the participation of many people and, moreover, they require investments, which I can not provide. For example, my community is quite noisy. We have the huge mall just in front of our community, so traffic jams are very common for this place. I think that the construction of a few pass-by roads will benefit all people who live here as well as people who drive by every day.

Unfortunately, the question is what I can do for my community giving a few hours of my time every month. I think I can not do much, but I still can help someone in my community. For example, I can baby-sit. I know a couple of families with little children, who can not afford to spend much money on the baby-sitter. One of these families is a single mom with a little girl. Julia, this is her name, is a waitress in a restaurant. She is a great person and we became close friends. So, sometimes I offer her help with her child when she has to work in the evenings. Another family has two funny little twins. One time their parents asked me to baby-sit their children because they had to attend an unexpected presentation.

I think this kind of help brings many benefits to my community. First of all, people become friendlier. For example, those families, which I mentioned above, became friends after I introduced them to each other. Second of all, people get to know each other and feel more secure in their houses and apartments. Finally, I am ready to help those people because I am sure that they will help me too. One time I lost the keys from my car and Julia offered me her car for a while.

To sum up, I believe that baby-sitting is a great way to help my community in many aspects.

What do you consider to be the most important room in a house? Why is this room more important to you than any other room? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

My husband and I live in an apartment, which include a bedroom, living room, bath room and kitchen. We do not have children yet, so our apartment is pretty small but it is cheap and cozy. If I would have to choose the most important room in a house I think it would be living room. In the following paragraphs I will present my reasons to support my answer.

First of all, living room is the place where we take our guests. It is the main and the biggest room in our apartment and we try to keep it clean and cozy. For example, my husband vacuums it every other day especially when it is wet outside and our dog makes dirty sports on the carpet with its paws after a walk. Second of all, I think that living room is the most important room in our house because we spend most of our time there watching TV, having our dinner and just talking with each other.

Finally, our living room is a place where we study. Since our apartment is rather small we do not have a room for studying, so I have my table with the computer on it in our living room. I like to study there because the room is perfectly light with the large windows and the beautiful view from them.

My parents have a much bigger house with six rooms, large kitchen and two floors. However, I think that my mother would agree with me that their living room is the most important room in the house. When we visit them we always gather there, lay the table, and have a long talk. My mother makes delicious cakes and aromatic tea. I like those moments.

To sum up, I think many people will agree with me that living room is the most important room in a house because it is the room where people spend most of there time at home.

What are the important qualities of a good son or daughter? Have these qualities changed or remained the same over time in your culture? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

I am from Russia. I think that qualities of a good son and daughter almost have not changed for the past several centuries. However, I believe that some qualities have changed. I will give the following reasons to support my answer.

Parents always expect from their children love, respect and help. I think these qualities remain unchanged. However, at old times parents expected from their daughter to be a good and practical woman because in this case she can marry a good and perspective man.  Nowadays, I think parents' expectations from their daughter have changed. Now a woman has the same rights and opportunities to  make a great career, make money and be successful at equal terms with a man. It means that now parents are not so worried about a future perspective husband. They know that their daughter can take care of herself and be happy. Nowadays parents teach their daughter to believe in herself, be motivated and strong. They want to be proud of her.

As for a son, I think expectations remain the same. Parents see their son as a clever, motivated and successful man.

To sum up, parents wish their children be more successful then themselves, achieve more goals. So, they with great patience pass down their knowledge and experience to their children. They teach them only good things and expect respect and love in return. Also, parents try to teach their children how to avoid mistakes they have made in their lives. I think the main quality of a good son or daughter is to make their parents proud.

Plants can provide food, shelter, clothing, or medicine. What is one kind of plant that is important to you or the people in your country? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

Plants play a very important role in our everyday life. They give us oxygen, provide with medicine, clothing and food. Every country has its own staple food that dominates in the diet of dwellers of that country. For example, the staple food for Japan and Korea is rice. As for me, I am from Russia. I believe that our staple plants are potato and wheat.

Some people believe that wheat is the most important plant because it provides full and nutritious meal. People bake bread and cookies, cook kasha and soup. At old times people in Russia raised wheat and prayed for the good harvest in order to survive. Millet has a good storage time so it gives the opportunity to consume it a whole year.

