All primary and secondary schools should be closed in a flu outbreak

1. All primary and secondary schools should be closed in a flu outbreak Debate speech

2. Revision:P.4

3. Letter 1 (Susan Chan) • I was surprised by the negative response of some principals to the government's decision to close all kindergartens and primary schools. Though the decision came a bit late on Wednesday night, I do not think it caused any problems that were not manageable. • Most importantly - and I am sure all principals will agree with me on this point - the interests of the students are much more important than any problems the schools had to deal with, such as giving students homework and rearranging transport. After all, surely principals should at least have some basic problem-solving skills.

4. Letter 2 (Jennifer Wong) • I do not think the schools should be closed because of the flu outbreak. • Anyone who goes out into the streets should realise that it is not as serious as outbreaks of previous years, as has been confirmed by the figures. The current panic is, to a large extent, fuelled by exaggerated reports in the media and a possible misunderstanding over the deaths of two children at Tuen Mun Hospital. • While we all should take the necessary precautions, children should be allowed to be exposed to those mild strains of the flu virus in a natural environment. This can help to strengthen their natural resistance as well as their overall physical fitness. • The closure of schools may indeed spare some children from the discomfort caused by flu symptoms, but such over-protective measures may make them grow up as weak individuals who will be ill prepared for the many tough challenges in their future lives.

5. Letter 3 (Ingrid King) • The government's decision to close all primary schools, special schools, nurseries and kindergartens seems to be a massive overreaction. In the absence of a deadly influenza outbreak why was the decision made to close the schools? • Of course, closing places where people gather will lower the risk of disease spreading, but it has also caused a lot of inconvenience to all people concerned. • The government seems to have overlooked the fact that many parents do not have an extra holiday to look after their children, and the closure causes greater inconvenience to those families. • Surely, if there was a need to close schools, it would be solely in the schools which have a large number of students who are affected by the diseases.

6. Situation • 30 students have reported to the school that they suffer from headaches, fever and cough and therefore cannot attend school. • Someone suggests that the school should be closed for 5 days. • Do you agree with this suggestion? Why? Why not?

7. Group Interaction (I) • Do you agree with the suggestion? • Write down some supporting information-- reasons or examples-- to persuade your group member to agree with you. • You have 5 minutes. Write your ideas on p.6

8. Group Interaction (II) • Now discuss with your group members. • You have 5 minutes for your discussion. • At the end of the discussion, a representative from your group will report the result of your discussion. • You are required to assess the performance of the reporters.

9. Presentation • Evaluation • Peer evaluation (blue) • Self evaluation (yellow) • Teacher evaluation (pink)

10. Mini debate • The class will be divided into two groups • Government • Opposition • One member will present an idea • The other group will negate it with a reason

11. Writing Task • Motion of the debate: • “All primary and secondary schools should be closed in a flu outbreak” • Write a debate speech either agreeing or disagreeing with the motion. 250 words. • http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse_tools/ihouse.phtml?id=lpy-csy&pa=