Earth DayApril 22nd

Week 8 – The Environment and Debating

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

partner.

Earth Day

• Every April 22nd. • First Earth Day: April 22nd, 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 Earth’s natural environment.

• Celebrated in more than 175 countries.

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 ( 蟑螂 ) will be everywhere• Africa will have more droughts (干旱 )• 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 nationsWith a partner, rank each outcome from 1-10 (1=most serious, 10=least)

6 Keys to Discussion/Debate

When discussing or debating, you should know how to: 1.Give Opinions2.Express Agreement3.Express Partial Agreement4.Express Polite Disagreement5.Ask for Clarification6.Clarify Your Position

1. Giving Opinions

Example: A: It seems to me that global warming is a manmade problem and we must do

something soon to solve it.

A: There’s no doubt in my mind that the polar ice caps are melting.

2. Expressing Agreement

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.

3. Expressing Partial Agreement

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.

4. Expressing Polite Disagreement

Example:

A: It seems to me that global warming is a manmade problem and we must do something soon to solve it.

B: I’m 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.

5. Asking for Clarification

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 it’s a natural phenomenon do you mean that humankind’s increased output of greenhouse gasses has nothing to do with global warming?

6. Clarifying Your Position

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 it’s a natural phenomenon do you mean that humankind’s increased output of greenhouse gasses has nothing to do with global warming?

B: That’s not exactly what I mean. My point is that global warming is complicated and there are many factors which contribute to it.

Practice!• With a partner, discuss the following statements using

the new vocabulary: 1. Best cuisine2. Most lucrative (profitable) profession3. Most pressing (urgent) environmental problem in

the world

Example:

A: In my opinion, George W. Bush is the greatest president in the history of America.

B: Sorry, but I couldn’t 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…

Practice!Now, find a new partner: 1.Most respected profession2.Most important scientific figure in history3.Most pressing public health issue in the world

Again, find a new partner: 1.Best television show2.Most important leader in history3.Most pressing issue for China in the future.

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 world’s environmental problems.

2. It’s more important to improve people’s 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.