The balloon debate

1. Speaking and Listening Activity:

2.  To be able to work together as a team
 To argue your case for staying in the balloon
 To understand how to reach a joint decision
Get into groups of three/four.
I need seven groups altogether.

12.  The balloon is heading for the sea!
 There are too many people on board for it
to make it to the desert island and safety.
 You have to decide which 2 people will be
thrown from the balloon and which people
will survive to face the trials of the desert
island.

13.  the skills needed on the desert island
 any useful skills that your character has
based on their occupation/job.
 any extra skills your character might have
from hobbies or younger life
So first – what skills will be useful on a
desert island?

14. Tell me why your character should not be
thrown to their deaths off the balloon! Along
with reasons why.
I will choose one person to speak to
Defend your character!
Give one/two/three reasons why your
character should stay on-board.

15. 1. The footballer has recently set up a charity for
underprivileged (poor) children in Uganda (Africa).
2. The Doctor has been suspected of having lied about
his degree and may not be a real doctor.
3. The teacher is a P.E. teacher.
4. The dentist has a long history of medical problems
– he is always ill! But his hobbies are orienteering
and hiking.
5. The gardener used to be in the Marines but was
dishonourably discharged (thrown out).
6. The fireman recently won a medal for bravery.
7. The tramp has survived on the streets for seven
years.

16.  You need to justify why your character
should retain their place in the balloon.
 I will choose someone new to discuss your
reasons.
 You also need to decide who doesn’t belong
on board.

17.  The island is uninhabited and remote.
 The balloon contains a First Aid kit.
 The island is home to several poisonous
snakes but no large predators.
 The island has a selection of fruit trees which
are difficult to access due to their long,
smooth trunks.

18.  Now is your last opportunity to make your
case.
 Other groups can challenge your
reasoning/ideas so be prepared to argue for
your choices and against their opinions.