UPM-CALC/SEM2/2019_2020/PIE2411/SCLWorksheets

SCL TASK 1
Problem-solving Group Discussion

Name : Osman Abdi Kulane

Matric no. : GS57840

Group : G4

Due Date : 23/8/2020

Read the dialogue below and construct an appropriate response for each language
function indicated. Your responses must be in complete sentences.

Khairil, Raj, Wei Min and Joshua are discussing the haze crisis.

Wei Min : Good afternoon, everyone. As you know, Malaysia experienced

severe haze recently. Let’s discuss the most effective way to
overcome this crisis. 1. (To invite opinion) What do you think?
___________
(1 mark)

Raj :  2. (To express opinion) In my opinion, this is brilliant idea____

  Large palm oil companies have been using the slash-and-burn method to
clear large tracts of land in Indonesia. Even though this is the cheapest
method, it can cause serious haze. Therefore, I strongly feel that the
Indonesian government should ban the companies from using this
method.
(1 mark)

Joshua : I’m sorry Raj, but I’ve to disagree. Most palm oil companies are owned by
Malaysians, so I feel that our government should introduce legislation
which will allow us to take legal action against Malaysian companies in
Indonesia. Those who are found guilty of using the slash-and-burn
method should be prosecuted.

Wei Min : You’re right, Joshua. For example, Singapore passed a law in 2014 that
has enabled them to prosecute Singaporean companies in …
Khairil : 3. (To interrupt) can I add some points to that.______

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(1 mark)
Wei Min : Yes, please go ahead.

Khairil : Thank you, Wei Min. 4. (To disagree) respecting your idea, I strongly
disagree, ____________________________
__________________________________________________________
Although implementing laws against these unethical companies is
essential to overcome this problem, I think it might take too much time to
implement it.
(1 mark)
Wei Min : What about boycotting the products produced by these companies? I
think it’s a good alternative as well.

Joshua 5. (To ask for clarification) Can you explain what you mean by that word?
: _____________________________________
__________________________________________________________
(1 mark)
Wei Min : What I mean is we should stop buying palm oil based products such as
soap, margarine and cooking oil as a sign of protest. I believe that this
will force the companies to take this matter seriously and start finding
new ways to replace the current slash- and-burn method.
Raj : 6. (To take turns) according to your previous explanation, I believe that is
absolutely right. ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
I’m sorry Wei Min, but I’ve to disagree with you. I feel that boycotting their
products is not necessarily the best way because it will also affect the
Malaysian economy. To me, imposing a hefty fine is more effective. Both
the Malaysian and Indonesian governments should impose heavy fines
on these irresponsible companies.
(1 mark)
Khairil : 7. (To paraphrase) What I meant was that the companies should take the
responsibility. _____________________
Is that right?
(1 mark)

Raj : Yes. Besides, when these companies pay the fines as ordered by the
courts, the government would be able to generate some revenue. For
example, the Indonesian government earned US$30 million when an
Indonesian court fined a palm oil company for starting fires in Sumatra in

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2012.
Khairil : Yes, I agree with you Raj. Collecting fines from these companies will
boost the government’s income. These additional funds may be used to
improve our education system and other key infrastructures.
Wei Min : 8. (To keep the discussion on track) That’s not quite correct, but you’re on
the right track__________.
In my opinion, a hefty fine would act as a deterrent. It would ensure
these companies will not continue to practise open
burning.
(1 mark)
Joshua Hmm… I don’t agree with your point, Wei Min. I think imposing
: heavy fines is not effective as these palm oil companies, being highly
profitable, can afford to pay the fines.
Khairil : In other words, you’re saying that heavy fines will not stop these
companies from practising open burning. 9. (To ask a perception-
checking question) am I right?
___________________________________________
(1 mark)
Joshua :  Yes, you are right.

Khairil : Oh, I guess Joshua has a point. Perhaps, the Malaysian government
should introduce legislation and take legal action against Malaysian
companies in Indonesia that are responsible for the haze.
Joshua :  Raj, you have been very quiet. 10. (To encourage participation)
feel free to discuss with me to this point_____________________
(1 mark)
Raj I have to agree with you and Khairil. I think your suggestion might be the
best solution to overcome this problem from recurring in the future.
Joshua : Okay, now we’ve heard everyone’s opinion. Let’s bring the discussion to
a close.