11.

5 TIME TO SPEAK LESSON OBJECTIVE

■ present a proposal to solve a

MEDIATION
problem

A Look at the picture. Where do you think this tree is?

What problems might the tree cause for the people who
use this area?

B PREPARE The tree has grown too big, and the people
in the building are going to hold a meeting to decide
what to do about it. Divide into three groups to prepare
for the meeting.
Group A: You like having a tree here, so you want to
replace this tree with a smaller one. Think
about arguments for having a tree near
the building.
Group B: You think this area could be used for more
useful purposes, like extra parking space.
Think about arguments for other ways to
use this space.
Group C: You are the mediators. You will listen to
both sides and try to help them reach a
compromise. Discuss possible arguments
and suggestions you could make to keep
both sides happy.

C DISCUSS Now make new groups of three, with one

student from each group. Students from Group A and
Group B put forward their arguments, and the Group C
student mediates and tries to help the others come to
an agreement.

D PRESENT The Group C students report back on

the discussions to the class. Listen to all the solutions.
Who has the best solution? Take a class vote to decide.

To check your progress, go to page 156.

USEFUL PHRASES
PREPARE DISCUSS PRESENT
One argument for keeping/ We think it’s really important The main arguments for/
removing the tree is … to … against keeping it were …
Another good argument We need to consider … In the end, we decided to …
might be … Would you consider … ? We couldn’t come to an
As an alternative, we could … agreement because …
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