Global Issues and Communication: 2026 Exam Topics

Posted on Jun 28, 2026 in Social sciences

Exam Oral Topics (4th Year) 2026

Cultural Globalization

Cultural globalization is the process of spreading ideas, values, traditions, and cultural products across the world. Driven by the internet, social media, and modern technology, it allows cultural trends to travel quickly from one country to another. Hollywood movies and global brands have created a shared global culture. English has become the main international language, making communication easier between different nations.

Tourism and global events strengthen cultural connections. On the positive side, it promotes tolerance and understanding.

However, it also poses challenges. Many fear the loss of traditional cultures and languages due to the dominance of Western popular culture, often called cultural imperialism. As a result, countries are trying to protect their heritage through laws and quotas.

In conclusion, cultural globalization offers both great opportunities for dialogue and enrichment, as well as the need to preserve cultural diversity in our interconnected world.

Globalization and Its Impact

Globalization means the world is becoming more connected. Countries, people, businesses, and cultures are linking together more than ever before. It is driven by better technology, faster transportation, the internet, and international trade.

Thanks to globalization, companies can sell products all over the world. People can buy goods from different countries easily and travel faster. It has helped many developing countries grow and create jobs.

However, globalization also has downsides. Some people lose jobs because companies move to cheaper countries. It can increase the gap between the rich and the poor. Local cultures and traditions sometimes become weaker because of Western influence.

In short, globalization brings both big opportunities and serious challenges. It makes the world smaller and more connected, but we need to manage it carefully to protect jobs, cultures, and the environment.

English as a Global Language

English is a global language. This means it has a special role in many countries around the world. A language becomes global not because many people speak it as their first language, but because of the power of its users. In the past, Great Britain was a very powerful country with a large empire, so English traveled all over the world. Later, the USA became a superpower in economics and technology, which made English even more important.

People use English in three main ways:

As their native language in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
As an official language in governments, courts, and schools in countries like India and Singapore.
As the main foreign language that children learn in school in over 100 countries, such as China and Russia.

Because of this, about 1.5 billion people in the world are fluent or competent in English.

Now, in the 21st century, English is slightly different. The internet needs a common language, and that is English. About 80% of all information on the internet is in English. People from different countries use it to share ideas and communicate with other users.

The future of English is clear: it will not die. More and more people are learning it. However, most people do not speak perfect standard English. They speak their own variety or dialect, like American or British English. In the future, people might use different types of English for different situations: one for international communication, one for their country, and a local one for communicating in their town. So, the world will not only be multilingual but also multidialectal.

Capital Punishment: History and Debate

Capital punishment, or the death penalty, is the state’s execution of a person for a serious crime. Although many countries have abolished it, it remains a subject of global debate. Supporters believe that murderers deserve this punishment, that it can deter serious crimes, and that it guarantees dangerous criminals will never kill again. They also see it as a symbol that society does not tolerate the worst crimes.

Opponents argue that courts can make mistakes and innocent people may be executed, which is impossible to correct. They also state that there is no clear evidence that the death penalty prevents crime better than life imprisonment. In addition, it is often applied unfairly and is viewed by some as another form of violence by the state.

I am mostly against the death penalty because wrong executions cannot be reversed, and studies show it does not reduce murder rates more effectively than life sentences. However, I understand one argument in its favor: it is the only absolute guarantee that the most dangerous criminals will never harm anyone again. Overall, the risk of irreversible mistakes and its doubtful effectiveness make me believe that the death penalty should not be used.

The Face That Fits the Crime

In the 19th century, a pseudoscience called physiognomy was widely accepted. It claimed that a person’s character could be recognized from their facial features. According to physiognomy, certain traits—such as a narrow, sloping forehead, a prominent jaw, and a snub nose—formed the typical “criminal face.” This image was considered savage.

Despite attempts to match real convicts to this stereotype, science has since proven that criminals have no distinct appearance. People who break the law look as ordinary as the general population. Modern police do not use physiognomy, yet the public imagination is still drawn to the idea of a “criminal look”—often reinforced by sensational headlines like “Eyes of a Killer” in tabloids.

Today’s common image of a criminal is no longer the Victorian “beast,” but rather a cold, expressionless face—the kind seen in mugshots or police sketches.

In my opinion, there is no description of how a “criminal” looks. Criminals can be anyone—a person in a suit committing fraud, a young person stealing out of desperation, a neighbor, or a stranger. They come from all backgrounds, ages, and appearances. The idea of a typical criminal is a stereotype; crime is about actions and choices, not a specific look.

Online vs. Offline Communication

It is important to behave differently online and in real life because the internet offers less privacy. Information shared online can be seen by many people and may remain there forever, so we should protect our personal information and think carefully before posting anything.

Communication online is also different because we cannot see facial expressions or hear the tone of voice, which can lead to misunderstandings. At the same time, the internet helps us stay connected with friends and family who live far away.

People should always be careful online and remember that not everyone is honest. A liar online is a liar in real life too. Today, smartphones keep us constantly connected, and being “always online” has become part of modern life.

