<statement of the topic>
Should we construct a dam to prevent water shortage? The dam is going to be constructed in a mountain, so many animals will not be able to live there and some hot springs in the mountain will be broken. Moreover, some people will have to move to another place.
<introduction of panel members and their initial position>
Mariko: She is 40 and works at a Japanese inn. Her hobby is watching a movie. She opposes the dam
will be constructed because she doesn't want to break any hot springs.
Sakiko: She is 27and belongs to a humane society. She oppose the idea because she wants to protect animals.
Chihiro: She is 63 and a mayor of the village. She agree with the idea because she thinks citizen's can't live without water.
Atsushi: He is 50 and a politician. He agree with the idea because he thinks constructing a dam has some benefits for citizens.
<important points of the discussion as I see it>
If the dam is constructed in a mountain, many animals will not be able to live there and some hot springs will be broken, but a lot of citizens have no difficulty in water shortage. So, constructing a dam has good and bad sides. Citizens and panel members have to consider the importance of their own life and animal's life.
<what the outcome was>
Panel members decided to construct a dam. Mariko asked Atsushi to support jobless workers. Sakiko will provide a better environment for animals next mountains.
<my personal opinion>
I thought Atsushi's opinion that he moves animals to next mountains chasing them by car was irrealizable. And, Chihiro said people who have to move to another place should build their house with compensation money. But I thought the people didn't accept this idea because they probably liked present place. This discussion had difficulties to find out a solution.
<how effective the discussion was>
This time, I thought each panel member often said their opinion comparatively.
<how it could have been better>
Some panel members said their opinion in a low voice, so they should have said in a louder voice. And, Atsushi and Chihiro should have had more compelling opinions, if they construct a dam in a mountain.
Thank you Aiwa,
返信削除I agree with your opinion. In fact, I think that much more consideration should have been put to environmental impact and potential hazards. The need for water didn't seem so immediate and it seemed that time for further study existed.
...also Aiwa, while considering classes for next year, please think about my Advanced English class on Monday in the 4th period. It is a workshop class where students create, produce, promote and broadcast an English radio show on the internet for open listening. I think that this class could be of great benefit to you and you could be of great benefit to this class. Also, you might find my Integrated Skills V and VI class of value. It's a natural progression from this class and looks at debate.