PTE Academic Essay Questions and Ideas

So I have collected as many PTE Essay questions as I could and you are more likely to get either one or two of these questions. Thanks to expat forum. I will try to update if I see any more new questions. I have also researched some ideas about these topics online and posted here. You do not memorize these, not possible. There are too many of them but by reading these, you will get the rough idea what to write.

But if you are extremely unlucky, you might get an essay topic which is not included in this list. And if you do get a new essay, please post it in this comment sections so that others can see it. If we help others, we get good Karma which will give you good vibes in anything you do. Good Luck :)
And if you appreciate my effort, please do leave a comment or two in comments sections here. That way I feel happy that my effort has been appreciated. Thank you.

-------------------------

1.Do you think consumers should avoid over packaged products or is it the responsibility of producers?

2.Many people think that regions affect successful person. What is your opinion about native region and accomplished person’s influence on the region he belongs to.

3.Roles of governments, companies and individuals to combat climate change

4. Nowadays, the mass media including TV, radio and newspaper have become the essential part of our lives. What is your opinion?

5. The mass media including TV, Radio and newspaper influence our society and shape our opinions and characters. What is your opinion?

6.Company’s top level authorities should get their employees in decision making process. Discuss

7. Some people think law changes our behaviour. Discuss.

8. Pros and Cons of expreme/adventure sports.

9. The environment we live in is in danger due to various problems. What are the underlying causes? Who is responsible to combat this? What measures?

10.In education system, assessment through formal written examination still valid?

11.Large shopping malls are replacing small shops. Your opinion? Good or bad

12. Nowadays, people spend too much time at work to the extent that they hardly have time for their personal life. Discuss.

13. It is usually foolish to get married before completing your studies and getting established in a good job? Do you agree or disagree".

14. Some people believe law changes human behaviour. Do you agree/disagree?

15. Talk about pros/cons of this era as it is full of daily inventions

16. Imitating celebrities in sports and movies good or bad?

17. Any recent invention that you think proved beneficial or detrimental to society

18. In the past 100 years, there have been many inventions such as antibiotics, airplanes and computers. What do you think is the most important of them? Why? Greatest invention in the last 100 years, medicine, sciene or technology?

19. Information revolution has changed the way of mass communications and had some negative and positive effects on individual lives as well as on society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

20.Learning a new language at an early age is helpful for children. Is it more positive ofr their future aspect or have some adverse effects. Agree or disagree?

21.What are the greatest inventions of the 20^th century among medicine, aeroplane and computers, why?

22. In under developed countries, tourism has disadvantages and can be said the opposite as well.

23. Communication has changed significantly in the last 10 yers. Disucss pros and cons impacts.

24. The only thing that interfere with my leaning is my education- Einstein. What does he mean by that? And do you think he is correct?

25. The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn. Agree or Diagree?

26. "Value added by travel in Education Is travel a necessary component of education or not ? Will scholar sitting at home have more knowledge than one who travels ? "
27. "Marketing strategy for big companies should be placed on offer and discounts, and in what ways this can impact on their reputation
28. Travel to study is over rated, we have brilliant scholars who studied locally. Is travel really required for higher studies?
29. The space tavel is fantastic these day and they are very fascinate towards its but there are many environmental problems in our planet we should resolve the problems or travel space and spend alot of money
30. “In a war of ideas, it is people who get killed”. Does a common man suffer from a group’s ideology? Express your opinion, and support the same with reasons and examples.
31. In a war of ideas, it is people who get killed”. Does a common man suffer from a group’s ideology? Express your opinion, and support the same with reasons and examples.

1. Extreme sports, sky-diving, bungee-jumping, risky pursuits, the real dangers of various high-risk pursuits, turning extreme sports into a multi-billion dollar global industry, parachuting, numerous fatal accidents, daredevils, scuba-diving, marathon running, Over the past decade, extreme sports have become extremely popular. And so have extreme injuries. Between 2000 and 2011, more than four million injuries were attributed to extreme sports. and some kids try to emulate his tricks

Extreme sports bring excitement and thrill. The daring participants say extreme sports are all about the thrill and the sense of accomplishment they get. They're climbing higher, jumping farther and moving faster, all in the name of personal glory. Still, when things go wrong, they pay a heavy price. Humans aren't supposed to fly

2.Packaging ensures that people can buy and use products when they want them, in good condition and with little wastage. However, many people think some goods have too much packaging. Snacks intended to be eaten on the move are an example of products where the consumer could easily assemble the components him/herself without the need for packaging.

