Topic 3
Which renewable is 'best'? 1

A parliamentary debate

Task 3 -Let's have a vote!

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Click here to go back to the sustainable energy project homepage.

Learning aims

To weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of wind power generation.
To independently distinguish between facts and fiction based upon provable statistics and avoid anecdotal arguments.

(Why am I doing this?)

So that I can make informed decisions about a topic that affects me or others.
So that I can debate effectively with others in a balanced, constructive way.

Click to view the TV film.

Watch the inspirational William Kamkwamba, the boy who harnessed the wind' give his TED talk. where he tells about his amazing inventive journey.

Lesson vocabulary

Debate

noun: debate; plural noun: debates
adjective: debatable

a formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a vote.

E.g. "last night's debate on the Education Bill" or "I believe that your view is debatable".

Statistic

noun: statistic; plural noun: statistics
adjective: statistical

a fact or piece of data obtained from a study of a large quantity of numerical data.

E.g. "the statistics show that the crime rate has increased". or "statistically speaking, the evidence does not back up the assumption".

Anecdote

noun: anecdote; plural noun: anecdotes
adjective: anecdotal

a short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.

E.g. "he told anecdotes about his job" or "The evidence you have provided is purely anecdotal".

Activities

Scenario

Your local MP, Dr. Jamie Wallis, is due to speak in the main house of the Houses of Parliament in London about a proposed inland wind farm development in Bridgend. He intends to read out the view of his local constituents (the local community who he is responsible for representing at a national level).

Task 1 - The MP

Find out some facts about Dr. Wallis, by visiting his website at https://www.jamiewallisbridgend.com/ . Use the opportunity to find out if he shares similar beliefs as you or your family. What kinds of campaigns has he led on? Has he voted in a particular way in parliament?

By understanding your local representative MP you may find a common cause which might support you in putting your own argument forward and increase your likelihood of being supported by them. Additionally, it helps understand if the person who represents us - really does represent us. If not, we can use our democratic voice by voting for someone else in the next election.

Click here to make a copy of the fact file template that you can edit yourself.

MP fact file

View Dr. Wallis' voting record

This page lists a voting analysis of how your MP has voted on issues that have been debated in parliament. You will note there is a whole section on the environment. It is quite interesting to see how Mr Wallis has voted. Does this change your view of your MP? How?

Use this PEEL sheet to help you plan your argument. Click to copy.

Use this 'connectives' prompt sheet to help you plan effective sentences.

Connectives in D&T

Task 2 - The letter

Dr. Wallis has asked the community for a letter containing your views.
He has explicitly stated that the statements he puts forward must be based upon reasoned evidence and facts - not just purely emotional arguments that can be contested in debate easily.

For this reason if you are to have your views heard, they must be articulate and factual.

Success Criteria

The writing task must be written as a letter and structured as one.
The letter must contain
- Your address & the MP's address.
- The date the letter was written.
- An appropriate salutation / greeting.
- Paragraphs constructed of:
  1. 1. A short introduction.
    2. A statement of intent - Do you want the wind farm to go ahead or not? Why do you have this opinion?
    3. A reasoned argument why it should or should not go ahead, with statistical evidence to back up your argument. You may wish to include anecdotal evidence too.
    4. A polite closing statement, appealing to the MP to listen and act on your behalf.
    5. A sign-off / farewell signature.
The letter must be polite, cordial and respectful at all points.
Offensive language will be treated with the contempt and consequences it deserves. You will find that by treating people with respect, they are far more likely to react positively towards you.

An example letter

Example letter to MP

Task 3 -Let's have a vote!

Letters will be collected and divided into the two 'piles': 'yes' or 'no' and the class 'camps' divided accordingly.
The best three letters will be read out in-class and you will have the option of reading your own letter out if you wish.
After we have heard the arguments for and against, we will all vote with the final result tallied up and displayed here.
To cast your vote, please complete the form below.