Should subordinate workers be asked to evaluate their supervisors? [peer reviews]

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, subordinate workers should be asked to evaluate their supervisors, sometimes referred to as “peer reviews.” Now let me explain the details.     

First, peer reviews have many advantages, and surveys also support this fact. Then many companies have already introduced it and achieved positive results: for example, subordinates offer valuable feedback, giving their bosses good insight into their management style and performance. As a result, their feedback can help companies make better decisions about promoting, training, and developing leaders.     

Next, I understand some may have concern that peer reviews might harm supervisors. But, if workers are not happy, companies should ask for their feedback by any means. It is because workers’ dissatisfaction can lead to misunderstandings, low morale, and reduced productivity. On this point, peer reviews offset management’s concerns.     

In this way, peer reviews have pros and cons, depending on whether it encourages efficient leadership. So, we should consider them carefully to find out better corporate strategies. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-B]

feedbackは不可算。

Agree or disagree: Japan should become a cashless society. 

This is an interesting topic; depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, Japan should maintain cash payment for the time being. Now let me explain the details.     

First, some factors prevent cashless payment from spreading: first, stores must invest in setting up cashless payment systems. Second, they have to pay fees to credit card companies. These are significant problems in countries such as Japan, where the economy has stagnant for a long period.     

Next, I understand some may argue that we should pursue the convenience of cashless transactions, but these payments are still not always reliable. For example, Japanese banks’ servers often shut down because of such as power outages, an overload of transactions, and system bugs. In addition, studies have shown that cashless transactions can result in wasting money, leading to an incréased number of personal bankruptcies.           

Therefore, even though cashless payments seem to be a global trend, I conclude that Japan should not rush to become a cashless society, but pursue gradual transition. Thank you for your attention. [182 Words Type-C]

Does capitalism make people equal?

This is an interesting topic; depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, while capitalism might be the most efficient economic system, it does not promote équity. Now let me explain the details.     

First, capitalism creates a wealth gap. In a capitalist society, a small number of people and companies tend to accumulate wealth, while the majority struggle to make ends meet. This wealth gap is growing at an alarming rate, leading to social inéquity and unrest in many countries.     

Next, I understand some may argue that people should be free to improve their lives, but as it is, no study exists to support this argument. In fact, capitalism results in uneven access to “education and social success.” This is especially prevalent in the US, which has allowed huge income gap. That’s why the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed “eliminating poverty” as one of their key challenges.           

Therefore, I disagree with what the topic suggests and conclude that capitalism does not aim équity among people. Thank you for your attention. [182 Words Type-K]

The social responsibility of large corporations [or CSR]

Depending on companies’ philosophies and circumstances, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense. Unfortunately, I have limited knowledge on this topic, so here is what I can provide within the given time limit.     

Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is based on the idea that businesses have a responsibility to help society. While companies work to benefit their shareholders, they should also follow rélevant laws and regulations and work with people to improve society, as they are part of it.     

CSR can change over time. For example, companies can help achieve some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as by promoting economic growth in developing countries, and by protecting the environment.      

Speaking of CSR, we may associate it with “mecenát” initiatives. They are cultural activities, where they sponsor cultural events and donate to preserve historic art and architecture. These efforts help win their reputation and inform people of their corporate philosophies.            

CSR is a new concept in society: if we understand its pros and cons to use it properly, it can help improve society and make people happier. Thank you for your attention. [186 Words Type-M]

Should a major company in financial trouble receive government support?   

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, major companies should receive necessary government support, in certain scenarios. Now let me explain the details.     

Government support has some advantages: first, we know that several bailouts have prevented large companies from collapsing, with negative ripple effect on the economy. For example, if a large bank were to fail, it could trigger a domino on other banks, resulting in a severe financial crisis. For another example, if a big company goes bankrupt, it could make many people lose their jobs and disrupt society in turn.     