The packaged goods industry is highly competitive, and packaging manufacturers, packaged goods producers and retailers are all under pressure to come up with new and better packaging solutions. No business wants to spend more on packaging than it has to and the fewer resources the packaging needs, the lower its cost.

Also, companies see to have gone overboard on packaging – they put food in trays, inside a box, inside a plastic container with with cardboard wrap around to explain what it is. For instance, MacDonalds is the first to over-package their food and encourage people to eat while walking – hence they throw it on the street.

3.Hometown

Success in any area of life never happens in a complete vacuum. Often it is just as much dependent on an individual’s will-power and intelligence as it is on their environment and outside circumstances.

To find happiness and success, you therefore need to pay attention and take some control over the type of environments you are surrounding yourself in on a daily basis; even the strongest and brightest of minds will find it difficult to achieve their goals if they are in a completely wrong environment for them. 

This is because every aspect of your external life has some influence over your internal thoughts and behaviors, especially the people you surround yourself with on a daily basis, and the type of places where you spend most of your time.

The first main aspect of our environment that influences our success is the people we surround ourselves with on a daily basis.For example, surrounding yourself with friends who are more self-disciplined can also help you become more self-disciplined. This is just one of many examples of how our social network can have an influence over our own behavior and goal-seeking.It fits well with other research that shows if you hang around people who are obese and unhealthy, it’s more likely you will become obese and unhealthy. And if you hang around with people who are lazy and don’t study for class, it’s likely you’ll end up with similar grades as them too.

The second main aspect of our environment that influences our success is the places we spend most of our time at.For example, one important factor that has shown to increase productivity and happiness is giving people some freedom to design their own workplace.Taking ownership over where you spend your time allows you to choose an environment that motivates and inspires you. A good environment for success should keep your senses stimulated and awake while you work on your goals, while not being too distracting.

At the end of the day, you can’t meet your full potential for success unless you find an environment that brings out the very best in you.

4.Climate Change/Global Warming

But what really is the proper role for individuals and institutions in addressing climate change? An immediate and natural response may be that everyone should do their part

Decisions affecting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, for example, are made primarily by companies and consumers. This includes decisions by companies about how to produce electricity, as well as thousands of other goods and services; and decisions by consumers regarding what to buy, how to transport themselves, and how to keep their homes warm, cool, and light.

In order to effectively address global warming, we must significantly reduce the amount of heat-trapping emissions we are putting into the atmosphere. As individuals, we can help by taking action to reduce our personal carbon emissions. But to fully address the threat of global warming, we must demand action from our elected leaders to support and implement a comprehensive set of climate solutions:

 Expand the use of renewable energy and transform our energy system to a cleaner one

Place limits on the amount of carbon that polluters are allowed to emit.

 Build a clean energy economy by investing in efficient energy technologies, industries, and approaches.

 Reduce tropical deforestation and its associated global warming emissions.

5.Television

1.Television is now playing a very important role in our lives.

2. Television is not only a convenient source of entertainment, but also a comparative cheap one.

3. Television keeps you informed about current events. It allows you to follow the latest developments in science and politics.

4. Many television programs introduce people to things they never thought of before and have never heard of before.

5. Television has been good company to those who do not work, like housewives, lonely old people, etc.

6. People all around the world are no longer distant and isolated from each other.

7.It brings most distant countries and the strangest customs right into your living room.

8. Compared with radio, everything on television is more lifelike, vivid, and real.

9. Television may be a vital factor in holding a family together.

10. Television keeps people informed of the news and weather. disasters like floods, winds, etc.

Disadvantages

1.Television is a great time waster.

2. Television takes up too much of our time.

3.We no longer have enough time for hobbies, entertaining activities.

4.Other outside amusements like theaters, movies, sports, etc get ignored.

5. People have grown addicted to television, often neglecting the necessary and more important things like meals, sleep, and even work.

6. The more the viewer watches television, the lazier they become. The TV glues them to the set instead of allowing them to go out.

7. Television prevents people from communicating with each other.

8.It has done much harm to the relationship between family members.

