📝 Daily Practice
🎯 Lesson Goal
This lesson aims to help learners articulate balanced arguments when discussing ethical dilemmas. You will develop skills to present nuanced opinions, consider different perspectives fairly, and use precise language to express agreement, disagreement, and compromise effectively.
🧠 Grammar Focus
Balanced argumentation requires using language that presents contrasting opinions clearly and fairly. We use linking words like ‘however,’ ‘on the other hand,’ and ‘nevertheless’ to signal opposing views. Modal verbs such as ‘should,’ ‘might,’ and ‘must’ express necessity or possibility when discussing ethical issues. Conditionals often appear when speculating about consequences, for example, ‘If companies prioritize profit over ethics, they risk public distrust.’ Using passive voice helps emphasize actions over actors, for instance, ‘Decisions are often influenced by financial incentives.’ This structure encourages neutrality and professionalism in expressing complex, nuanced ideas.
📖 Short Reading
Sarah, a project manager, recently faced an ethical dilemma at work. She had to decide whether to report a colleague who was falsifying data to meet targets. On the one hand, reporting him might damage their team’s morale and delay the project. However, ignoring the issue could compromise the company’s integrity. Sarah realized that although the immediate consequences might be uncomfortable, transparency should be prioritized. She thought, "If unethical behaviour is tolerated, it could lead to more serious problems later." Therefore, she decided that the team’s long-term reputation must not be sacrificed for short-term success. Her balanced reasoning ensured that she presented both sides fairly before taking action.
✏️ Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks
1. When discussing ethical dilemmas, it is important to consider ____ perspectives to remain fair. (contrasting / similar / simple)
2. If the company ____ policies that ignore ethics, its reputation may suffer. (adopts / adopted / will adopt)
3. Transparency ____ help build trust between employees and management. (must / can / should)
4. Sarah explained that the consequences of ignoring the problem ____ very serious. (are / were / be)
5. Decisions ____ often influenced by financial rather than ethical concerns. (is / are / were)
6. A balanced argument ____ include reasons for and against a viewpoint. (does / should / would)
7. If I ____ the manager, I would ask for mediation to resolve the conflict. (am / was / were)
8. Ethical dilemmas ____ require careful reflection before reaching a conclusion. (always / rarely / never)
🔗 Exercise 2 – Matching
1. Ethical dilemma
2. Transparency
3. Compromise
4. Morale
5. Integrity
6. Nuanced
7. Conflict of interest
8. Balanced argumentation
✅ Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice
1. Which phrase is best to introduce an opposing opinion?
2. Choose the most appropriate modal verb to express obligation in ethical discussions:
3. Which sentence uses the passive voice correctly to emphasize the action?
4. In ethical argumentation, what is the purpose of using conditionals?
5. Sarah said, ‘If unethical behaviour is ignored, it could get worse.’ What kind of sentence is this?
6. What is the best way to express a nuanced opinion?
7. How can one balance an argument in ethical discussions?
8. Which expression signals a contrasting idea?
📝 Writing Practice
1. Write 5–8 sentences discussing a recent ethical dilemma you or someone you know faced. Include your opinion on the best course of action, explaining reasons and giving an example. Use balanced argumentation with clear expressions of contrasting views.
📚 Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ethical dilemma | a difficult situation requiring a moral choice |
| balanced argumentation | presenting opposing views fairly |
| nuanced | showing subtle differences or shades of meaning |
| transparency | being open and honest |
| compromise | an agreement where both sides give something up |
| consequences | results or effects of an action |
| morale | the confidence and spirit of a group |
| integrity | strong moral principles |
| speculate | to guess or think about possibilities |
| prioritize | to treat something as more important |
| mediate | to help solve a dispute |
| deliberate | done consciously and intentionally |
| justify | to show something is right or reasonable |
| conflict of interest | a situation where personal benefit could affect decisions |
🔎 Answer Key
- exercise_1_fill_blanks: 1.contrasting 2.adopts 3.must 4.were 5.are 6.should 7.were 8.always
- exercise_2_matching: 1.Ethical dilemma – a difficult choice involving morality 2.Transparency – openness and honesty 3.Compromise – an agreement where both sides give up something 4.Morale – the confidence and spirit in a group 5.Integrity – having strong moral principles 6.Nuanced – showing subtle differences 7.Conflict of interest – a situation affecting impartiality 8.Balanced argumentation – fairly presenting opposing views
- exercise_3_multiple_choice: 1.On the other hand 2.should 3.The issues are reported immediately. 4.To speculate about possible consequences. 5.Conditional 6.There are good points on both sides. 7.By considering different viewpoints fairly. 8.Nevertheless
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