BOTELLON!

objectives
1. To infer the author/speakers opinion and the point of view of a text.
2. To select, from a series of given arguments, the most relevant in order to defend a
specific point of view.
3. To express an opinion on a given topic justifying it with relevant arguments and using
appropriate linguistic expressions

INTRODUCTION
What is the Botelln phenomenon?

POINTS OF VIEW
Inferring the basic elements
of communication

DISCUSSION LANGUAGE
Refuting and confirming opinions.
Expressing opinions appropriately.

FINAL TASK
Discuss the issue of the Botelln and
propose some solutions to this
problem.

60

activities
1. Botelln discussing the basic issues and factors.

2. Inferring the basic elements of communication (who, authors opinion)

3. Identifying language features that support opinions, and identifying the arguments.
4. Using the language of agreement and disagreement.
5. Identifying the message of an argument, either pro or con.

6. Refuting or confirming what other people said

7.Watching debates and comparing styles adopted and language used.
8.Listening to information about cultural differences regarding debating.

9. Discussion: Checklist.
10. Organising the discussion.
11. Assessing the discussion.

61

botelln!
1

WHAT IS BOTELLON?
Fill in the mind map with words that you associate with the Botelln phenomenon.

Cheap

BOTELLON

62

introduction

botelln!
2

introduction

DANGER! BOTELLON ZONE!

In this unit, well discuss the issue of Botelln and propose some solutions to this problem. Before we
start working, however, find a partner and answer the following questions:

So, what do you think

about botelln?

Well, I think that .....

1.What is the botelln?

2. Is there a botelln zone in your town? Where?
3.What do you think about the botelln phenomenon?
4.What do your parents think?
5. And your teachers?
6. Does botelln have any negative side effects?
7. Does it have any positive aspects?
8. How could we solve the problems associated with the botelln phenomenon?
63

botelln!
3

introduction

LOOKING FOR INFORMATION

1) The texts below show different viewpoints on the Botelln issue. All the texts (1-7) are spoken by
different types of people. Match these five types of people below (a-e) with five of the texts, then
try to guess which type of person is speaking in the two missing ones (f & g).

WHO AM I?

A shopkeeper

A doctor
A neighbour
A liberal parent
A youth

2) Quote evidence from each text to justify the matchings you have made above.

Number

64

6 is probably a shopkeeper because he says Its difficult to know if kids are 18 or not.

botelln! points of view

I cant see what the problem is. Young

some way. The problem is that the medpeople have to enjoy themselves in
ia exaggerates the phenomenon and
tries to suggest that society is on the poin
lious if you leave them alone. They sho t of collapse! Youths are less rebeluld experiment with alcohol, and see
for themselves that its bad for them, and
with a plastic bottle of some disgusting that sitting for hours in a plaza,
they have to learn that for themselves. drink is really a waste of time. But
thats been my experience! If you try toDrinking can be educational - at least,
place, theyll just find somewhere less obvstop them from doing it in a public
ious, and continue.

2
3

of today dont understand that alcoI face this problem every day. The youth psychological problems. That is, alcohol abuse can cause many physical and r social and intellectual development,
hol can be a serious impediment to thei unts at a young age can cause
and besides, drinking alcohol in large amo
for the liver and the pancreas. There
health problems later in life, especially rding these matters.
should be more education in schools rega

The problem with botelln is that it kee

down there in the middle of the plaza ps us awake at night. They all sit
and theyre alright at first, but then
later on they get drunk and start shoutin
think this was a safe neighbourhood, but g and breaking things. I used to
police could fine people who sell them now Im not so sure. I suppose the
the alcohol, and oblige people who
are under-16 to show their ID if they wan
my children to be influenced by seeing t to buy it from shops. I dont want
all this. I hope they dont join those
botelln kids!

all the time

They have to study metimes, and
.
re
su
es
pr
of
t
lo
a
pe so
under
Kids nowadays are do this do that. So they need to esca of Kalimotxo or
es
k,
ttl
ee
bo
w
e
y
with som
exams ever
dont get drunk
and chat with friends
its great to just sit very strong, so its no problem. People eek at school.
something. Its not just get happy. They need it, after a wct us to do anyand aggressive, they out drinking, so its a bit crazy to expe, I havent seen kids
Anyway, parents go should all relax and enjoy life. Besides thats not late!
thing differently. We y. Maybe 3 in the morning, but hey,
up as late as they sa

65

botelln! points of view

The botelln issue for me is a reflection

in the last 50 years. When I was a childof the way society has deteriorated
ents and the law, and we would not hav we had more respect for our pardays, youths are not taught to defer to e behaved so badly in public. Nowait. They think its clever to get drunk, butauthority but automatically to oppose
stricter with their kids. My children are its just pathetic. Parents should be
taught to respect, and if they dont,
theyre in trouble!

6
7

If authorities really want to stop

Its difficult to know if kids are 18 or not. of legal drinking to 16. Its much
the problem they should reduce the agea 17 year-old. Im very strict so I
easier to distinguish a 15 year-old from dont care. Theyre only concerned
dont sell it to anybody, but most people
with the money.

