1. Look before you leap is a popular saying. Is it important to think before you act in every situation? In which situations is it most difficult to think before you act? Describe an experience in your life when you did not follow this advice, and explain the consequences.
2. Many people have exotic animals as petseverything from birds to tigers. Are the dangers of owning exotic pets greater than the danger of keeping ordinary pets? Do you think it is cruel to own exotic animals as pets? Should there be laws limiting the types of animals people can own as pets?
3. People often wish to be someone else. Have you ever wanted to be anyone else, even for one day? Who and why? Do you think that other people want to be you? Explain? Does a wish to be someone else make ones life better or worse? Explain.
4. Imagine you are in possession of a time machine that allows you to travel ONLY back in time. What period of Ukrainian history would you travel to? What would you do there? If you could change the course of events, what would you like to change and why?
5. Many young people have role models they admire. Who do you think is a good role model for young people in your country? Why? Would you consider yourself to be a role model? Do you have a role model? If yes, do you consider your role model to be successful? Does success depend on individual effort or on luck? Why?
6. Imagine you are friends with a time traveller. Your friend has just arrived in 2013 from 100 years ago. What will be the biggest surprise for your new friend? How will you help guide your friend through modern life? Explain. What challenges will you and your friend face?
7. In the Harry Potter fantasy series, pupils at Hogwarts School are divided into four houses by a magical hat that can see into their minds. The bravest are sent to Gryffindor, the cleverest to Ravenclaw, the hardworking and loyal to Hufflepuff, and the cunning and resourceful to Slytherin. Do you think any of the above characteristics are better or worse than the others? Is one house the best? If you were to try on the hat, which house do you think you would belong to? Why? If all students at your school were sorted like this, how would that change the divisions of class groups?
8. Imagine that you are the owner of a new restaurant. What type of restaurant would you like to own? What three dishes would your restaurant be known for? What issues do you have to keep in mind when owning and operating a restaurant?
9. Imagine that in your city an old historical building is being considered for demolition in order to make way for a modern facility. Should your city try to preserve its old historic building or replace it with a modern building? Would the city benefit more from an old building or a modern facility? How much attention should be drawn to historical sites?
10. Eating organic food (food grown without chemicals) has become very popular. Why do people prefer organic food to inorganic one? How have supermarkets and fast food restaurants responded to this trend? Do you think this trend will last? Why or why not?
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11. Many people have a dream profession, or a job that they would love to have throughout their lives. What is your dream profession? Why would you choose this profession? What steps would you have to take to achieve professionalism in this sphere of human activity?
12. Because of increasing globalization, many cultures are losing some of their own traditions while gaining those of others. What do you think about this phenomenon? How important are your cultural traditions to you? What are the disadvantages of losing your own cultural traditions? What are the advantages of knowing culture and traditions of others?
13. The film industry is currently releasing a series of new films, many of which were originally books. Some say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but others believe that nothing can replace a good book. Do you think that classic books should be made into films? How do books benefit from being made into films? What do they lose?
14. You are appointed the principal of your school for a day. What challenges might you face as a principal? What changes, if any, would you make to your school and your schools routine? Do you think that being a principal is an easy or difficult job? Why or why not?
15. A Round the World ticket is a special deal most major airlines offer. With it, a passenger can choose multiple destinations and fly between them for one set price as long as he or she travels in one direction. Design your own trip and choose three to five destinations. Why would you want to go to these places? What are the advantages of seeing them all in one trip? What would you need to take with you?
16. Online journals and blogs are becoming increasingly popular. Often, people who publish online diaries write about personal events and feelings, and allow anyone on the Internet to read them. What is the appeal of online journals? What are the consequences of publishing personal thoughts online instead of writing about them in a private diary? Do you keep a diary, online or otherwise? If not, which format would appeal to you more, and why?
17. Television shows like American Idol and Fabryka Zirok have become incredibly popular in recent years. Ordinary people present their talents before judges and a viewing audience, and if they are well-received, they have a chance of becoming stars. What does it mean to be a celebrity today is talent the most important thing? Are shows like these a good way to discover unknown talent? Do all talented people have equal chances of achieving fame?
18. A utopia is described as an ideal community or society. Describe your ideal society. Who would be invited to live in your society? Who would be excluded from your society? Whose rights would be primarily protected in your ideal society? Is there any community or society nowadays that looks like an ideal one?
19. The level of medical care today is much higher than it was in the past. Doctors continue to acquire more knowledge that helps them treat patients effectively. In your opinion, what is the biggest medical advancement that has been made in the last one hundred years? In contrast, what is the biggest medical problem currently facing the world? Describe a time when you or someone you know benefited from a high level of medical care.
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20. Mother Teresa said, Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. How are young people in Ukraine involved in improving their communities? What challenges do young Ukrainians face when they try to improve things person to person? What do you personally do to improve lives of the people around you?
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine
Stage Ii National Students Olympiad in the English Language
Writing Comprehension Test
For 11th Form Students
Directions:
In this test you will select from three writing tasks. Choose the one that you feel you are most capable to write about. You will then begin writing your essay on the pages provided. When you are finished close your papers, lay down your pen and wait for us to collect your test materials.
