Where the Outlines are on topics which we have touched on, they will be grouped together. Some of the Outlines are more detailed, others are scratch outlines meant to set you thinking.Please note that these are only meant as examples; there are countless ways of writing an essay, and every essay outline will be different. Just remember to answer the question!
Some comments based on common
mistakes made by students answering the questions have also been included.
The Thesis Statement of every essay is in red, the Topic Sentence is in blue
and the hook, linking the paragraph to the question is in green.
Technology Related Topics
Assess the ability of technology to ensure human happiness in the present century.
Note:
Technology
is not limited to computers, mobile phones and televisions.
Different
aspects of technology should be discussed. e.g. household appliances, motor
vehicles, heavy machinery.
Do not
just show the convenience or advantages brought by technology. Saying ‘The
computer makes it easier to keep in touch with friends overseas’ does not
answer the question. Show how this technology ensures happiness.
Always
make sure you answer the question.
Introduction Humans are completely dependent on technology in the
current century. A day without electricity or tap water would bring misery and
great unhappiness.Since practically
every aspect of our lives today is related to technology, we are dependent on
technology for happiness. Technology ensures human
happiness in the household, in the corporate world, in telecommunication, in
entertainment, in health and in every other aspect of human life.
Body Paragraph 1 The corporate world is completely
dependent on technology today. If the
ATM machine malfunctions or if the computer system is down, there would be
absolute chaos in the banks. Similarly, if traders are not able to go online
because of a technical hitch, Wall Street would be at a standstill.Factories would have to stop if machines
malfunction; air cargo would be held up and perishable products would be spoilt
if there is a problem with the airplanes.The corporate world today is so dependent on technology that businesses
would be at a standstill if technology were to fail them. Obviously, mankind can only be happy if all is well at
the workplace and hence, the power of technology to ensure human happiness at
work.
Paragraph 2 The mobile phone, tablets and their
applications are without doubt a source of human happiness today. People of all ages find joy in communicating
with friends and family for free on Line or WeChat.Young toddlers no longer scream their heads
off when their parents and friends are chatting at a dinner function as they
are happily entertained watching cartoons or playing games. Technology has brought happiness to the young and the
old!
Continue
with other paragraphs, but make sure you relate all points to human happiness.
Conclusion must be added to the essay.
To what extent can an individual in a developed country function effectively without the internet?
Note:
An essay about all the benefits of the internet is
irrelevant if you don’t relate it to the question.
Take
a stand – You can say an individual in a developed country can function, but
not efficiently, without the internet; oryou
can say that an individual in a developed country cannot function well, let
alone efficiently, without the internet.
Introduction Unlike in
developing or underdeveloped countries where there is sometimes still limited or
no internet access, humans in developed countries cannot function efficiently at all without the
internet. They are completely dependent
on it for everything, whether it be in the world of business, finance, social
media or entertainment.
Body Paragraph 1 Individuals in
developed countries are completely dependent on the Internet for business. International business today has no time barriers and business is
ongoing 24 hours a day. Alibaba.com, Ebay.com, etc. link buyers and sellers
from all over the globe together any time of the day or night. Video
conferencing allow major negotiations and decisions to be made any time. Even
lunch can be ordered online……(Elaborate with more examples)
Paragraph 2 The financial world will be at a standstill the day
the internet breaks down. Stocks are now bought and sold online. If the
internet is down, then the Stock Exchange will have to stop trading. The same
applies to the Forex market and banking……(Continue with further evidence)
Paragraph 3 Social media is part and parcel of the life of any
individual in a developed country. Imagine a day without Facebook, Twitter,
WhatsApp or WeChat…… (Continue with more examples)
Continue with other points, but make sure to answer
the question and not to digress.
Conclusion Restate your stand and look into the future.
Essay Topics related to Human Rights and Freedom of Expression
Should there be any limits to freedom of expression?
Note:
Freedom of expression is a wide term
which includes freedom of speech, freedom to write and freedom of action.
A
Yes/ No stand is needed in
your essay.
If your answer is ‘Yes’, you mean
there should be some limits to freedom of expression.
If your answer is ‘No’, you mean
there should be no limits at all to freedom of expression.
Introduction
Freedom of expression is a human right, but
like all human rights, it is targeted at maintaining peace and harmony and
ensuring justice and truth. If there are no limits to freedom of speech, freedom
of action and freedom to write, these rights will obviously be abused.
Body Paragraph 1 Freedom of action refers to all human actions.Humans demonstrate for
or against a cause, and as long as police ensure violence does not erupt and as
long as demonstrators can control their anger, people should be allowed to demonstrate.
