Choose one topic. Think first, then try to write without help. Stuck? Open the suggested plan: it gives you a structure and some ideas, but the best ideas will be yours!
1Can facts change our minds?
“Everyone wants to believe that they are rational, that they could change their beliefs in light of the evidence.” Have you ever changed your mind about something important because of facts? Why is it so difficult?
On a sheet of paper, write 200 to 250 words.
Need help? Click the triangle to see a suggested plan
Introduction
- Sum up the experiment of the video in two sentences.
- Ask the question: do facts really change what we think?
Part 1 — Why it is difficult
- We want to stay part of our group: changing your mind can mean losing friends.
- Clever people are very good at finding arguments for what they already believe.
- It is uncomfortable to admit you were wrong.
Part 2 — When it is possible
- Tell a personal example: something you used to believe, and what made you change your mind.
- Curiosity, time and calm discussions help.
Conclusion
- Say what you will do differently next time someone shows you facts you don't like.
Useful phrases
I used to think that…Then I realised that…It made me change my mind because…It is not easy to admit that…From now on, I will…2Social media: a nearly infinite digital space
The video says these problems are “much more obvious now that everyone can post, tweet, comment and basically shout loudly into this nearly infinite digital space.” Do social networks make us more divided?
On a sheet of paper, write 200 to 250 words.
Need help? Click the triangle to see a suggested plan
Introduction
- Explain what an “echo chamber” is, with an example.
- Ask the question: do social networks divide us?
Part 1 — Yes, they can
- Algorithms show us what we already like and believe.
- Short messages and buzzwords trigger “tribal thinking”.
- People are more aggressive behind a screen.
Part 2 — But they can also connect us
- We can meet people who think differently, from all over the world.
- Some tools show different points of view on the same news.
Conclusion
- Give your opinion.
- Give two tips to use social networks in a smarter way.
Useful phrases
Nowadays,As a result,This is particularly true for…On the contrary,It is up to us to…In a nutshell,3How to talk with someone who disagrees
Your school is organising a debate week. Write a short guide for students: how can you talk about a sensitive subject with someone who doesn't share your opinion? Use the ideas of the video.
On a sheet of paper, write 180 to 220 words.
Need help? Click the triangle to see a suggested plan
Title and introduction
- Give your guide a catchy title.
- Explain in one or two sentences why debates often go wrong.
Tip 1 — Avoid loaded words
- No buzzwords, no insults: talk about concrete, local problems, like the lawmakers in Florida.
Tip 2 — Look at the data together
- Compare proportions, check where the numbers come from.
Tip 3 — Be curious
- Ask questions instead of attacking: “Why do you think that?”
Tip 4 — Remember we are not so different
- Find what you have in common before you talk about what divides you.
Conclusion
- A final sentence to encourage the reader.
Useful phrases
Try to…Don't…Instead of… -ing,Make sure you…Remember that…Last but not least,