9. Families sit and watch television at dinner instead of talking with each other

6.Employee’s opinion

The solid foundation of any successful company is its people. Employees represent a source of knowledge and ideas, but oftentimes that resource remains untapped. Involving employees in the decision-making process not only empowers them to contribute to the success of an organization, but also saves the company time and money. It also increases productivity and reduces outsourcing

Improving Morale-Actively engaging workers in the decision-making process increases overall company morale. Employees understand their ideas are an important contribution to the company, and gives them the power to influence the outcome of their work, leading to increased job satisfaction and a positive attitude.

Internal Resources-Using employees in the decision-making process, rather than outsourcing, saves money, time, and offers the company long-term reliable assistance from those who know the corporation well.

Teamwork-Participation in the decision-making process gives each employee the opportunity to voice their opinions, and to share their knowledge with others. While this improves the relationship between manager and employee, it also encourages a strong sense of teamwork among workers.

7.Environment

Deforestation- Deforestation is a rapidly-growing problem in areas like Africa, Central and South America. Not only does this mean less trees, less cleansing oxygen, and the displacement of the wildlife, deforestation means a dangerous decrease in a natural fighter of global warming –

Pollution-Pollution comes in many forms and no matter where you live. The main reason for why pollution has gotten so out of control is that our desire for more “stuff”  has led to our old stuff being thrown away at an alarming and unnecessary rate. This need for manufactured items also leads to the air and water pollution emitted from factories, which in many countries are highly unregulated.

Loss of Biodiversity-Each species has a role in our planet, and when one dies out, it can have catastrophic effects on the rest of us. Currently, many other animals are in danger of becoming extinct, either from being forced out of their habitats by man or by climate change.

6. Written assessment

Writing is an essential skill that allows people to participate fully in today's society and to contribute to the economy. It is a complex process that is essential for extending learning, thinking and communicating with others

The assessment of writing is central to the process of effective teaching and learning of writing  This, in turn, can enable greater understanding of the requirements needed to support their learning.

It allows students to effectively convey thoughts and ideas through text is classroom-based writing assessment. Such formative assessments allow teachers to gauge the effectiveness of their instructional practices, modify instruction as needed, and provide students with feedback on writing strengths and areas in need of further development.

7.Shopping mall

Mall culture has become big business, as shopping malls have evolved into multi-storied structures housing a large number of stores that sell diverse products and services. Shopping malls house a collection of retail stores and restaurants

Parking is one of the major hassles for people who go into the city to shop. Shopping at malls eliminates this problem, because parking is provided either free of charge or for a nominal fee. This makes it advantageous for people to choose to shop at a mall rather than a single store. Families who choose to visit a mall on the weekend or holiday for a family outing find it to be a more convenient option mainly because parking is provided

Visiting a mall is advantageous because of the numerous stores housed in one complex. Groceries, clothes, shoes, reading material, food courts, cinemas and entertainment arcades are available in one place. Malls make great meeting places for friends to catch up over coffee at a café or a meal at the food court.

One of the major disadvantages - These include excessive crowding, especially on weekends and holidays. Crowded aisles and stores make shopping very difficult; people often end up forgetting items they needed to buy. Parking can also be a problem when the mall is very crowded.

The temptation to browse is always present, and browsing often leads to buying things that are not needed. Keeping to a monthly budget becomes increasingly difficult every time you visit the mall. With all the sales and special offers intended to tempt buyers, saying "no" becomes very hard.------------------------

8. Work-Life Balance

If people don't have time to relax and recharge, their ability to do their job decreases and their performance level suffers.•

Work-life balance is about creating and maintaining supportive and healthy work environments, which will enable employees to have balance between work and personal responsibilities and thus strengthen employee loyalty and productivity.

Today’s workers have many competing responsibilities such as work, children, housework, volunteering, spouse and elderly parent care and this places stress on individuals, families and the communities in which they reside. Work-life conflict is a serious problem that impacts workers, their employers and communities.

Long work hours and highly stressful jobs not only hamper employees’ ability to harmonize work and family life but also are associated with health risks, such as increased smoking and alcohol consumption, weight gain and depression. Work life conflict has been associated with numerous physical and mental health implications.

Work-life conflict has negative implications on family life. Their work responsibilities interfere with their ability to fulfill their responsibilities at home.

A growing number of employers have implemented wellness programs or pay for their employees’ gym membership as part of a benefits package. Some companies invite fitness trainers or yoga instructors into the office to hold lunchtime sessions.

