Lesson POL-7

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Listening comprehension and debate analysis

Zeyad - Should we limit flights by a quota?

Ladies and gentlemen, we currently face a huge challenge. That is: bigger than our economics. Bigger than social issues. Bigger than ourselves. The environmental crisis. Meanwhile, Swedes fly more and more, generating a vast amount of emission, to the point where we have to limit our emissions. A great deal, you may say. This is why we propose that the number of flights per person should be limited by a quota. Firstly, this will lower our carbon emission significantly. Secondly, we will save a lot for our future economy. Thirdly, we will subsidize other means of Transport.

(Najma - point of information)

So this quota is specified towards Sweden whilst our carbon emission footprint might be decreased, how about the rest of the world? 

Zeyad

This is a war against humanity and drastic measures needs [sic] to be taken. And therefore everybody needs to take part. Thank you.

Meanwhile, according to research, done by Chalmers University, Swedes fly five times more than the average consumer. In fact, every year flying accounts for about as much carbon emissions as driving does, which is 30 percent. It is also worth mentioning that the environment is way more important than the current economy because of the potential damage on infrastructures and mass migration as a result of natural disasters as well as coping costs, that might ruin our economy in the future.

Why not use the money that the Swedish state invests into flying, which according to a tourism professor at Lund's University, says it's around several billions of Kroner  [sic]. Why not use that money into a green alternative such as rail transportations, and or electric cars? Because let's face it, we have to do something right now. Let's do this for our future. Our future Earth, our future society, for our future generation. We need to limit flying by quota. Thank you.

1. When the speaker mentions research from 'Chalmers University' and a 'tourism professor at Lund's University,' which rhetorical appeal are they primarily using?

   • Pathos

   • Logos

   • Ethos

2. The opening lines, 'Bigger than our economics. Bigger than social issues. Bigger than ourselves,' are an example of which figure of speech?

   • Alliteration

   • Simile

   • Anaphora

3. What is the primary purpose of the 'Logos' used in the third paragraph?

   • To show the speaker is a passionate and caring individual.

   • To entertain the audience with interesting facts about Sweden.

   • To provide statistical evidence that justifies the need for 'drastic measures.'

4. The speaker describes the environmental crisis as a 'war against humanity.' What is the effect of this choice of words?

   • It creates a sense of urgency and high stakes through Pathos.

   • It establishes the speaker's background in history.

   • It provides a literal description of military conflict.

5. Which of the following best describes the speaker's main argument regarding the economy?

   • Sweden should stop all international trade to save money.

   • Protecting the environment now will prevent a total economic ruin in the future.

   • The economy is currently more important than the environment.

Match the arguments with the correct rhetorical appeal: ethos (credibility), pathos (emothions) or logos (logic).

• According to a recent study from Harvard University, students who read for 30 minutes daily score 20% higher on comprehension tests.

• If we don’t take action now, our children will inherit a world devastated by climate change.

• I have been a doctor for 25 years, and I can assure you that this treatment is safe and effective.

• Statistics show that seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 45%. Buckle up and stay safe.

• Think about your grandparents. Don’t they deserve the best healthcare we can provide?

Match the vocabulary with definitions

Match the figures of speech with the correct examples. Use the list of the potential figures of speech

Please wait for Feke to distribute the listening test codes.

You may choose the Broad or the Narrow tests; see below for more information.

Good luck!