1 Reading
a Read the essay and complete the summary with the words in the box.
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against conclusion crisis essay for growth manage |
This 1……essay…… discusses whether population 2…………… is a problem. It considers arguments first 3…………… and then 4…………… the idea and comes to the 5…………… that there won’t be any major 6…………… if we 7…………… resources properly
People have always worried about population growth. It is a fact that the number of people on the planet is increasing very quickly, in some countries more than others. This puts a lot of pressure on the Earth’s resources. But is population growth really leading to some kind of crisis?
Many people believe that we just cannot produce enough food to feed everyone. The increase in food prices is proof of this. Furthermore, clean drinking water is getting harder to find, a situation made worse by climate change.
However, not everyone agrees with these arguments. We could produce food much more efficiently with technology and in the same way we could treat sea water to produce an almost endless supply. Some people point out that our problem is distribution of resources, and this is something we can solve.
On balance, population growth is a concern, but there should be enough food and water for everyone if we become more efficient. My own view is that we can’t do much about our increasing population, but we can make sure the way we produce and distribute resources is as effective and fair as possible.
b Read the essay again. Are the sentences true or false?
1 Population growth is a new concern.
2 Food prices are rising.
3 The shortage of water is causing climate change.
4 There are ways of turning sea water into drinking water.
5 The real issue is how we share food and water.
6 The population will eventually stop growing.
Answer
a 2 growth 3 against 4 for 5 conclusion 6 crisis 7 manage
b True: 2, 4, 5; False: 1, 3, 6
2 Writing Skills – Reporting opinions
Are the arguments for or against giving aid to developing countries? Tick (✓) the correct box.
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For |
Against |
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1 Some of the aid is lost and stolen. |
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2 Wealth needs to be shared around the world. |
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3 We have a moral responsibility to help people in need. |
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4 Giving aid makes developing countries dependent. |
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5 We have problems to worry about in our own country. |
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6 Developing countries could become important markets or partners. |
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7 It will mean fewer problems with illegal immigration. |
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8 There are always rich and poor countries – that’s just how things are. |
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Answer
For: 2, 3, 6, 7; Against: 4, 5, 8
3 Writing
Write an essay for and against the topic ‘Richer countries should give aid to developing countries’.
Use the following structure:
– Introduction – state the problem
– Arguments for giving aid
– Arguments against giving aid
– Conclusion – summarise the main points and give your opinion.
Answer
Suggested answer
There are many countries around the world where people live in difficult circumstances and struggle just to survive. The question is whether it is the responsibility of richer countries to give them aid, and if this actually produces any results.
Many people believe that we have a moral responsibility to help poorer people. It is not fair that where you are born determines your standard of living. Everyone should have an equal chance, but this is only possible if wealth is shared around the world.
However, there is an argument that giving aid just makes developing countries dependent on richer ones and stops them finding their own solutions. Furthermore, internal politics and even corruption can mean aid never reaches the people who need it. In some situations, then, aid is wasted and actually has a harmful effect.
On balance, it seems that helping other people is our responsibility, but we must think before we act. My own view is that we should try to find reliable charities and make an effort to help poorer countries. Saying that aid doesn’t reach people is not an excuse.