Oil, Water, and the Future

No one can deny the importance oil plays in the world. It powers every aspect of everyday life, from trains, planes, and automobiles; to industry; to the farms which supply our foodstuffs at the supermarket. It fuels war, too. Only the crassest of individuals believe that the war in Iraq is primarily about terrorism. In reality, the utmost priority focuses on the control of oil. And it's going to get worse.

Nations have already begun to position themselves around the globe to ensure a steady supply in the future. Canada has built bases in the Arctic, as global warming will open up drilling opportunities in the polar icecaps. China has invested heavily in African countries such as Angola, so as to obtain rights to drill offshore. They've also ramped up the development of their navy to protect oil interests in the South China Sea and elsewhere. Europe heavily depends on an increasingly assertive Russia. America endures leaders, countries, and policies it finds distasteful.

Global warming has worsened the situation. As climate change grows increasingly severe, it will affect food and water supplies. At present, for example, many of China's cities face water shortages. What's more, deserts in the west of China are rapidly encroaching on farmland, too. The same has begun to happen elsewhere around the globe, to the alarm of scientists. Water could become a non-renewable resource like oil. If so, then countries will need even more oil to guarantee food and water for its citizens.

It's important to note that many countries coveted oil in the years before World War I. Alliances were formed to protect interests around the world, and this led to the start of the Great War. As vital oil and water become scarcer in the 21st century, there can be only one result: conflict.

Title: Speculate and/or discuss the contents of today's article from its title: "Oil, Water, and the Future."

Fill in the Blanks: Fill in the blank with the correct word.

1. Only the ( ) of individuals believe that the war in Iraq is primarily about terrorism.

2. The ( ) priority focuses on the control of oil.

3. China has invested heavily in African countries such as Angola, so as to

( ) rights to drill offshore.

4. China has also ( ) the development of their navy to protect oil

interests in the South China Sea.

5. Europe heavily depends on an increasingly ( ) Russia.

6. America ( ) leaders, countries, and policies it finds distasteful.

7. Deserts in the west of China are rapidly ( ) on farmland.

8. Water could become a non-( ) resource like oil.

9. It's important to note that many countries ( ) oil in the years

before World War I.

10. As ( ) oil and water become scarcer in the 21st century, there can be only one result: conflict.

Post-Comprehension: Talk about the following questions in pairs/groups. Remember to support your answers!

1. What do you think about our need for oil? Is it good or bad? Why do you think so?

2. The article suggests that the war in Iraq is really about oil. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

3. What can people do to prevent the grim future predicted in the article? Can you personally do anything?

4. What do you do to help the environment?

5. What do you think about the future? Will life be better or worse in 100 years? Why do you think so?

Google Search: Type "oil crisis" into Google. Look at the websites, and/or read additional articles on this topic. Discuss or write an essay about your findings.
№ 8.

Soda Tax

To combat the growing waistlines and associated health problems in America, a tax on sodas has recently been bandied about. The idea would likely decrease the amount of soda people drink, thereby decreasing the number of calories from sugary beverages. Equally important, a soda tax seems like a no-brainer because it raises money to cover the deficit of national health care. The tax could raise more than $14 billion in its first year.

Opponents believe a tax would undermine people's choice. In fact, they have been very vocal in their disagreement, with mega-corporations already spending millions in advertising to combat the very idea. Coke's CEO likened the proposal to the Soviet Union, for the government has zero right to tell people what to and what not to drink, or at least in a free and democratic society. Steep taxes on foods could cause legal hazards as well, primarily because a tax so severely affects people's purchasing patterns. What's more, a tax on sugary beverages targets only one aspect of the problem. Other unhealthy foods, such as candy bars or sweetened breakfast cereals, get left out.

Interestingly enough, 53% of Americans responded positively to a tax on soda. Many realize that it could be one tool to fight obesity in America. 41% of children between the ages of two and eleven, 62% of adolescents between the ages of twelve and seventeen, and 24% of adults drink at least one soda per day. And individuals who drink more than on sugar-sweetened beverage are 27% more likely to be overweight. Clearly something must be done.

Overall, and unfortunately so, a soda tax hasn't made any real progress in the halls of government. The chances of any progress in the near future also remain very, very dim.

Warm Up: Do you agree or disagree? Why?

1. People must eat healthier food.

2. The government should regulate the food people buy.

3. There should be taxes on all food.

4. There should be taxes on unhealthy food.

5. Obesity is a real problem in many countries these days.

Fragments: Remember how the fragments were used, and complete the sentence from today's article.

1. Equally important, a soda tax seems like a no-brainer because...

2. The tax could raise more...

3. Other unhealthy foods, such as...

4. Interestingly enough, 53% of Americans...

5. The chances of any progress in...

Post-Comprehension: Talk about the following questions in pairs/groups. Remember to support your answers!

1. Do you think a soda tax would have any effect? Why/not?

2. Were you surprised by the amount of money such a tax would raise? Does this make it a good idea?

3. What do you think of the reasons given by people opposed to the tax? Please explain.

4. Should the government be able to limit our choices, particularly regarding food? Why/not?

5. What other taxes or laws should be enacted for the overall health of people?

Google Search: Type "soda tax" into Google. Look at the websites, and/or read additional articles on this topic. Discuss or write an essay about your findings.

№ 9.

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 692