Rate the Apparatus

Practices: critical thinking and reasoning, persuasive speech

Activity A

There are many household apparatus/machines/gadgets we use at home make life a little bit easier; the micro-wave oven heats things up quickly; the fridge keeps perishable goods fresh; the washing-machine cleans our clothes and saves us time. So, when put to the test, which of these machines/apparatus could we do without-IF WE HAD TO. In other words, which of these machines is the most important, generally speaking. Get your students to make a list of ten common ones, and then get them to list them in order of perceived necessity (for want of a better word). Here is a list I gleaned from my pupils, don’t show it to the pupils at first.

 

Refrigerator

Washing machine

Shower

Toilet

Tea/Coffee maker

TV

Radio

Telephone

Light bulb

Cooker

 

Of course, these items must be rated according to perceived necessity, and the rating must be justified. Reasons for a choice must be given. Students will debate the “top” necessity and so on, down to the least important item.

 

Activity B

Are these things necessary?

 

Activity A can branch out into further items we use to make life easier and, presumably, make life better. For example:

 

Perfume

Hair driers

Mirrors

Walkman

Cigarette lighters

Special wine glasses

Mobile telephones

Curtains

Expensive furniture

Sweets and savouries

Etc …

 

The idea is not to embark on an ethical crusade, but simple to get people thinking and speaking in English. All of this is, crucially, backed up by realistic reasons for the comments made. Some of the items above are by no means original, but they are everyday things which are part of our lives.

Can you think of more normal, common-or-garden items which could be dispensed with? What kind of effects do these items have on the environment? Are there better alternatives available?

 

Submitted by Gerard Counihan