SPEAKING. ADVANCED LEVEL

Adapted from About.com by Mª Jesús García San Martín 1

First World Obligation

You are going to debate the correctness of the following statement: First World countries

have an obligation to help Third World countries with funds and assistance in cases of

hunger and poverty.

Below you will find phrases and language helpful in expressing opinions, offering explanations

and disagreeing.

Opinions, Preferences:

I think..., In my opinion..., I'd like to..., I'd rather..., I'd prefer..., The way I see it..., As far as I'm

concerned..., If it were up to me..., I suppose..., I suspect that..., I'm pretty sure that..., It is

fairly certain that..., I'm convinced that..., I honestly feel that, I strongly believe that..., Without

a doubt,...,

Disagreeing:

I don't think that..., Don't you think it would be better..., I don't agree, I'd prefer..., Shouldn't

we consider..., But what about..., I'm afraid I don't agree..., Frankly, I doubt if..., Let's face it,

The truth of the matter is..., The problem with your point of view is that...

Giving Reasons and offering explanations: To start with, The reason why..., That's why..., For

this reason..., That's the reason why..., Many people think...., Considering..., Allowing for the

fact that..., When you consider that...

For Extensive Responsibility

• First World has always exploited Third World

• Creates dens of international or global community

• Promotes cross-cultural understanding

• Raises First World awareness of Third World plight

• The importance of humanitarian deeds

• Promotes economic stability

• Raises standard of living for Third World populations

• Reflects acceptance of First World responsibility for past historical actions

For Limited Responsibility

• Every nation is responsible for its own people

• Long term affects of sustained "charity" are negative on the whole

• Makes Third World countries even more dependent on First World countries

• Imports First World cultural values into Third World context where they do not

necessarily belong, or apply

• Creates cultural homogenization

• Past history of corruption and ineffectiveness of such "help" programs

• Need for real economic opportunities rather than charity

• Hurts national pride and confidence in the leadership of the Third World countries

involved

SPEAKING. ADVANCED LEVEL

Adapted from About.com by Mª Jesús García San Martín 2

• Help can be made dependent on certain political or economic conditions imposed by

First World countries

When you have thought about all these issues and have drafted your speech, deliver a three-

minute-talk on the topic.