2.13 A Discussion
Social purpose: To explore various perspectives of an issue before coming to an informed decision
Should the Anti-Whaling Nations Give Into the Pro-Whaling Nations?
| Text structure | Language features | |
| Issue | 1Whales have been an endangered species for many years. In 1946 an international body, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) was established to regulate the whale population. This body placed a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1982. However, today the pro-whaling 1nations want this moratorium lifted but are still strongly opposed by the anti-whaling nations. | 1. Use of general nouns |
| Argument for | The anti-whaling nations 2argue, in the first place, that the whales, captured and killed lawfully for scientific purposes, experience 3slow, agonising deaths at the hands of their 1hunters. They 2believe that the return to commercial whaling 5might only extend this 3horrible practice. They argue 6also, that although some 1countries practise whaling for scientific reasons, they are really doing it 7because they want to make a profit. In addition, the anti-whalers 2claim that 4the whale meat and products are not needed anymore. | 2. Use of saying and thinking verbs to express opinions
3. Use of judgement vocabulary to evaluate ideas, behaviours |
| Argument against | 6On the other hand, pro-whalers 2argue that now that the populations of whales have increased and in many cases been restored in many parts of the world to normal levels, there is no longer any need to ban commercial whaling. 6Moreover, they have 2agreed to 3minimise cruelty in their hunting practices and 6so whales will not suffer 7as they have done in the past. They say that the ICW will continue in its scientific work of ensuring 7that whales are treated in a 3humane way 7and that the whale population does not drop too low. Lastly, so many more countries have joined their side recently proving that the anti-whalers' opinion is declining. |
4. Use of extended noun groups to condense information
5. Use of modals to strengthen or moderate arguments 6. Use of a wide variety of connectives to introduce and connect arguments logically |
| Conclusion and recommendation | 6In summary, I can see that the two sides will never agree with one another. 6However, 7if the pro-whalers are able to persuade more anti-whaling nations that whalers will no longer use 3cruel methods and that the whale population, now increased by thousands, will not now be in danger of decreasing, they will control opinion. So the anti-whaling group will lose the case 7but I recommend that the anti-whaling group 5should keep a closer watch than ever on the pro-whaling activities to ensure that rules are kept. | 7. Use of conjunctions to connect clauses |