FUNCIONAL LANGUAGE FOR DISCUSSION

EXAMPLE OF AN ORAL MONOLOGUE

Today, I would like to discuss a pressing issue that affects all of us, regardless of where we come from or our socioeconomic status. I am referring to the issue of food waste.

To put it into perspective, did you know that more than 1 billion tons of food produced for human consumption is wasted every year? That's almost one-third of all food produced globally. In developed countries, like the United States, Europe, and Japan, nearly half of all food waste comes from households. Meanwhile, in developing countries, food waste mainly occurs during the production and distribution stages.

So, what can we do as consumers to limit the amount of food that goes into the trash? First, it is worth bearing in mind that we can start by planning our meals buying what we need as, when we buy too much, it often leads to food spoilage and waste. Secondly, we can use our freezer to store leftover food and prevent it from going bad. Besides that, we can get creative with our leftovers and turn them into new dishes. Lastly, we can donate any excess food to food banks or community organisations.

It is essential to point out that should we continue to waste food at the current rate, it will become increasingly difficult to feed the world's growing population. While it may seem like food waste is mainly a problem in rich countries, it is imperative to note that developing countries also face this issue. In those countries, almost 20% of the food which is produced is wasted due to poor storage and transportation infrastructure.

Now, let's consider the positives. It is worth mentioning that reducing food waste has several benefits. First and foremost, it helps to conserve our planet's resources. When we throw away food, we also waste the energy, water, and labour that went into producing it. Additionally, reducing food waste can help to combat hunger and food insecurity. By donating excess food, we can help to feed those in need. Finally, reducing food waste can also save us money. 

As a final point, I’d like to add that we must take action to reduce food waste in our daily lives. As I have already mentioned, by planning our meals, using our freezer and donating excess food, we can make a significant impact on this global issue. It is up to each and every one of us to take responsibility for our food consumption habits and work towards a more sustainable future. Thank you for listening.

Let’s see some negative inversions which can be added so as to improve the level of the monologue:

Not until we start taking food waste seriously can we hope to make a significant impact on our environment and resources.

Rarely do we consider the true cost of throwing away food, from the wasted money and resources to the environmental and ethical implications.

Only by acknowledging the severity of the food waste problem can we begin to work towards a more sustainable and responsible food system.

Here are some idioms/sayings which you can also use in this context: 

 "A penny saved is a penny earned."

This idiom means that any money saved is the same as money earned. In the context of food waste, it reminds us that by reducing our food waste, we can save money on groceries and other household expenses.

"Eat to live, not live to eat." 

This saying means that food should be seen as a means of sustenance rather than an end in itself. In the context of food waste, it encourages us to consume only what we need to sustain ourselves and avoid excessive or wasteful consumption.

Synonyms of key words in the presentation: 

 · Sustainability: Environmentalism, eco-friendliness, conservation

· Expiration date: Sell-by date, best-before date, use-by date

· Composting: Mulching, recycling, decomposing

· Donations: Contributions, offerings

· Planning: Organization, preparation, arrangement

· Groceries: Provisions, supplies

· Opportunity: Chance, occasion

· Innovation: Creativity, originality, novelty

· Community: Society, area