Companies that have implemented work-life balance programs recognize that employee welfare affects the “bottom line” of the business. Finally, self-management is important; people need to control their own behaviour and expectations regarding work-life balance.

4. Nowadays, the mass media including TV, radio and newspaper have become the essential part of our lives. What is your opinion?

5. The mass media including TV, Radio and newspaper influence our society and shape our opinions and characters. What is your opinion?

Newspapers, radio, television, and the Internet—including e-mail and blogs—are significantly influential on our society, especially in affirming attitudes and opinions that are already established. The news media focus the public’s attention on certain personalities and issues, leading many people to form opinions about them.

Mass media sets the news agenda, which shapes the public's views on what is newsworthy and important.

It is a system used by advertisement agencies and media outlets, such as television channels and radio stations to "convince" their audiences to do or act in a certain way. It appeals to the vulnerability of the desired target .

For instance, a famous person or persons Who are recognized and admired by whole communities. These individuals have the "Power" to convince their followers or fans into taking any kind of action or decision. Therefore, these famous people usually are linked or work for some media outlet and are used, to influence the community accordingly./////////////

The media has changed significantly in the past years.  Because of the availability of television and radio all populations and classes have been exposed to various types of media.  The Internet has provided an even newer media resource. The majority of people live in a very fast paced society.  They have very little time for reading and exploring the truth of information.  The producers of media publication are aware of this and use the media to influence public choice and opinion.  The problem lies in that many people are gullible and society as a whole is easily influenced by the media representations. The media also responds to public demand and provides the information that the public craves. 

A positive aspect of the media’s bias has been that it has facilitated change in people’s perception of races in a positive manner, exposed people to other cultures, made people aware of environmental needs, and the needs of people far away.  While there can also be negative implications the media also has to reflect the public’s point of view.  With the growing representation of Hispanics, African Americans, and other minority groups, the media is under pressure to present them in a more positive light.

7. Some people think law changes our behaviour. Discuss.

14. Some people believe law changes human behaviour. Do you agree/disagree?

Can legislation reform human nature?

Can laws change people's mind?

As far as I am concerned, laws can only prohibit people's evil behaviour by the force of government power, ensure the freedom of its people and help maintaining the peace and stability of the society. They can not operate on people's minds.

Moral judgment is motivated largely by avoidance of punishment. Individuals develop an understanding that rules are necessary to aintain social order, and are motivated by what they think people expect of them. Thus, people perceive an obligation to uphold the law to avoid the social disorder that would follow in the wake of others disobeying.

13. It is usually foolish to get married before completing your studies and getting established in a good job? Do you agree or disagree".

There are numerous disadvantages to getting married while still a student. “[Getting married in college] can create a greater problem when you are dependent on parents to support you. There is the probability of more tension on the part of both sets of parents.” Expecting your parents to continue paying your tuition as though you were still a child once you have chosen to take on the very adult responsibility of marriage can also create tension.  

Another reason to wait is the time constraint on enrolled newlyweds. Balancing time at home, adjusting to a new life and spending time on academics is a daunting task, regardless of how organized you are. Married college students are often left with not enough time to do housework, study or have couple time. Little time is left for each other so there’s less time to work on personal growth and the marriage.

The  college marriage often results in restriction of college experiences, participation in college functions and of relationships of college friends. 

Not only that, but she also finds that marriage affects academics. “There is often a drop in grades due to added responsibilities or having to take on a full time job. The distractions that marriage brings are endless and normal, but if your current schedule and goals make marriage too much to handle on top of your college life, then the smartest decision may be taking care of your college career before saying your vows. 

Sometimes the engaged couple isn’t actually ready to decide what they want out of life (or marriage) yet. College is a time of growth and maturing. Getting married too soon can cut growth and maturation short. “Most students need some time to be self-supporting, living on your own and making decisions as you mature. An early marriage can prevent students from ever getting that time to mature.

15. Talk about pros/cons of this era as it is full of daily inventions 

In today's world, where just about everything is more convenient and accessible due to advances in technology across almost all sectors, it may seem as though it's a misnomer to even mention any disadvantages of technological advances. However, despite how far technology has taken humans and no matter how convenient it may make things, there are some disadvantages accompanying this level of access. 