However, nowadays bread is no longer of that importance. A person has more products to choose from. Besides, some people tend to exclude bread from their diet in order to decrease the amount of daily calories and lose some weight. Personally, I think that potato is more important plant then wheat.

Virtually, every Russian has potato every day at least once. One can boil, fry, bake or mash it. My favorite meal is baked potato with cheese and a glass of milk. I think it is delicious and it does not take much time to cook it.  Moreover, potato is easier to raise and store.

To summarize, I think that potato by far is the most important plant in Russia.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person should never make an important decision alone. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

From my everyday experience and observation I can claim  that discussion of an important decision with other people bring many benefits. In the following paragraphs I will give my reasons to defend this statement.

First of all, different people have different opinions. In order to make the right choice people should discuss every possible decision and its consequences. Making an important decision alone can bring many negative aspects. For instance, a person can reveal his selfishness or impatience and the consequences of that decision can effect many people in the future. I think that a good and wise decision can be born only in discussion because people can share their knowledge and experiences a look at the problem from different sides and aspects.

Second of all, I think that making decision alone is unacceptable especially for a company. Imagine that a chief makes the decision about increasing a production line without discussing it with his employees. In this case a part of company's profit will be spend on extended purchase of raw materials. So, share holders will be left without dividends. This decision may lead to getting rid of company's shares and as a result of this declining the value of a company as a whole.

To sum up, I think that a person should always consult his relatives or colleges when making an important decision to avoid possible mistakes.

In your country, is there more need for land to be left in its natural condition or is there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

I am from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. I think that the question about whether land should be left in it is natural condition or there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry is the one that is open for debate. Personally, I believe that it is a controversial question, because every option has its advantages. However, in this situation an intermediate position can be taken. In the following paragraphs I will give my reasons to support the answer.

From the one side, saving land in its natural condition brings many benefits. First of all, many wild animals will thrive in our forests. Unfortunately, nowadays many wild animals are endangered because they do not have place to live and there are not enough food for them. Second of all, our children will be able to learn about animals not only from books but also from observing them in their natural environment. In addition to those benefits our air will be cleaner because many forests will clean it from pollution and make it fresher.

From the other side, deforesting our land and building many new constructions can have a few positive aspects. For example, building new industrial buildings may have a positive impact on the country's economy. Many new companies will have the opportunity to produce more goods and as the result of this the country will receive more money from abroad and this will lead to the improvement of the economy on the whole.

To sum up all mentioned above, I think that we need to be more careful with the natural resources we consume and, moreover, we can do something to preserve them. For example, companies that produce lumber can also resume the resources of wood by planting new trees there. This way we can preserve our land and save it from defrosting. I must agree that it is difficult for Russia at this moment not to develop land for housing and industry because the country needs money and strong economy, but I believe that many new factories can replace the old ones without developing new land. So, my point is that we must extend the production of new goods but not at the expense of the wild animals and their land.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Games are as important for adults as they are for children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Games as the ultimate form of mental and physical relief are important for adults as they are for children. People learn how to behave, control their emotions, follow the rules. The most obviously essential aspect of this is that people realize that our life is a big game with its own rules. In the next paragraphs I will give the reasons to support my answer.

Basically, there are two types of games. The first type is mental games that help us to upgrade our mental abilities. The second type is the games that involve physical activities. They keep people fit and healthy.

Mental games for adults play a significant role. Adults learn co-operation, discipline, team work, self-confidence. Scientists say that the brain cells of grown up people  can grow with the help of mind exercising. The most simple way to exercise one's mind is through mental games. For example, playing chess makes people think, try to predict events, follow the strategy of an opponent.

From the other side, physical games help adults to stay in a good shape, relax, eliminate stress and tension. Also, it is a perfect way to lose weight.

Mental games for children also play an important role. They help children to understand the real world more quickly and adapt to the reality. In addition to those practical benefits mental games teach children how to behave, be supportive and patient. Physical games from the other hand, strengthening children' bones, health and teach discipline.

To sum up, I am sure that people need games and it is not important how old one is.

