GLOBAL ISSUES
What makes an issue a “global issue” rather than only a personal problem?
A global issue is an important problem or subject that has significance beyond one individual or location and can affect people, communities, countries or the wider world.
What is evidence?
Information about a global issue that helps develop understanding or helps prove whether something is true or false.
What is a perspective in Global Perspectives?
A viewpoint on an issue based on evidence and reasoning.
What is the difference between a FACT and an OPINION?
Fact: A statement that can be checked or verified with evidence.
Opinion: A person's belief, judgement or viewpoint.
What are the three basic elements of a strong argument?
This reflects Cambridge's definition of an argument as statements containing reasons and evidence supporting a claim
Name THREE topics from the Cambridge Global Perspectives topic list
Any three of the following:
Which is generally more useful for researching an issue: one source or several different sources? Why?
Several different sources, because researchers can compare information, identify different perspectives and check whether evidence is consistent.
Give TWO reasons why two people might have different perspectives on the same issue.
What is the difference between a CLAIM and EVIDENCE? Give example!
Claim: A statement or position that someone argues is true.
Evidence: Information used to support or challenge that claim.
Example:
CLAIM : “Exercise improves mental wellbeing.”
EVIDENCE : Results from a reliable research study showing changes in participants' wellbeing after exercise.
Q: Which is stronger?
A. “School uniforms are good because I like them.”
B: “School uniforms may reduce visible economic differences between students, although this depends on the cost and design of the uniform.”
B.
It gives a reason, makes a qualified claim, and recognises a possible limitation.
Why can the same global issue affect different countries or communities differently? Explain!
Because countries and communities have different resources, cultures, economies, environments, laws, experiences and priorities.
A survey asks 20 students from one class whether social media is harmful to teenagers. Can the results automatically represent all teenagers? Explain.
The sample is too small and comes from only one class. The students may not represent teenagers from different ages, schools, cultures or backgrounds.
A government wants to build a new airport. Name FOUR stakeholders who might have different perspectives.
Any four:
A student says: “Everyone in my school thinks homework is unnecessary, so homework should be banned.” What is the weakness?
The student is making a generalisation from a limited group.
Even if everyone in one school agrees, this does not prove that homework should be banned everywhere.
Improve this argument:
“People should stop using cars because cars are bad.”
Model answer:
“Governments should encourage people to reduce private car use because high levels of car use contribute to air pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions. However, alternatives such as public transport need to be affordable and accessible.”
Specific claim + reasoning + evidence/example + qualification.
A country wants to reduce plastic pollution by banning single-use plastics. Give TWO possible benefits and TWO possible challenges.
Benefits:
Challenges:
A researcher wants to investigate whether students are getting enough sleep. Rank the following research methods from 1 (most useful) to 3 (least useful):
Possible ranking:
1. Survey — Can collect data from a large number of students about sleeping habits efficiently.
2. Interview — Can provide more detailed information about students' sleep habits, reasons and experiences, but takes more time and may involve a smaller sample.
3. Direct observation — It would be difficult to observe students while they are sleeping, and observation may not provide reliable information about the quality or duration of their sleep.
However:
A student could reasonably rank interview first or observation higher if they give a convincing explanation.
A new factory will create 1,000 jobs but may increase pollution. Explain how a local business owner and an environmental activist might view the factory differently.
Business owner: May support the factory because it could create jobs, increase economic activity and provide business opportunities.
Environmental activist: May oppose or question the factory because increased pollution could damage the environment and public health.
Key idea: Their different interests and priorities can lead to different perspectives.
A source says: “This is the ONLY solution that will save our planet.” What should you question?
Students should question:
What is a counterargument, and why is it useful?
A counterargument is an argument that challenges or presents an alternative to the main argument. It is useful because it shows that the writer has considered different perspectives and can make the overall argument more balanced and convincing.
“Climate change is a global problem, but the responsibility for solving it should not be equal for every country.”
Give one argument supporting and one argument challenging this statement.
Supporting: Countries that have historically produced more greenhouse-gas emissions could have greater responsibility for reducing emissions and supporting countries more vulnerable to climate change.
Challenging: Climate change affects the entire world, so all countries should contribute to solutions according to their current capabilities.
A website makes a strong claim but provides no author, date or evidence. What FOUR things should you consider before using it?
Any FOUR:
wo sources disagree about whether tourism benefits local communities. Does disagreement automatically mean that one source is unreliable?
NO.
Different sources can have legitimate perspectives based on different evidence, experiences or priorities. Reliability must be evaluated by considering the quality of evidence, source, purpose, methodology and possible bias/vested interest.
A source contains accurate statistics but was produced by a company that would financially benefit if people accepted its argument. How might this affect your evaluation?
The statistics may still be useful, but the company's financial interest should be considered. The source may have a vested interest, so students should check the evidence against independent sources.
“Governments should prioritise economic development over environmental protection.”
Give:
A — Model answer:
For: Economic development can create jobs, reduce poverty and improve living standards.
Against: Rapid economic development can cause pollution, environmental damage and resource depletion.
Evidence needed: Data comparing economic benefits with environmental costs.
Research question:
“To what extent should developing countries prioritise economic growth while protecting the environment?”
Other well-reasoned answers should also receive credit.