2012_03_Session_B_sample speeches

1. Will the increasing reliance in robots and computers pose a threat to society?

For few decades now, robots and computers are being used more and more by many sectors in our society and some conservative people who are allergic to innovations say that the accelerating dependence on these technological advancements will harm the society. I don’t think so. Let me tell you why.

To start with, computerized machines have been helping manufacturers meet both the local and international consumer demand by effectively producing goods at lower cost in a much more quality state. With further sophistication, I believe, they will not only make the environment cleaner, but also continue to make the lives of the workers easier and healthier by replacing labour-intensive productions. Thus, making the society better.

Furthermore, the rapidly aging population along with the shortage of nursing-care will likely make Japan’s future grim. Robots , programmed to perform care-giving , are the only answer to this problem! I believe, these humanoids and state-of-the-art computerized machineries will keep the quality of life of the elderly without fail. They come as very handy assistant in doing household chores as well as in getting medication.

Last but not the least, according to national data, Japan’s population continues to slide down. With this and the government’s immigration program’s unpopularity, it is impossible for the nation to cope with labor shortage while maintaining economic growth.

For these reasons, I’d say that we should spur the trend of developing and using robotics and computerized equipment because dependence on them will create a livable society for the present and the future generations. (252 words)

2. Is the Japanese healthcare system a good model for other countries?

Although Japan's Health care system is on the verge of collapse in its own rapidly aging population, Yes, I still believe it is exemplary for other nations, where shrinking population is not an issue. Let's go deeper into it.

First of all, it is worth considering that this is a universal health care system. That means, all citizens are covered regardless of economic and social status. You have the option to get it at work or through your city government. So even if you lose your job, you will never go broke because of medical expenses.

Another point worth noting is the confidence of getting hospice care whenever , wherever you need , at an almost zero cost. The health Ministry strictly controls the price without sacrificing the quality of service to the public. The authority makes sure that no one is discriminated against any medical needs. In contradictory to other countries, anyone can visit their chosen doctors without making any appointments in advance.

All things considered, this health care system ensures every citizen to have an access to medicare anytime, anywhere , at a very minimal cost. This is what every person in the world dream of , right?Therefore, I say , Japan's Health care is a good model for other lands. (213 words)

3. Agree or disagree: Voting should be mandatory?

Making voting mandatory is a hotly-debated topic that often divides opinion. While voting is necessary to achieve stable election, I strongly disagree on compulsory election for the following reasons.

Firstly, we are in a democratic era and in free nations, where suffrage is a right not an obligation. Everyone should be allowed to decide whether to vote or not in an election of any kind.People exercise their right by choosing the candidate or the political party they feel is the best for the job. If they choose not to vote, then that is their right to abstain from voting.

Secondly, not all people can attend voting all the time. With the present economic situation, not all people are gifted with so much free time and energy to go to the precinct to personally fill out their ballots. Many workers have to work even on weekends to continue earning. Sad to say, most often than not, these people think it is more worthy to spend time at work than waste time voting for people who don't care about the voters after assuming post and power in the political world.

Personally speaking, voting is a right not a duty. Hence, it should be left to the person's discretion whether to cast one's vote or not. It shouldn't be required. (217 words)

4. Is foreign aid the best way to promote economic growth in developing countries?

5. Should all nations have the right to develop nuclear weapons?