Undergraduate Paper (Year 1; Report and Proposal)
Report for Edinburgh City Council on the Benefits of Green Infrastructure, Including Proposed Implementation within Edinburgh City Centre Introduction This report, produced for Edinburgh City Council, concerns the matter of green infrastructure (GI) and how it relates to urban sustainability. Its twin objectives are to highlight how GI can make…
Are environmental problems best solved through technology or living simpler lives?
Some people believe that development in technology leads to environmental problems, and that environmental protection can only be achieved through everyone living simpler lives. Others believe that it is technology that will solve these environmental issues. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. No creature has wantonly damaged the…
What are the positive and negative effects of internationally mixed cultures?
With the development of globalization, the whole world has become a 'global village' and cultures are becoming mixed. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this change? Historically, the idea of a continuous homogeneous culture is actually quite rare: through trade, expansion, conflict and integration cultures have constantly adapted and…
Will robots have a positive or negative effect on society’s future?
Some people think that robots are very important to humans' future development, while others think they are dangerous and have negative effects on society. Discuss both views and give your opinion. For the past century 'robots' have become increasingly important to human development, particularly in the realm of manufacturing but…
Why do more people watch blockbusters than locally produced films?
Nowadays people in many countries prefer watching large international blockbusters rather than locally produced films. What do you think are the causes of this? Should governments give more financial support to local film industries? For the last century major film studios, particularly those based in Hollywood, have dominated the western…
Should state money be spent on celebratory events?
Some people argue that money spent on celebratory events such as the Olympics would be better used for public services such as health care and education. To what extent do you agree with this viewpoint? With countries the world over struggling to create fair societies that provide an adequate safety…
Are families less close than they used to be?
It is often said that the relationships between family members is now not as close as it used to be. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest? Proclaimers of the demise of the family unit often cite their evidence from statistics such as…
Should students primarily concentrate on subjects that will help them get a job?
Some people suggest that schools should pay more attention to academic subjects because these subjects are useful for students' future careers. They think that subjects like music and sports are not useful and should be reduced. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Every school graduate knows a class…
Should children always obey rules in class?
Some people think children should obey rules and do what teachers tell them. Others think controlled children are not prepared for adult life in the future. Discuss both views and give your opinion. There is an English adage that says that 'children should be seen and not heard', and in…
Does peer pressure make people buy products they don’t need? (short version)
The modern world is one of materialism, marketing and branding. Across human history this era, above all others, relies upon and promotes the use of reputation in the relationship between consumer and seller. Part of this relationship relies upon peer pressure persuading customers to buy a product, but it is…