Technology advances show people a more efficient way to do things, and these processes get results. For example, education has been greatly advanced by the technological advances of computers. Students are able to learn on a global scale without ever leaving their classrooms. Agricultural processes that once required dozens upon dozens of human workers can now be automated, thanks to advances in technology, which means cost-efficiency for farmers. Medical discoveries occur at a much more rapid rate, thanks to machines and computers that aid in the research process and allow for more intense educational research into medical matters.This results in cost savings for business owners, allowing them to invest in growth in other areas of the business, which contributes on a positive level to the economy as a whole. 

The more advanced society becomes technologically, the more people begin to depend on computers and other forms of technology for everyday existence. This means that when a machine breaks or a computer crashes, humans become almost disabled until the problem is resolved. This kind of dependency on technology puts people at a distinct disadvantage, because they become less self-reliant.

At the same time, human workers retain less value, which is a disadvantage of technological advances. Because machines automate processes and do the work of 10 people with one computer, companies find they don't need to employ as many people to get the job done. As machines and computers become even more advanced and efficient, this will continue to be a growing disadvantage of technology and an issue that has a global impact.

16. Imitating celebrities in sports and movies good or bad? 

Now, more than ever, celebrities are extremely influential in the lives of teenagers. While there are certainly some positive role models for teens among today’s celebrities, there are also many who provide a decidedly negative influence. Teens who try to emulate these celebrities may fall victim to several different issues, 

There include  Drug abuse or drug addiction, Problems with alcohol and drinking heavily,  Eating disorders and  Low self-esteem and low self-confidence.  

1)       It seems like every day there are more and more stories and pictures on the Internet of the illicit activities of celebrities. Teens see these people partying, drinking alcohol or doing drugs, and they think they should too. This sends the message to teens that in order to have fun or be cool, you have to use these substances. Teens may begin to think that it is no big deal, and this can cause serious problems leading to and including drug and alcohol addictions, risk-taking behaviors, and even death.

2)       Some of the most common problems that occur are issues with self-esteem for teens, especially teen girls. When a teen girl flips through her favorite fashion magazine, she is inundated with pictures and articles revolving around the erroneous belief that celebrities are perfect. The air-brushed pictures, workout and diet tips, and pin-thin models can cause body images issues for teens. In trying to make themselves look like the pictures that they see, teens can cause real damage to their bodies. Working out too much or not eating enough can lead to an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia

 17. Any recent invention that you think proved beneficial or detrimental to society

18. In the past 100 years, there have been many inventions such as antibiotics, airplanes and computers. What do you think is the most important of them? Why? Greatest invention in the last 100 years, medicine, sciene or technology?

It is evident how life has changed since technology has been introduced in the human life. When we think about technology mostly the first thing that comes to our mind is the image of a computer. Technological advancements such as computers have been designed and created with the only purpose to help humans and make their lives easier. Computers have become indispensable in any workplace where they are basically considered a compliment for people to help them on developing their activities. In fact, computers are the greatest invention of all time because they have multi-tasking features that can minimize your work, they can display and let you manipulate stored information, and they are used in almost all fields for any purpose. 

 First of all computers have multi-tasking features that can minimize the work you have to do. For example, computers avoid you having to calculate any result on doing math, the only thing you must do is to type the information needed and your work is done.  

Secondly, computers can display and let you manipulate stored information. In other words, you don’t need to use paper in order to store any information on shelves. You don’t even have to rewrite a whole paper because you did a mistake or you have to add more information to the written form. You can have as many files as you can in your computer and organize them the way you like it without having to use any extra material or space.

 Finally, computers are used in almost all fields for any purpose such as entertainment, education, and any type of job. For example, you can use computers to play videogames, watch movies, listen to music or chat on the internet for entertainment. In education or any job you can use them for videoconferences, PowerPoint presentations or just using their basic features discussed in the first point.

Therefore computers are the greatest invention of all time because they reduce your time consumption on your activities, you can save your information and edit it anytime, and they let you do almost everything you need. Computers have become the most powerful tool ever created.

19. Information revolution has changed the way of mass communications and had some negative and positive effects on individual lives as well as on society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

23. Communication has changed significantly in the last 10 yers. Disucss pros and cons impacts.

IT has not only brought the world closer together. Therefore, we can not only share information quickly and efficiently, but we can also bring down barriers of linguistic and geographic boundaries. The world has developed into a global village due to the help of information technology allowing to shares ideas and information with each other.

