Unit 10 Checking PopulationGrowth final.docVIP

Unit 10 Checking Population Growth How many people does this planet have enough room for? It seems that in the past decades, just too many people have been brought into this world that the earth is getting more and more crowded. Clearly, the more mouths we need to feed, the more energy we need to consume, and the more likely we will have to compete and even fight with each other. Thus, the fundamental question is: what should we do if we want to survive on this planet? In this unit, you will: share some useful information about the situation of population growth; acquire some common words and patterns for talking about population growth; get some practical ideas about how to write an opening and closing paragraph; learn some basic differences between “affect/influence”, “decide/determine”, and “article/paper”; find some important tips on how to write a letter of comfort. Part 1 Listening and Speaking A. Listen to the dialogue and answer the questions: 1. Are there many countries facing aging problem? Will the aging of population impact the social security system? Why is there the growing aging population? Who should find solution to the problem? Does Sandy agree with Kevin in the very end? Kevin: What are you reading, Kate? Sandy: I’m reading an article about aging of population. It says many countries have stepped into the aging society. Kevin: So what? Sandy: The problem will soon affect most countries. Kevin: Could you tell me more about it? Sandy: Well, first, it’ll put pressure on the social security system of a country. The financial burden of the government will become much heavier. Kevin: Yeah. Anything else? Sandy: Second, aging causes a relative decrease in workforce. Fewer people have to support the increasing elderly. It may increase labor costs and reduce productivity at the same time. Kevin: I got it. And are there any other potential problems? Sandy: Yes. It also has an impact on the consumption structure, social environment, etc.