Assignments and Notice

  Passage A new shopping mall was built near a small village. Many people were excited because it created jobs and made shopping easier. However, some villagers worried that the mall would harm small local shops and increase traffic. The community had to decide how to balance these benefits and problems. Questions 1.      What are the positive and negative effects of building a shopping mall in a small village? 2.      Do you think jobs and convenience are more important than protecting local shops? Why? 3.      How could the community reduce the negative impacts of the mall? 4.      If you were a shop owner in the village, how would you respond to the new mall? 5.      Imagine the mall project was still being planned. What advice would you give to the leaders before they build it?

  Passage Scientists discovered that the river flowing through a city is highly polluted. Some believe the factories are mainly responsible, while others argue that careless citizens who dump trash in the river are to blame. The government announced a plan to clean the river, but many people disagreed on who should pay for it. Questions 1.      Who do you think is more responsible for the pollution: factories or citizens? Why? 2.      Should the government, the factories, or the people pay for cleaning the river? Explain your answer. 3.      What long-term solutions could prevent the river from getting polluted again? 4.      How would you convince citizens to take more responsibility for protecting their environment? 5.      If you were the mayor, how would you make sure the river stays clean in the future?

  Passage Technology has made life easier with smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence. However, many people worry that teenagers are becoming too dependent on technology, spending less time with family and friends, and losing critical thinking skills. Schools are now debating whether to limit technology use during classes. Questions 1.      What are the main advantages and disadvantages of teenagers using technology every day? 2.      Do you agree that schools should limit technology use in class? Why or why not? 3.      How can students balance technology use with real-life interactions? 4.      What might happen to society in 20 years if people become overly dependent on technology? 5.      If you were a school leader, what rules would you create about technology use for students?