Next, I understand some may argue that government support would lead to moral hazard, where companies take on too much risk. But as it is, the government should not bail out such companies with no hope of resurrection, because the government is responsible to the citizens for proper budget execution.           

Therefore, given the significant impact on the economy, I conclude that a major company should receive government support in certain circumstances. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-P]

Should whistle-blowing be promoted? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, we should actively promote whistle-blowing system. Now let me explain the details.     

Experts point out the advantages of whistle-blowing: first, we have already seen that whistle-blowing has encouraged workers to report corporate crimes, such as insider trading and bribery. This promotes transparency for the company’s activities. Plus, it prevents the media from reporting false facts about these crimes. As a result, businesses can hold their reputation and shareholders can rely on the companies’ ethical attitude, securing LLC system in turn.     

Next, I understand some may argue that whistle-blowing can be abused to disrupt corporate governance and harm their reputation. Certainly, this has a point, as not all whistle-blowing reveals truth. Yet the benefits of ethical practices far outweigh the risks. Since LLCs rely on funding from the public, it is essential that they clearly disclose their actions.           

Therefore, I agree with what the topic suggests and believe that encouraging whistle-blowing system can improve integrity in company, and accountability in society. Thank you for your attention. [184 Words Type-K]

Do foreign management styles work in Japanese companies?

Depending on the philosophies and situations of companies, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, some foreign management styles would not work well in traditional Japanese companies. Now let me explain the details.     

Foreign management methods have several disadvantages in Japan: first, some of their approaches do not go along Japanese work methods. For example, their management values “individualism” and “competition,” while Japanese companies prioritize “consensus-building” and “teamwork.” These gaps can provoke backlash of Japanese workers.     

Next, many Japanese businesses still offer lifetime employment and seniority-based pay. While these methods aren’t ideal today, they have gained workers’ loyalty to the companies and improved social security in turn. So, hastily eradicating them could trigger social unrest and harm the country’s welfare systems eventually. Few Japanese people would welcome such an outcome.           

Therefore, even though certain foreign management styles may work well, when applying them to Japanese workplaces, it is important to reflect its tradition, situation, and philosophy. If they work successfully, it can improve both productivity and workers’ welfare. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-L]

Is modern business too dependent on information technology [or IT]? 

This is an interesting topic; depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the modern business does not excessively depend on information technology, or IT, at least at this time. Now let me explain the details.     

First, most companies today use IT, as they have invested in it to enhance their operations. For example, they use “deep learning” to develop strategies, and “video conferencing” to make timely decisions. Plus, IT has reduced the use of resources, such as fossil fuels and paper, following some UN Sustainable Development Goals. From this viewpoint, actively adopting IT is a kind of ethical attitude.     

Next, I understand some may have concern about relying on new technologies. Certainly, depending only on innovative technology can be risky. However, for example, the Internet was originally set up as a secure and reliable system for military operations. In contrast, relying only on old and outdated technology can make you less competitive.           

Therefore, even though high-tech may seem strange, we can be optimistic about its advantages, and improve its potential and reliability. Thank you for your attention. [189 Words Type-Q]

Will all publications be replaced by electronic media?

Depending on your expectations, answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, not all of them will be replaced anytime soon. Now let me explain the details.     

The paper publication still has its advantages: first, it is easy to create a large page, such as newspapers, so it is easy to read fast. Next, printed information is difficult to delete, so it keeps important information for a long time. In addition, it does not need any terminal devices, making it easy for children to handle. These advantages are difficult to achieve with e-media for now.     

On the other hand, e-media also have their own advantages: first, they are excellent for breaking news across the world instantly, and can contain various multimedia cóntent. Next, it is paperless, so is environmentally-friendly. So, given the current environmental crises, I hope that e-media will account for significant part of the publishing.     

In conclusion, even though traditional publishing is losing its power, we can still be optimistic about their potential and see them as a viable option for the time being. Thank you for your attention. [186 Words Type-O]

米語: anytime <> 英語: any time

Agree or disagree: Advertising has a negative influence on society.

