Can the world solve a global problem together?

Answer each question with 2–3 sentences.

1. Do you worry about global problems?
2. Which global problem is the most urgent today?
3. Do you wear sunscreen in summer?
4. Do you think countries can really work together?
5. Have you ever worked in an international team?
6. Do you follow news about the environment?

Read each word and the example. Then say a sentence about a global problem.

Choose the word that fits.

1. Scientists found a hole in the , which protects us from the sun's harmful rays.
2. Countries signed an international to stop using these chemicals.
3. The layer of gases around the Earth is called the .
4. The ozone layer is slowly beginning to .
5. Too much from the sun can damage skin.
6. The countries had to to solve the problem together.
7. A problem that affects the whole world is called a problem.
8. Governments agreed to the use of harmful chemicals.

Choose the right answer, then press Check answers.

1. the ozone layer protects us from
   heavy raincold windsharmful rays
2. a treaty is a formal agreement between
   shopsneighbours onlycountries
3. to recover = to become
   healthy againolderill again
4. global = connected with the
   one housewhole worldone street
5. to cooperate = to work
   togetheraloneslowly
6. progress = movement towards a
   better situationworse situationdifferent house

Use these phrases to connect your ideas.

• Although it was difficult,...Хоча це було важко,...Although it was difficult, they reached an agreement.
• Despite the differences,...Попри відмінності,...Despite the differences, they cooperated.
• However,...Проте,...However, the work is not finished.
• Because of...Через...Because of the treaty, the layer is recovering.
• ..., so......, тому...The danger was clear, so action was taken.
• Therefore,...Тому,...Therefore, many chemicals were banned.
• In order to...Для того щоб...In order to protect health, they acted quickly.
• ..., which means......, що означає...The layer is recovering, which means progress is possible.

Read the text. Hover over the dotted words for help.

1. The ozone hole was reported in 1985.
   TrueFalse
2. Governments waited many years before acting.
   TrueFalse
3. Almost every country joined the agreement.
   TrueFalse
4. The UN says the ozone layer is getting worse.
   TrueFalse
5. The text says climate change is simpler than the ozone problem.
   TrueFalse

1. Why was it possible to agree on the ozone problem?
2. Why is climate change harder to solve?
3. Should rich countries pay more than poor countries?
4. What can ordinary people do about global problems?

Common mistakes: although + clause, despite + noun or -ing, and however at the start of a new sentence. ✗ Despite it was difficult → Although it was difficult / Despite the difficulty. ✗ It was hard, although they agreed. → but / However, they agreed.

1. DespiteAlthough
   it was difficult, they reached an agreement.
2. AlthoughDespite
   the differences, they cooperated.
3. It was difficult.
   AlthoughHowever
   , they agreed.
4. Because ofBecause
   the treaty, the layer is recovering.
5. The danger was clear,
   becauseso
   action was taken.
6. They acted
   in orderin order to
   protect health.
7. The layer is recovering,
   which meanwhich means
   progress is possible.
8. Many chemicals were banned.
   AlthoughTherefore
   , the layer began to recover.

Each sentence has one mistake. Type the correct words.

1. Despite it was difficult, they agreed. →
2. Because the treaty, the layer is recovering. →
3. They acted for protect health. →
4. It was hard. Although, they agreed. →
5. In spite the differences, they cooperated. →
6. The danger was clear, because action was taken. →

Answer in detail. Use linking words: although, despite, however, because, so, therefore, in order to.

1. Why did countries agree on the ozone problem?
2. Although a problem is global, why is it hard to solve?
3. Despite your busy life, what do you do for the environment?
4. What do you do in order to save energy?
5. Which problem do you think needs an agreement like the Montreal Protocol?
6. However hopeful you are, what makes you worried about the future?

Three people talk about global cooperation. Compare their views. Who is the most hopeful? Who is the most careful? What other problem could be solved in this way?

Your teacher will time you.

1. Plan for one minute, then speak for one or two minutes.
2. Part 1: describe a problem and what caused it, using because and so.
3. Part 2: describe a contrast (although, despite, however).
4. Part 3: say what should be done and why, using in order to and therefore.

1. Which global problem worries you the most?
2. Do you try to save energy at home?
3. Although you are busy, what do you do for others?
4. What do you do in order to stay informed?
5. Do you sign petitions or join campaigns?
6. Despite the weather, do you walk to work?
7. How has your area changed in recent years?
8. What would you do if you were a minister for the environment?

1. Who in your family cares about the environment?
2. Who do you trust to explain scientific news?
3. Who in your country works on environmental problems?
4. Who do you work with in a team?
5. Who would you ask for help with a big problem?
6. Who has changed your opinion?

1. Can countries really cooperate?
2. Should international agreements be strict?
3. Is it fair to ask poor countries to do the same as rich ones?
4. Will the world solve climate change?
5. Do scientists get enough attention?