Many young people spend a lot of time using computers and phones in their bedrooms, creating what is called “bedroom culture.” The internet gives them a personal space to communicate with friends and enjoy private time. As a result, online activities have become an important part of young people’s everyday lives.

Co-working Space Etiquette

A co-working space is a productive place to work, featuring standing desks, air conditioning, and professional peers. However, small rules are broken every day. Because everyone is busy, they sometimes forget they share the space with others.

Here are nine common and annoying problems:

Using a phone in a quiet area: People take calls thinking they will be short, but one minute becomes five, disturbing everyone.
Booking a room “just in case”: People reserve conference rooms but don’t use or cancel them, leaving others without a space.
Staying too long in a room: People don’t leave on time, making the next person wait.
Printing too many pages: Large print jobs block others who only need a single page.
Making noise when setting up: Laptops hitting desks and bags smacking surfaces can be very distracting.
Eating loud or smelly food: Strong odors or slurping sounds make it difficult for others to concentrate.
Leaving a mess in the kitchen: Spills in the microwave or dirty dishes in the sink make the area unpleasant.
Talking loudly with colleagues: Personal conversations near those trying to work disrupt focus.
Watching videos without headphones: Even quiet audio can be a constant, irritating noise for others.

All these problems are small, but when they happen every day, they make the shared space less comfortable for everyone.

Gender Differences in Communication

People often say that men and women communicate differently. Women usually use conversation to build relationships, share feelings, and show support. They often discuss personal topics, ask questions, and pay attention to details. They also tend to show they are listening through verbal feedback and facial expressions.

Men, on the other hand, often communicate to exchange information or solve problems. Their conversations are usually more direct and focused on facts or practical solutions. They often use fewer words and prefer to get to the point quickly.

Differences can also be seen in arguments and listening styles. Women may connect current discussions with past experiences and emotions, while men often focus on resolving the immediate issue. Men may offer advice quickly, whereas women often prefer to talk through problems to feel understood.

Although these are general observations, understanding different communication styles can help people listen better and avoid misunderstandings. The most important thing is to respect each other’s way of communicating.

Terrorism and Terrorist Organizations

Terrorism is generally defined by three key elements: violence, fear, and intimidation used to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals. The direct victims are often not the main target; the real target is the audience. Terrorists use violence to attract attention and force society to react.

A well-known example is the 1972 Munich Olympics, where eleven Israeli athletes were killed. While the athletes were the immediate victims, the terrorists aimed to gain worldwide publicity through the media.

Terrorism is not the work of irrational individuals acting alone. Major attacks require funding, careful planning, and coordination. Common methods include bombings, hostage-taking, armed attacks, assassinations, and skyjacking.

1. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)

Established: 2000 | Leader: Masood Azhar

Aim: JeM seeks to create an Islamic state in Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to integrate the region into Pakistan under Sharia law. They primarily use suicide bombings and targeted assassinations.

Notable Actions: The 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing.

2. Al-Shabaab

Established: 2006 | Leader: Ahmed Omar Abu Ubaidah

Aim: Al-Shabaab seeks to establish a strict Sharia-governed state in Somalia and expel Western influence. They fund their operations through extortion, smuggling, and ransom.

Notable Actions: The 2010 Kampala bombings and the 2013 Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi.

Recognizing Manipulation in Modern Life

In today’s world, manipulators use clever tricks to control what we think, feel, and buy. If we don’t pay attention, we easily fall into their traps. Manipulators often look friendly and harmless.

In Mark Twain’s stories or George Orwell’s Animal Farm, we see how flattery, emotional words, and black-and-white thinking are used to control others. These tricks work because they play with our emotions and make us feel special or scared.

For example, phone scammers often use fear and urgency. They might claim a family member is in trouble to make you act without thinking. To protect ourselves, we must stay alert, ask questions, and look for manipulative tactics like false stories and flattery. Those who don’t pay attention don’t just make small mistakes—they fall flat on their face.

Major Terrorist Attacks in Recent History

Terrorist attacks cause the deaths of innocent people and create widespread fear. Here are five significant examples:

Mumbai, India (2008): Ten terrorists attacked hotels and a railway station over four days, killing around 170 people.
Paris, France (2015): An attack on a magazine office killed 12 people, leading to global demonstrations for freedom of expression.
Orlando, USA (2016): A gunman killed 49 people at a nightclub, one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history.
Boston, USA (2013): Two bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon finish line, killing three and injuring over 260.
Nairobi, Kenya (2019): An attack on a hotel and office complex resulted in 21 deaths before security forces ended the siege.

Negotiating Anti-Terrorism Measures

Negotiations come in many forms, from casual talks to high-stakes international deals. When dealing with anti-terrorism, the focus is usually on integrative negotiation (win-win), centered on shared security.

Key steps include:

Defining clear goals: Such as intelligence sharing or joint border control.
Preparation: Researching the other side’s interests and building a solid plan.
Building trust: Using confidence-building measures and respecting cultural differences.
Setting rules: Agreeing on the agenda and participants.
Active negotiation: Listening and looking for creative joint solutions.
Documentation: Confirming agreements in writing and establishing monitoring mechanisms.

The main idea is to shift from “who wins” to solving the common problem of terrorism together. Preparation and trust matter more than pressure.