Some famous athletes and entertainers earn millions of dollars every year. Do you think these people deserve such high salaries? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Some people think that famous athletes and entertainers have too high salaries for their work. However, others believe that these people deserve such high salary. Personally, I think that it is a controversial question and it is open for debate. For several reasons, which I will mention bellow, I think that famous athletes and entertainers have a great impact on our social life and make a big contribution to our society and, hense, deserve high salary.

The first reason why I think that such high salary is deserved by famous athletes and entertainers because we all need them. Entertainment plays an essential role in our everyday's life. We need to relax, watching TV with our favorite TV stars or favorite football players. Entertainment is one of the best ways to eliminate stress and tension and leave all troubles behind. For example, I can not stay home all day long without watching TV. So, basically, I believe that famous athletes and entertainers have such high salaries because we need them. They like doctors for our minds and soles. Scientists say that people usually spend the same amount of money for their food and entertainment. I think this fact tells a lot.

The second reason for this is that famous athletes have to work hard in order to get good results. I am sure that achievements they make is the result of hard work, persistence and pain. They sometimes risk their lives and health. For example, I am a big fun of L. Amstrong, the most famous cyclist in world's history. He faced probably, the most challenging difficulty in his life, cancer. He was very young for this disease. Amstrong was in his early twenties when he found out about it. I read a book about his life, and what impressed me were his words after his victory in France. He said: "Cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me ".He defeated the disease only because he believed in himself and did not give up.  I think such person deserves to have a high salary and be loved by many people through out the world.

In conclusions, I want to say that if people get high salaries it means they are needed and their contribution to the society is huge.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, email, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Humankind, through the ages, has undergone many changes from the time when people communicated only face-to-face to nowadays when a person has in use many types of communication means. Some people still prefer to use face-to-face communication despite many other sometimes more convenient ones such as phone, mail, e-mail and fax. I think to continue this essay it is essential to clarify what kind of conversation we are talking about.

For example, if people are negotiating it is very important to have a face-to-face communication. It is very important to see during a negotiation how one's opponent is moving, is he nervous or relaxed, what he is doing, etc. Scientists say that the body language and facial gestures can say many thing about a person, his strong and weak sides, his traits, manners and even habits. To know what kind of man one is dealing with is very essential aspect in negotiation. Many managers prefer to have with the future employees face-to-face conversation. So, in this case they see how a person behaves.

From the other side, if I need to notify my bank that I am going to close an account I do not want to spend my time driving there, waiting for my turn and talking with a representative. It is easier for me just to call  or e-mail them. It saves my time and my bank's too.

To summarize, from my opinion all important issues better be discussed in face-to-face conversation. It will eliminate many farther misunderstandings and bring only benefits to both sides.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Most experiences in our lives that seemed difficult at the time become valuable lessons for the future. Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

From my everyday experience and observation I have to agree with the statement that our present experiences become valuable lessons for the future. Someone said that today's problems will be the best experience in the future. Below I will give some examples to support my position.

First of all, I want to say that obstacles make people stronger. By overcoming difficulties people gain priceless and essential knowledge and experience. If one has to struggle with a disease he becomes stronger may be not in a physical way but in a mental way. A person becomes more patient, more self-confident and more attentive. These qualities will help him to win his disease.

Success has nothing to do with luck. People have to work hard in order to reach their goals. They face challenges and failures and often they lose. However, people do not give up. They use their previous experience and knowledge to try again and again. I think that difficulties teach us very valuable lessons. Only a man who understands this fact and knows how to use it in the future can succeed. Failures bring us wisdom and new experience. Personally, I always try to analyze my mistakes and make conclusions. If I am not succeed I know that next time I will avoid these mistakes and do my best.

To sum up, I think that human evolution and development are a result of constant efforts based on previous experience and knowledge.

People recognize a difference between children and adults. What events (experiences or ceremonies) make a person an adult? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

I think the question what events make a person an adult is the one that is open for debate. Some people think that the graduation of high school makes a person an adult. Others think that the age of 21 is the age when childhood is replaced by adulthood. However, from my everyday experience and observation I can stand three major events that make a person an adult.

The first event that makes a person an adult is getting a job. The ability to earn his own money gives a person the opportunity to live independently from his parents. Personally, I think the first job is a very important experience in person's life and it has a great impact on his personality. He learns how to manage his expenses and how to save money for the more important things. In addition to those benefits, one learns how to arrange his time in order to have all done on time.