This is an interesting topic; depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, advertising sometimes have a negative impact on society. Now let me explain the details.     

Advertising has some disadvantages: first, it often promotes harmful substances, such as alcohol and tobacco. This can influence young people to try these products, which can harm their health and academic performance. Second, some ads often spread “false,” “exaggerated,” and “misleading” information about their products and services, so often have negative impact on people’s purchasing behavior.     

Next, I understand some may argue that advertisements just show their product information, but young people are also naïve consumers. That’s why the media have guidelines about ads to provide. But as it is, those rules aren’t enough in many cases.           

In conclusion, while advertisements have useful information, we cannot simply assume that they are good or bad. Finding a balance between its usefulness and harmfulness is an important yet challenging matter. So, we must carefully examine them to find out an optimal approach. Thank you for your attention. [183 Words Type-F1,N]

Is the TV era coming to an end? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, TV will become less popular in the future. Now let me explain the details.     

First, young workers and students today are increasingly turning to the Internet as their primary source of information. As a result, studies have shown that they are watching TV less than they used to. It is partly because they don’t have enough time to sit in front of the TV set, while they can access to online information almost anytime, anywhere with their handy devices.     

Next, TV cóntent has become stale. It is because TV broadcasting use radio waves, so must be licensed, which leads to a kind of oligopoly, and less competition in turn. In contrast, online platforms allow anyone to post quick information. In addition, the Internet technology is also improving and becoming faster day by day.           

Therefore, given that we already have better alternatives, I conclude that the current TV system is becoming less significant, and will come to an end soon. Thank you for your attention. [183 Words Type-P]

Are traditional media coming to an end?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, traditional media are not coming to an end. Now let me explain the details.     

Traditional media still have their advantages: first, they have maintained strong reporting networks in society, which makes their information reliable. On the other hand, social media information is a mixture of good and bad. Thus, traditional media still play an important role in providing information for now.     

Next, I understand some may argue that print media is no longer rélevant, but print media is still superior to e-media in some aspects: first, it is easy to create a large page, such as a newspaper. Second, printed information is difficult to delete, so it keeps important information stable for a long time. In addition, it does not need any terminal devices, making it easy for children to handle.     

Therefore, even though traditional media sales has been in decline, we can still be optimistic about their potential and see them as a viable option, at least for the time being. Thank you for your attention. [186 Words Type-O]

have a place = exist

Agree or disagree: news on social media is reliable.

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, online news is a mixture of good and bad, so some of them are not reliable. Now let me explain the details.     

First, many news sources on social media are unknown, and lack fact-checking. Plus, they often spread false and biased information, putting people and property at risk of criminal activity. In fact, many viewers are already aware of this. So, surveys have shown that they still trust newspapers, TV, and radio far more than social media.     

Next, I understand some may argue that online news cited from newspapers and news agencies are reliable at least. But it is not always the case because criminals often pretend news agencies. To put it the other way around, traditional media still offer reliable information.           

Therefore, even though we know that social media in itself is not necessarily bad, we cannot simply lap up all the cóntent of online news. So, proper digital literacy is important when using online sources. Thank you for your attention. [181 Words Type-Q]

The pros and cons of social media 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but come to think of it, it’s important to assess the pros and cons in order to use social media properly. Now let me explain the details.     

We know that social media has some excellent features: first, it helps quick communication among people. For example, it allows us to keep in touch with your family and friends living far apart. Plus, we can easily read news from around the world, and it is simple to share our opinions with others. In addition, everyone can report events and break news online as “citizen journalism,” which can promote healthy democracy across the world.     

There are always cons to everything: one is that social media can lead to addiction, causing physical inactivity and stress. Moreover, social media often spread false and biased information, putting people and property at risk of criminal activity.           

Social media is a new technology: if we understand its pros and cons to use it properly, it can make our communication more vibrant and enjoyable. Thank you for your attention. [185 Words Type-M]