Communication has also become cheaper, quicker, and more efficient. We can now communicate with anyone around the globe by simply text messaging them or sending them an email for an almost instantaneous response. The internet has also opened up face to face direct communication from different parts of the world thanks to the helps of video conferencing. 

Bridging the cultural gap - Information technology has helped to bridge the cultural gap by helping people from different cultures to communicate with one another, and allow for the exchange of views and ideas, thus increasing awareness and reducing prejudice. 

However, While information technology may have streamlined the business process it has also crated job redundancies, downsizing and outsourcing. This means that a lot of lower and middle level jobs have been done away with causing more people to become unemployed.

Privacy - Though information technology may have made communication quicker, easier and more convenient, it has also bought along privacy issues. Due to website and email hacking, people are now worried about their once private information becoming public knowledge.

Lack of job security - Industry experts believe that the internet has made job security a big issue as since technology keeps on changing with each day. This means that one has to be in a constant learning mode, if he or she wishes for their job to be secure.

Dominant culture - While information technology may have made the world a global village, it has also contributed to one culture dominating another weaker one. For example it is now argued that US influences how most young teenagers all over the world now act, dress and behave. Languages too have become overshadowed, with English becoming the primary mode of communication for business and everything else.

20.Learning a new language at an early age is helpful for children. Is it more positive ofr their future aspect or have some adverse effects. Agree or disagree? 

There are several benefits of learning a new language, the latest being it promotes a better understanding (and acceptance of) psychology and diversity.

1.Bilingualism delays Alzheimer’s disease by as much as five .

2. Being bilingual can lead to improved listening skills, since the brain has to work harder to distinguish different types of sounds in two or more languages

3. Babies brought up in a bilingual environment have stronger working memories than those brought up with only one language

This means they are better at mental calculation, reading and many other vital skills.

4. Better multi-tasking-Bilingual people can switch from one task to another more quickly. They show more cognitive flexibility and find it easier to adapt to unexpected circumstances.

5. Learning a new language can literally change the way you see the world.Learning Japanese, for example, which has basic terms for light and dark blue, may help you perceive the colour in different ways 

People used to think that learning two languages created confusion in the mind. Some studies did seem to back up the idea that learning two languages could be problematic; early researchers noted that bilingual people tended to have smaller vocabularies and slower access to words.

22. In under developed countries, tourism has disadvantages and can be said the opposite as well.

In recent decades, low cost airfare has made international travel easier and many countries have, therefore, developed their tourism industries into key sectors of their economies. While it is clear tourism brings obvious benefits to the countries that host tourists, it is also true to say it may bring disadvantages as well.

Undoubtedly, there are significant benefits that tourism brings to a country. First, a thriving tourist industry implies an increasing need for a variety of services such as hotels, transport, restaurants, and entertainment. This results in a considerable number of jobs being created for people who lack a college education and also the development of the infrastructure needed to accommodate visitors. Moreover, tourism is a "green" industry that, unlike factories, generates a low level of pollution. In fact, because beautiful natural landscapes are often places that tourists come to see, a country will often be sure to maintain the landscape in order to keep it attractive for tourists.

Despite the benefits, there are aspects of tourism that may prove harmful to a country. For instance, a country may suffer from the loss of their traditional culture. This is caused by people in a country changing their lifestyle, customs, and language in order to more effectively serve visitors or because they become influenced by foreign countries. This can cause stress in a traditional society and could even lead to animosity towards tourists. In addition, because tourists often carry expensive objects like cameras and are unaware of their surroundings, they make good targets for theft. Crime also increases as a result of the increases in drugs and prostitution that caters to some vacationers.

In summary, global tourism is greatly beneficial to an economy and environment of a country. However, it can be detrimental in several ways. To my way of thinking, a country should seek to develop its tourism industry because it can bring steady jobs to many people without their need for higher education and without the risk of environmental damages.

23. The only thing that interfere with my leaning is my education- Einstein. What does he mean by that? And do you think he is correct?

Formal education tends to limit the thinking you can do about a subject. For instance, you know and accept that the Law of Gravity is valid. You've been taught that in school. Therefore, you are not going to waste your time trying to get around it.  

Most engineers today are taught that something must be done THIS way. By the time they get their degrees, they can't see simple solutions to complex problems. That's when you need someone with no degree and not a lot of knowledge about engineering that you can bounce the problem off of. In explaining it to them and dealing with their offhand suggestions, you often get the simple solution you couldn't see.  

