Discuss these issues

Honour Member

The generation that was born at the start of the 1990s has grown up using computers and mobile phones from their infancy. In what ways do you think that they will be different to the all the generations before them?

There are many stereotypes for different nationalities. It is said that the Japanese are shy, the Germans are logical and the Brazilians love to party. Do you believe that these beliefs are true? Could it be damaging in any way? Do you think that countries sometimes take advantage of these stereotypes to sell their products or attract tourists?

Nowadays in many European countries, shops that sell food, clothes or electrical products are open on Sundays and also on public holidays. Do you think that it is a good thing, or is it better to have everything closed on these days?

Technology experts predict that we will soon be able to open our houses and pay for products using mobile phones, so that we will not need to carry keys or money. Do you think it will become reality? What would be some of the advantages and disadvantages?

In many countries there is rivalry between big cities. Examples are between Sydney and Melbourne, Montreal and Toronto or Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro. Why do you think this rivalry exists? Can it be positive or does it damage the country?

In some countries, facilities like swimming pools are free to citizens. In other countries you have to pay even just to see a doctor. Which services do you think should we have to pay for and which should be free to everyone?