American people love to discuss social and political issues, and often have strong opinions about them. You could be asked "what's your opinion?" "what do Japanese people think?" or "what is the situation in Japan?" It is a good idea to always analyze issues using your critical thinking skills and be able to present your opinion in a professional manner. Here are some hot topics in the U.S. right now. Do a little research, formulate your opinion, and practice saying it out loud in English.
What do you think about the reversal of Roe v. Wade?
In 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled that the right to have an abortion was protected under the U.S. Constitution. On June 24, 2022, this decision was overturned. Here are some background information on Roe v. Wade and its reversal in Japanese.
https://weekly-economist.mainichi.jp/articles/20210709/se1/00m/020/001000d
This is what I think.
1. What do you think? (statement sentence)
2. Why do you think that way?
3. State your opinion again. (concluding sentence)
Gun violence and the right to bear arms is another difficult topic in the United States right now. Japan is a very safe country. Unfortunately the former prime-minister Abe Shinzo was gunned down recently by a home-made gun, but that rarely happens in Japan. In the U.S., someone dies of gun violence or accident every day. In 2020, 45,222 people in the U.S. died of gun-related injuries.
This is what I think.
What do you think Americans can do or should do about gun violence?
What are your ideas from an outsider perspective?
As we say in the U.S. "there are both sides to the argument," and "everyone is entitled to their opinion," so there is no right or wrong. What is important is that you keep yourself informed of social and political issues and have your own opinion and listen to others' with respect. Exchanging opinions on issues that are affecting our lives right now, is the first step to true cross-cultural understanding.
At Global Josei Academy, we offer one-on-one and small-group discussion sessions for professionals and researchers who want to develop their critical thinking skills and professional English.
Comments