Einstein recognized that education also limits the mind and felt he learned more by doing research without the confines of the degree. 

Einstein was a genius, which back in the old days many never really understood what a genius really was! So for him to say, the only thing that interferes with my learning is my education! He was actually saying, he was a lot smarter then any education that could be taught to him back in them days!

So he had to more or less, self educate on his own to be able to be smarter then he already was! Many people saw him as off the wall, sort of speak! Because of the fact he was a lot more smarter then anyone really knew! So instead of him being looked up to because of being so smart, he was more like an out cast to most! Mostly because of his odd behavior, and weirdness and very much misunderstood! He plainly just didn't fit in!

I guess you could say, very few people tried to get to know him at his level and partly no one could possibly even think at his level! So he to many was just a strange person! But the fact was he was a genius and he was misunderstood back in them days! Geniuses today are honored and almost worshiped and there is today, way higher education levels in place now for people that are geniuses!  

Could you imagine if education would have been so high level to teach Einstein to the levels he was urning for! He would have really accomplished way more then what he did!

And may have changed the world for a lot better then what it is today! Maybe that's why education is such a high priority in todays world, so that everyone has a chance to be the next great Einstein, or even greater! If education hadn't changed from the old days, man would have never made it to the moon!  

Education has to always change for the better, may be at times not fast enough, but if it didn't life will never get better! If education was still the same as back in Einstein days, Medical wouldn't be where it is today and millions would have all died every year! Medical is the biggest resource for longer life and more quality of life! Without it, people would be dieing at younger ages and from many diseases that wouldn't be cureable without all the medical education we all have today!

 Einstein would have actually fit in better in todays world then he did back in the old days, you could say he was born in the wrong Century, so it would be like taking a well educated person today and put them back into Einstein days of life! The person would feel completely out of place and most likely wouldn't be able to even cope in that kind of life!  

So what Einstein was saying is, he was being taught 6 th grade education when he was actually like the highest college degree grad in are time of life! And he wanted higher education then the highest college education! But back in his days 6 th grade education is all they had as highest education to offer!

The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.

Education in the 21st Century: The Challenge  

'The illiterate of the twenty-first century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.' - Alvin Toffler

How effective is the education that your child receives? As one of the world's wealthy countries, we could reasonably expect that our education system would rate as one of the world's best, and certainly in terms of spending on education, Singapore's record is very good, but it seems that our report card - along with those of all major developed countries - should read: 'Must do better'.

Around the world, education systems are struggling to remain relevant in a changing world. Far too often they are failing to prepare students for life in the 'new economies'.

So, what does all this mean to parents, struggling to make the right educational choices for their children? And what does it mean to a nation like Singapore at the beginning of the twenty-first century? 

For the individual, there is no way to over-estimate the importance of education.

Many may score well in basic literacy and number skills but performance even in these areas is often based on the wealth and social position of the students. And besides, education suited for the new millennium is not the same as in previous decades. The new economy, brought about by the huge changes of the communications revolution, means that the skills which will be valued are far more wide-ranging than the 'three Rs' of the past. Literacy and number skills are still vital, but the successful person in the future will be the person with wide-ranging abilities - the person 'able to navigate change and diversity, learn-as-they-go, solve problems, collaborate and be flexible and creative.' (New Learning: A Charter for Australian Education - Australian Council of Deans of Education (A.C.D.E.)

Creative teachers have understood this for decades, but education systems, are slow to adapt frustrating most attempts at meaningful evolution.  

Education suited to our children's needs must help them cope as individuals in a complex world. Experts predict that today's students will be the first in history to face the prospect of working at ten - or more - different jobs during their working lives. They will need thinking and learning skills that are creative and flexible. Adaptability will be their most prized possession.  

In reality, there is a danger, that outside pressures and the time constraints of an over-crowded curriculum distract us from the traditional purpose of good schooling, which is to turn out a well-rounded, decent human being.

Britain's Prime Minister, Tony Blair, made his intentions clear in 1997, with his statement of priorities: 'Education, Education, Education.' Only last year Singapore's minister for education, Teo Chee Hean said, 'education is about moulding the future of our nation'. He was right of course, but he might also have said, 'education is about moulding the future of each individual.'

The challenge for each of us is to find the method of learning best suited to the demands of that future, and this will be the subject of my articles over the coming weeks.