Compare your answers with a partner.

AFTER THE INTERVIEWS

Following is a paraphrase of the interviews with David and Amy. Fill in the blanks using your own words. In some cases, you will need to write more than one word.

David says that the ______________________ and the ______________________

exacerbate the problem of juvenile crime. He believes that kids are essentially ______________________. He thinks they need more ______________________ systems and after-school activities. He also thinks they need good role models. However, he believes that if someone does commit a crime, the punishment should be ______________________, but ______________________.

Amy says that to deter people from committing crime, you have to talk about social factors such as whether there are enough ______________________ for everyone and enough social support systems. But if convicted criminals are sent to jail, we need programs to ______________________ them, such as drug treatment programs and ______________________ programs. Unfortunately, many of the programs that she thinks are needed have been ______________________.

Amy believes that one reason there are so many recidivists is because criminals have a bad experience in jail. When prisoners are released, Amy thinks they need ______________________ to help them go back into society.

Compare your answers with a partner. Remember that your answers will probably not be exactly the same.

Speaking 1 Supporting your opinion

In the interviews, both David and Amy support their viewpoints. Look at the summaries of their arguments below. For each summary, underline the main idea, circle each piece of supporting information, and highlight linking words.

1. David believes that in order to control juvenile crime, we should try to prevent it from happening. He says that to begin with, we should have more structured after-school activities for young people. We should also have Big Brother/Big Sister programs. Additionally, we need better social support systems. And, finally, we should have harsher punishments for crimes because these would act as deterrents.
2. Amy believes that it is important to try to deter potential criminals from committing crimes. But her main point is that we should have rehabilitation procedures for criminals. First of all, there should be more programs to rehabilitate convicted criminals when they are in prison. Furthermore, these programs should have a psychological as well as an educational component. Last but not least, there should be bridge programs to help released criminals enter productive, crime-free lives.

Read the statements below. Then choose one with which you either agree or disagree. Support your ideas with explanations and examples.

• Some people are born with more aggressive tendencies than others.
• White-collar crime is more serious than blue-collar crime.
• Men are more likely to commit crime than women.
• Violence on TV leads to violence in society.
• The main reason for juvenile crime today is the decline of the traditional family.
• Crime is the most serious problem in society today.

Explain your opinion to a small group, using transitional phrases to link your supporting information. Be prepared to answer questions about what you have said.

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 1242