The ‘Bersih’ demonstrations in Malaysia asking for free and fair
elections were peaceful and served its purpose. However, demonstrations in
Turkey and Syria turned violent when demonstrators started destroying
structures and hurling objects…..(Elaborate with further examples)
Paragraph
2 Uncontrolled freedom of
action can be dangerous. In Asian countries, pirated software
and DVDs are sold quite openly. This form of freedom of action allows humans to
commit crimes and get away with it. If there is complete freedom of action,
then anyone can lay claim to any territory. ……(Continue with other forms of
action like art and music and elaborate with examples.
Paragraph
3 One has
always to be careful with what he says. Sensitive words can cause religious
tension and vulgar words should not be uttered in the presence of young kids. Some control over freedom of speech is necessary if we
don’t want unpleasantness…(Continue with incidents from different parts
of the world related to freedom of speech)
Paragraph
4 People post on social media without thinking of
the consequences. There has to be a limit on freedom
to write as what is written is permanent.…(Explain when there should be limits and give
specific examples.
Conclusion Restate
your stand and finish with an interesting comment.
To what extent are racism and other forms of discrimination a problem in your society?
Note:
All arguments and examples must be
related to your country. In this case, I will relate the answer to my country, Malaysia.
Introduction Discrimination
is definitely a problem in my society, though more serious in some cases and
less so in others. Racism is a problem in Malaysia, but there is
also discrimination against those with physical and mental disabilities,
discrimination against women, discrimination against those with problems of
sexual orientation, discrimination between the haves and the have-nots and
discrimination against foreign workers.
Body Paragraph
1 Racism
has been a problem since British rule. Migrant
Indians were sent to rubber plantations and migrant Chinese to tin mines. After
independence in 1957, the problem worsened, resulting in the May 13 racial
riots when thousands were killed.Special
rights given to the Malays has not helped narrow the rift between the Malays
and other races. …. (Elaborate with further examples related to Malaysia.)
Paragraph
2 No
matter how we deny it, there is discrimination against the disabled,
may they be physically, mentally or otherwise disabled. Employers would
hesitate before taking in a member of staff who is physically disabled because
he doubts the ability of the person and does not want to go through the
inconvenience of making the workplace disabled friendly. Recently, a Malaysian
wrote to the press to complain about a handicapped center being set up near her
home, claiming that this affects property value in the area concerned…..
Paragraph
3 There
is still gender discrimination in Malaysian homes and at the workplace. The number of female ministers in
the cabinet shows there is gender discrimination in our society. .. (Elaborate
with examples from the workplace)
Paragraph 4 Malaysia,
being an Islamic country is against gays, lesbians and transsexuals.The conservative Asian culture is also
against same sex marriages. There is therefore
discrimination against gays and lesbians. These peopledare not profess their sexual orientation as
they can be punished by the courts and spurned by society… (Elaborate with
examples from your country)
You can
include other points mentioned in the thesis statement and elaborate on them if
you wish. Otherwise, remove the last two points from the thesis statement.
Conclusion Stress on your stand and conclude with an interesting
statement or by looking into the future.
Essay Topics related to Social Issues
How far is poverty still a problem in your society?
Introduction
Poverty
still exists in Malaysia but it is not a serious problem, considering that only about 1.5% of
the population is living below the poverty line. Food
kitchens provide free food to the poor and low cost homes are being built to be
either sold or rented to the poor. On top of that, medical treatment is
provided free at government hospitals, education is free and jobs are aplenty. In
view of the measures being taken, poverty will hopefully be eradicated soon.
Body Paragraph
1 Starvation is not a problem in Malaysia. Those who really cannot afford basic meals find
welfare organizations providing free lunches and dinners. ‘Meals on wheels’ and
many food kitchens manned by volunteers operate throughout Malaysia to provide
food to the poor. Very often, these organizations record personal details of
the poor and follow up by putting them in homes or finding jobs for them…..
Paragraph 2 There are street people in Malaysia, but many remain on the streets by
choice. Welfare
organizations identify those on the streets and try to find shelter for them in
welfare homes. Low cost apartments are being built to be sold or rented to
those who qualify.Finding shelter is
not really a problem for the poor if they are not choosy.
Paragraph 3 The poor are not deprived of medical care as free medical treatment is
available at all government hospitals.….
Paragraph 4 Education at public schools is free until secondary level.No parent
can claim he is too poor to send his child to school as even textbooks are
provided free…..
Paragraph
5 Unemployment rate in Malaysia is below 3% and anyone who wants to find a
job can do so easily if
he is not choosy. In fact, Malaysia relies on a huge labour force imported from
Bangladesh, Indonesia and Myanmar to fill the many job vacancies……
Conclusion Considering
that help is always on hand for those in need, poverty is not a serious problem
in my country. …..