240 Speaking Topics with Sample Answers

Q211. Some parents give their children money on a monthly basis.
At what age should children receive an allowance and how much
should they receive?
A. Sample Answer
As I have never received one, I do not believe children should receive an allowance. The first
reason I don’t believe children should receive an allowance is because they need to learn to work
for their money. If a child needs money, he should earn it, not receive it for free. I had to get a job
when I was young so that I could start paying for my own things. For example, I watched the
neighbors’ dogs while they were out of town or pulled weeds out of their gardens. When I was old
enough, I got a real job. Another reason I think children should not receive an allowance is because
they will most likely use it to purchase wasteful things. Children typically don’t do anything that
would require an allowance. So, they would probably spend their money on candy or toys that they
don’t need. Parents don’t need to pay for their children to indulge their every desire. Although my
point of view may seem a bit harsh, I believe parents don’t need to give their children an allowance.
B. Create new sentences using the expressions below
(1) free of charge
(2) get above oneself (=think highly of oneself)
(3) spoil somebody
(4) get a reputation as (for)
C. Find an error in each sentence.
(1) He wasted money for trifling things.
(2) It is wise for you to get ready in advance.
(3) Most Korean parents give allowance to their sons and daughters by they get a job.
(4) The youngesters should be trained to cope for the difficulties in this global era.

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Q212. Who do you like the better, athletes or entertainers?
A. Sample Answer
Although I love both, I think athletes are better. To start off, athletes tend to be better role
models. Today, many entertainers are involved in all kinds of scandals. Movies these days are filled
with inappropriate content, song lyrics are more often than not very offensive, and the clothing
entertainers wear leaves little to the imagination. Though athletes aren’t completely scandal-free,
they seem to make better decisions than many entertainers these days. The second reason I like
athletes better is because they teach us to respect our bodies. They must keep their bodies in amazing
condition. However, unlike many entertainers, they don’t achieve this goal through crazy fad diets or
skipping meals. Instead, they eat healthy, get plenty of rest, and exercise. I believe many of us would
be much better off if we had the dedication of athletes. To conclude, because athletes seem to be
more respectable, I prefer athletes to entertainers.