A particular cultural grouping (subcultures) is a way for young people to express their individuality. Are there other ways? What is your opinion?

Gradually subcultures have become an important part of modern society. They are believed to help teenagers in socialization and expressing their individuality. Yet, many people consider them to be morally unacceptable and support other ways to share interests. (38)

In my opinion, the sense of belonging to a group with similar ideas enables a young person to form his own values and views. Moreover, having discussed some controversial subjects, members of a subculture can understand the world around better. If a man identifies himself with a particular group, he usually has the opportunity to try different options and choose the way of life he personally approves of. Finally, I feel strongly that by rebelling against generally accepted rules young people create a new up-to-date social system. (87)

However, subcultures are often claimed to be aggressive and even violent towards the public at large. A lot of common people are sure that overall rejection does a great harm to teenagers’ inner world. Boys and girls become unable to compromise and, as a result, have problems in future. (49)

Actually, I cannot agree with the second opinion. In fact, subcultures support a liberal attitude to life and respect other people’s rights. They contribute a lot to one’s development and inspire the youth to be socially active. (37)

Taking everything into account, I should say that cultural grouping is a beneficial tendency today. In practice, it motivates people to reconsider outdated values and helps teenagers to find their place in the sun. (34)

Total: 245 words

Freedom of press is one of the most valued achievements of democracy. But many people suffer from journalistic mistakes. What is your opinion on the freedom of press?

Freedom of press is an essential condition of a democratic society nowadays. Some people are certain that it enables people to share ideas with each other. Yet, others claim mistakes made by journalists to have a strong negative impact on common people. (42)

In my opinion, if a person is free in his choice of what to read and write, he will be able to form his own political views and morality. As a result, people behave socially active and contribute more to the development of the place they live in. Moreover, by discussing controversial subjects such as environmental problems or economics we are more likely to reach universal and beneficial conclusions. Therefore, press plays a great role of the global voice. (79)

However, at the same time it is well known that incorrect journalistic facts interfere with the understanding of reality. An average reader is unable to trust newspapers and magazines, thus he is often uncertain about what is happening in the world. (41)

Actually, I cannot agree with the second opinion. In fact, freedom of press admits various approaches in describing events. Every man has to compare arguments and choose the ones which seem right to him. As a consequence, people will look into a problem from several viewpoints and become aware of press mistakes.(52)

Taking everything into account, I should say that advantages of independent press are evident only if the readers carefully choose the information offered, make their own conclusions but do not take everything for granted. (34)

Total: 248 words