1. Earth Day April 22 nd Week 8 – The Environment and Debating

2. In your opinion, which picture is the most disturbing? Why? Share your opinions with a partner.

3. Earth Day Every April 22 nd. First Earth Day: April 22 nd, 1970. During the 1960s and 70s Americans began to worry about environmental degradation. An annual day on which events are held worldwide to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earths natural environment. Celebrated in more than 175 countries.

4. What are possible outcomes of global warming? Polar bears and penguins will disappear Winters will be 10 degrees colder Malaria will spread around the globe Cockroaches ( ) will be everywhere Africa will have more droughts ( ) Hurricanes will be stronger Skin cancer will increase Drinking water will be expensive Many countries will disappear under water Water wars will break out between nations With a partner, rank each outcome from 1-10 (1=most serious, 10=least)

5. 6 Keys to Discussion/Debate When discussing or debating, you should know how to: 1.Give Opinions 2.Express Agreement 3.Express Partial Agreement 4.Express Polite Disagreement 5.Ask for Clarification 6.Clarify Your Position

6. 1. Giving Opinions – It seems to me that… – To bring up another point,… – As I see it,… – Well, in my opinion,… – Id also like to point out that… – As far as Im concerned,… – Theres no doubt in my mind that… Example: A:It seems to me that global warming is a manmade problem and we must do something soon to solve it. A:Theres no doubt in my mind that the polar ice caps are melting.

7. 2. Expressing Agreement – Thats a good point. – Thats my feeling exactly. – I agree with you completely. – I couldnt agree more. – I think we are in agreement on that. – I agree entirely with you point of view. Example: A: It seems to me that global warming is a manmade problem and we must do something soon to solve it. B: I think we are in agreement on that.

8. 3. Expressing Partial Agreement – By and large, I would accept your view, but… – I agree in principle, but… – I agree with you on the whole, but it could also be said that… – Although I agree with most of what youve said, I find it difficult to agree with your point about… Example: A: It seems to me that global warming is a manmade problem and we must do something soon to solve it. B: By and large, I would accept your view, but there is evidence that suggests global warming is both manmade and part of a natural phenomenon.

9. 4. Expressing Polite Disagreement – But dont you think that…? – Im afraid I have to disagree with you. – I see what you mean, but… – Im not totally convinced by your argument. – Yes, that may be true, but… – I have some sympathy with your position, but… – I must take issue with the argument youve just made. Example: A: It seems to me that global warming is a manmade problem and we must do something soon to solve it. B: Im afraid I have to disagree with you. There is evidence that shows the world is getting warmer naturally and people have nothing to do with it.

10. 5. Asking for Clarification – I dont follow what you just said about… – Correct me if Im wrong, but are you saying that…? – Im sorry, but I didnt get your last point. Could you go over it again? – Would I be correct in saying that…? – Im not sure what youre getting at? – Im afraid Im not quite clear what you mean by that? – When you say…do you mean that…? – Am I correct in assuming that…? Example: A: It seems to me that global warming is a manmade problem and we must do something soon to solve it. B: By and large, I would accept your view, but there is evidence that suggests global warming is both manmade and part of a natural phenomenon. A:When you say its a natural phenomenon do you mean that humankinds increased output of greenhouse gasses has nothing to do with global warming?

11. 6. Clarifying Your Position – Thats not exactly what I mean. – Basically, what Im trying to say is… – Perhaps I havent made myself clear. – Im afraid there seems to be a slight misunderstanding. – Let me put it another way. – My point is that… – Perhaps I should make that clearer by saying... – To be more specific,… Example: A: It seems to me that global warming is a manmade problem and we must do something soon to solve it. B: By and large, I would accept your view, but there is evidence that suggests global warming is both manmade and part of a natural phenomenon. A:When you say its a natural phenomenon do you mean that humankinds increased output of greenhouse gasses has nothing to do with global warming? B:Thats not exactly what I mean. My point is that global warming is complicated and there are many factors which contribute to it.

12. Practice! With a partner, discuss the following statements using the new vocabulary: 1.Best cuisine 2.Most lucrative (profitable) profession 3.Most pressing (urgent) environmental problem in the world

13. Example: A: In my opinion, George W. Bush is the greatest president in the history of America. B:Sorry, but I couldnt disagree with you more. He led Americans into two useless and expensive wars. A: Yes, that may be true, but his strong leadership was crucial to America after 9/11. And so on…

14. Practice! Now, find a new partner: 1.Most respected profession 2.Most important scientific figure in history 3.Most pressing public health issue in the world Again, find a new partner: 1.Best television show 2.Most important leader in history 3.Most pressing issue for China in the future.

15. Thursday: Class Debate! Homework: – Prepare your opinion on the following statements: 1.Developed countries like the US and in Europe should do more than other countries to solve the worlds environmental problems. 2.Its more important to improve peoples standard of living than protect the environment. 3.Nuclear energy is dangerous and should be banned. – For each statement, decide whether you agree or disagree and write down 3 reasons why.