Who’s to blame?

Upper Intermediate: The way we live 95

1 Speaking
Work with a partner and decide which of the problems in the box exist among children in your
country.

computer game addiction obesity cyberbullying

stress related illnesses truancy teenage pregnancy

Discuss the following questions.

• Which do you think is the most serious problem?

• Who do you think is responsible?
• What are the solutions?

2 Listening
Listen to four members of the public giving their views on one of the problems listed above.

• Which problem are they talking about?

Listen again and complete the table below.

v
Speaker Who/What is to blame? What is the solution?

Which of the speakers do you most agree with? Why?

© British Council. All rights reserved

 Who’s to blame?
Upper Intermediate: The way we live 95

3 Vocabulary
Listen again and tick () any phrases in the box you hear.

I blame it on … The way forward could be to …

This could (all) be solved if … … are partly to blame, because …

… are responsible for this. …. should be held responsible.

This problem could be addressed by … Dealing with this issue involves, …

To tackle this problem, …

Decide which of the phrases are for placing blame and which are for suggesting solutions. Add
them to the table.

Placing blame Suggesting solutions

© British Council. All rights reserved

 Who’s to blame?
Upper Intermediate: The way we live 95

4 Pronunciation
The following phrase has the stress underlined:

The way forward could be to …

Look at the phrases below and circle the phrase that has the stress correctly underlined. Compare
your ideas with a partner.

A B

1. are partly to blame. are partly to blame

2. are responsible for this. are responsible for this.

3. … should be held responsible. … should be held responsible.

4. This could all be solved if … This could all be solved if …

5. To tackle this problem, … To tackle this problem, …

6. This problem could be addressed by … This problem could be addressed by …

7. Dealing with this issue involves, … Dealing with this issue involves, …

Look back at the problems from the first speaking task. Use the phrases above to tell a partner
who/what you think is to blame and what the solution is. Remember to stress the key words.

e.g. I think the schools are partly to blame for bullying. Dealing with this involves handing out stricter
punishments.

© British Council. All rights reserved

 Who’s to blame?
Upper Intermediate: The way we live 95

5 Speaking
The local government has decided to tackle a range of social problems in your city with funds from
local taxes. Unfortunately there is only enough money to deal with one social issue. Your teacher
will assign you a social problem. Work with a partner to prepare what you are going to say.

Why is this such

a big problem in
your city?

Who/What is to
blame?

How you are going

to solve it?

After preparing your case, outline to another group why your issue should be tackled.

© British Council. All rights reserved