Global Warming: Whose Fault?

Secondary & High SchoolAdvancedDiscursive Writing

The Prompt

Imagine our Earth is getting a bit of a fever, and it's called Global Warming. This means our planet is getting warmer, and it's causing changes all around the world, like melting ice and stranger weather.

Your task is to explore a big question: Whose Fault Is It?

Think about two main ideas:

  • Idea 1: Are the 'big' countries mostly to blame? These are countries that built lots of factories a long time ago and have many cars, using up a lot of energy. Did they cause most of the problem because they started using lots of fossil fuels first?
  • Idea 2: Or do all countries, big or small, rich or not so rich, have an equal job to help stop it? Even smaller countries use electricity, drive cars, and need to think about how they live.

Your job is to discuss both of these ideas fairly. Give reasons for each side. Then, tell us what you think, based on the different points you've explored. There's no single right or wrong answer, just good reasons!

💡 Writing Tips

  • Understand Both Sides: Think about why some people blame big, industrial countries and why others think all countries share responsibility.

  • Give Reasons: For each idea, explain why you think that way. Use examples like factories, cars, or saving energy at home.

  • Use Linking Words: Words like 'however', 'on the other hand', 'some might say', and 'I believe' help you show different ideas.

  • Structure Your Writing: Start with an introduction, discuss both viewpoints fairly, and finish with a conclusion that summarises your thoughts.

📝 Sample Answer

Global warming is a huge problem that is making our planet hotter. It's important to think about who is most responsible for this, and what we can all do to help.

Some people believe that the big, industrial countries are mostly to blame. These are nations that built lots of factories many years ago and have had many cars for a long time. They used a lot of coal, oil, and gas to power their industries and homes, which released a lot of gases into the air. Because they started polluting first and for a long time, some argue they should take the biggest share of the blame.

However, others think that all countries, no matter how rich or poor, have a part to play. Even smaller countries use electricity, drive vehicles, and might cut down trees. Every action, big or small, contributes to the problem or helps to solve it. So, everyone should try to reduce their carbon footprint, whether it's by recycling, saving energy, or choosing to walk instead of drive.

In my opinion, while the industrialised nations certainly started the problem and have contributed the most historically, it is now a global issue that needs everyone's help. Richer countries have a greater responsibility to lead the way and help others, but all countries must work together to find solutions and make our planet healthy again.

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