The second event, which from my opinion deserves an attention, is the graduation from a college or university. I think it is a very essential step in one's life because this means the beginning of a new life with more responsibilities.

Finally, I believe that marriage has a great impact on person's life. Marriage means an independent life from one's parents with a new person. It is a very great experience. Two persons create a new family and they face new difficulties and responsibilities.

In conclusion, I think that the list of events that make a person an adult can be continued. For example,  getting a driving license has sometimes a very great impact on person's life. Another important event in a person's life is the army. I know many young men who served in the Army that changed them very much. They became more serious, self-confident and independent people. So, my point is that every person has different events that influenced his life and make him an adult.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents or other adult relatives should make important decisions for their (15 to 18 year-old) teenage children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Parents are in most cases our first teachers and friends. From my everyday experience I have to agree with the statement that important decisions should be made by our parents or adult relatives. In the following paragraphs I will give my reasons to support this statement.

First of all, teenage children have the tendency to live in their own fantasies. They does not clearly understand the rules of a real life. When I was 18 years old I thought that the world was perfect and everything seemed to be simple. Teenagers are basically inexperienced, they aspire for independence and try to make their first steps towards  freedom. I think that it is like starting to walk when a baby needs its parents for support. An independent life is a big and significant part in a person's life. So, my point is that it is very important to make this step right.

Second of all, I think that parents have right to interfere in their children's lives. They need to know what kind of friends their children have and how children spend their spare time. For example I had an eighteen years old friend who got really angry with his parents when they prohibited him to be friends with a young man. Somehow his parents found out that that young man was occasionally taking drugs. That man was dead in a year because of drug abuse. After that accident my friend thanked his parents for that interference.

Finally, I think teenage children should be more open-minded with their parents. It will help them to make the right choice and avoid many mistakes.

To sum up, I believe that young people should trust their parents because they wish their children only the best.

Why do you think some people are attracted to dangerous sports or other dangerous activities? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Nowadays many people attracted to dangerous sports and other dangerous activities. From my everyday experience and observation I think it is a result of dramatic changes in people's life.

Just imagine at old times men had to hunt for food, fight, face many challenges and obstacles. Now our days are quite ordinary with a cup of coffee, donut, computer, desk table and TV. Basically, we do not have to straggle every day for our life and we have nutritious meal without any efforts. So, all we have to do is to contemplate out life. However, I must confess it can be boring. All improvements created for the past centuries made our life easier. Nowadays people look for adventure. They want to face a challenge, prove themselves something, conquer the world, etc.

Personally, I think that every person sees different goals in doing dangerous activities. Some people want to add some stress and tension to their lives. From the other side, other people want to eliminate stress and tension gained from their everyday lives. They can forget about all troubles and leave them behind. I believe that dangerous activities give one freedom, happiness, feeling of independence and tone.

To sum up, I think that dangerous  sports and activities are irreplaceable in our life. Without them out life would be miserable and boring.

Holidays honor people or events. If you could create a new holiday, what person or event would it honor and how would you want people to celebrate it? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Every country has holidays. If I could create a new holiday it would be "Day of Health". I belief that many countries already have this day, but I think that my day will be more beneficial because it  will be celebrated at the beginning of every month. In this essay I will give the reasons and outline the benefits of this holiday.

First of all, to celebrate this day people do not have to go to a restaurant or to a movie, but they will go to the nearest park and celebrate it by walking, jogging, line-skating or bicycling. Some people will go to a fitness center or a pool. Smoking will be prohibited everywhere on this day.  Also this will be a day of healthy food, fresh squeezed juice and a lot of smiling faces. This day will inspire people with energy for the rest of the month.

Second of all, people will be called to use their car as  less as possible in order to prevent the air pollution and to keep air fresh. Every car has a large impact on the environment. People often drive their car to the nearest store to buy food when they can spend 5 minutes more and get there by foot or bicycle.

Finally, "Day of Health" will help people to relax, to slow down the pace of their life. Life is very stressful these days. People are competing for better job, companies and countries are competing for a market and business. So, this day will help people to enjoy the moments of their life, to leave their troubles behind and appreciate all they have.

In summary, I belief my holiday would make people friendlier, healthier and happier.