Last night, at approximately 11.30 p.m

part of the city that has the worst repu., I went down to the Plaza Mayor, the
the botelln. What I saw confirmed thetation for the phenomenon known as
youths all boys of course were dan stories. Dozens of loud, aggressive
noise. When I approached to interviewcing to bacalao and making a horrible
me that if I wanted information, I would their spokesman, he merely informed
done? I agree with the government. Thehave to pay for it. What can be
y should impose a curfew!

3) Which of the seven passages reflect the opinions below? Write in the numbers.
a. Anti-botelln
b. Pro-botelln
c. Neutral

66

botelln! points of view

4

LOOKING FOR INFORMATION

1) Extract some language features that the speakers use to express their views. Go through the
short texts systematically, and note down the main words or short phrases that support their
opinions. If different speakers use the same words, dont repeat them. One word from each text
is provided for you.

Text
Number
enjoy

1
2

abuse

drunk

great

deteriorated

difficult

loud

67

botelln! points of view

2) Now go through the texts and find as many arguments as you can to support the following
opinions. One in each column is suggested for you.

BOTELLN IS A PROBLEM

Alcohol

abuse can cause many physical and

psychological problems

68

BOTELLN ISNT A PROBLEM

Young

people need to enjoy themselves

botelln! points of view

3) What solution does each speaker propose? Quote their solutions in the table below.

Text
Number

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5

They should experiment with alcohol

AGREEING OR DISAGREEING
1) Take 3 of the solutions proposed, and say whether you agree or disagree with them. State your
own reasons (like a below) or use a point that someone has made in one of the texts (like b
below). Make sure you agree (or disagree) with at least one of the three. Work individually.
(a) I disagree with the first solution because some kids dont know how to drink responsibly.
(b) I disagree with the first solution because as the doctor says, people dont understand that
alcohol abuse can cause many physical and psychological problems

69

botelln! points of view

2) Now get into groups of 3 and find out which solutions were the most popular in a ranking of 1-3.
Your teacher will ask for the ranking based on each opinion.

SOLUTION RANKINGS
1.

agree with is
The solution that we most

st
second solution that we mo
e
Th
.
2

agree with is

h is

wit
3. The solution we most disagree

70

botelln! points of view

6

ARGUING FOR AND AGAINST

1) The texts below show different viewpoints on cannabis. All the passages are spoken by different
types of people. Decide which of the seven passages reflect arguments for and against the legalization of cannabis. Justify your answers.

Substances such as alcohol and tobacco;

body and many more deaths per year legal substances, cause much more harm to the
it is in fact beneficial. The medicinal advthan marijuana. Not only is marijuana not harmful,
and, therefore, even legalized in certain antages of marijuana have been proved, used,
illegal costs the government billions of circumstances. Furthermore, keeping marijuana
dollars per year, which is wasted money.

Number 1 is probably in favour of the legalisation of cannabis because he says that marijuana
is beneficial to our health.

2
3

eway
leads to the use of hard drugs (the Gat
The use of soft drugs, such as marijuana,
Theory).

According to the National Institute on Dru

smokes five joints per week may be taki g Abuse, Studies show that someone who
one who smokes a full pack of cigarett ng in as many cancer-causing chemicals as somees every day. Marijuana contains more
chemicals, including the most harmful sub
than 400
smoking one marijuana cigarette deposit stances found in tobacco smoke. For example,
filtered tobacco cigarette. The short-terms about four times more tar into the lungs than a
loss, distorted perception, trouble with thin effects are also harmful. They include: memory
decrease in muscle strength, increased king and problem solving, loss of motor skills,
peoples mental development, their abilheart rate, and anxiety. Marijuana impacts young
ity to concentrate in school, and their mot
and initiative to reach goals.
ivation

71

botelln! points of view

stop
ers from taking drugs, and it does not
Legal prohibition does not stop consum The price of the final product increases to very
traffickers from producing and selling it. status, and due to the powerful effects of drug
high values because of the black market r to pay for their addiction.
addiction, the users commit crimes in orde

It is the most common treatment for thos

used to help with the problems that peo e suffering from cancer. Marijuana has been
Patients that undergo chemotherapy ofteple experience with chemotherapy treatment.
helps reduce these effects so that the n experience vomiting and nausea. Marijuana
patients don't experience these side effe
chemotherapy treatment.
cts from
Another condition that marijuana has help
patients suffering from AIDS or HIV lose ed with is AIDS Wasting Syndrome. Often
has been used to help patients maintai a considerable amount of body weight. Marijuana
n a healthy appetite and diet which is
to avoid other infections.
important

6
72

become
ely 10% of individuals who try marijuana
Researchers estimate that approximat try marijuana, one of them will decide to smoke it
daily users. So for every 10 people who quickly become something to reach for when
every day. Just like alcohol, marijuana canother negative emotion.
stressed, sad, angry, or experiencing any

botelln! points of view

2) Now go through the texts and find as many arguments as you can to support the following
opinions. One in each column is suggested for you.

ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR OF THE

LEGALIZATION OF CANNABIS

Substances

such as alcohol and tobacco;

legal substances, cause much more harm to the

ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE

LEGALIZATION OF CANNABIS

The

use of soft drugs, such as marijuana,

leads to the use of hard drugs

body and many more deaths per year than

marijuana.

73

botelln! discussion language

7

REFUTING OPINIONS
1) Read these opinions from a Town Hall meeting.

E BY 8 FPOMR: TEENAGERS!
AT HOM
A CURFEW
Mayor:

Police officer:

Well, our next point is the problem with

off the streets. Imposing a curfew could our teenagers. Children should be protected and kept
the streets by 8 pm. However, we shouldbe a solution because that way, children would be off
invest more money in education.

ee. We
ey on education but thats not a guarantafter 8 p.m.
ets
Yes, I suppose we could spend more mon
stre
parents if their children are on the
should impose the curfew and fine the
Teacher:
Well, ok, ok. Calm down, please. I guess
it. We should educate our children abo a curfew could solve part of the problem but not all of
ut the dangers of alcohol and drugs.

Local teenagers:

e town should
lve our problem. Th
so
t
n
ld
ou
w
it
t
bu
n
young people.
uld calm things dow
Maybe a curfew co entertainment apart from alcohol to
offer other choices of

74

botelln! discussion language

2) According to the opinions from the Town Hall meeting, decide whether the following sentences
are right or wrong. Refute the ones that are wrong. The first one has been done for you.
a) The mayor believes that a curfew is the only solution
No, she doesnt. She said that a curfew COULD be a solution, BUT she thinks the real
solution is education.

b) The police officer believes that education is the only solution.

c) The teacher believes that a curfew is the only solution

d) The teacher believes that the solution is to give children more information about drugs and alcohol.

e) Local teenagers believe that a curfew is the solution.

f) Local teenagers believe that the solution is to offer more leisure activities to young people.

75

botelln! discussion language

DIPLOMATIC ON DISCUSSION
You might have noticed that the speakers in the Town Hall meeting are very diplomatic when
responding to each others opinions. For example:
Yes, I suppose we could spend more money on education but

3) Now, refute the following opinions using the diplomatic version model below.
Basic statement: After a botelln session, young people should clean up after themselves
The diplomatic version: I suppose young people could clean up after themselves but we
really need more street-cleaners on botelln days.

a) Botelln should be forbidden

b) The Town Hall should prepare appropriate botelln places

c) Parents should control their children at all times

d) We should all stop drinking alcohol

76

botelln! discussion language

8

WATCHING A DEBATE
1) Watch the following discussions on Pregnancy Discrimination (1) and the Iraq War (2) and answer
the questions.

(1)
(2)

http://iwf.pjdoland.com/iwfmedia/show/21468.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xht0HcPryWA

2) Describe the most significant differences you noticed in the discussions.

DEBATE 1
(PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION)

The

speakers talk mainly to/through the

DEBATE 2
(US

The

TROOPS IN

IRAQ)

speakers talk directly to each other.

moderator

3) Now look at the agreement/disagreement/opinion-giving expressions in the box below and

decide from which debate they were taken. Copy them into the columns on the next page
according to what you think. There are nine for each column.
What Im trying to say is..
Excuse me?
What we have to be thinking about
You never use facts.
Im not sure I would want to..
Your problem is that you.
That says to me that we need..
No, but what I do think is.
What are you talking about?

I understand that youre on the other side

Right. Ive got to round it up now.
I didnt say that!
Ok we have to acknowledge that.
Thanks so much for your time.
Lets face it, you are
The truth of the matter is..
That is very true.
Im not so sure that..

77

botelln! discussion language

PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION (1)

US

TROOPS IN

IRAQ (2)

STRATEGIES FOR DISCUSSIONS

1) Listen to the interview with the sociolinguist Dr Lindee.Tick the box if you think she means the
same, and put an X against those which you think do not represent what she says.

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

AND

DISCUSSION STRATEGIES

1. Sociolinguistics is the study of how Chinese people speak.

2. The English think it is very important to interrupt people.
3. Spanish rules of discussion are different from English rules.
4. The British try not to shout or raise their voices in a discussion.
5. The British try to mention something that the other person has spoken about.
6. The British like someone to speak for a long time.
7. Discusin in Spanish means conversation in English.
8. The British are polite and the Spanish are rude

78

DID DR LINDEE
MEAN THIS?

botelln! discussion language

2) Now use the text your teacher gives you to check the answers.
3) Use Dr Lindees six points as your own strategy list. Copy them down from the text. that your
teacher has given you. Write them into the box below, but try to write them in shorter form (see
example for Number 1).

Dr Lindees List
1. Wait for your turn.

speak.
Never interrupt. Wait to be invited to

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

4) Add one of your own (in the space for Number 7 above), in case you think Dr Lindee has
forgotten any.
79

botelln! final task

10

CLASS DISCUSSION:WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THE BOTELLON?

Its time now for the Final task! But before you begin, the instructions below describe the process
you will go through.

1) Your teacher will now assign you a role for a discussion on the botelln. In groups, write some
notes for the discussion in the Discussion Organiser (on the next page), proposing a solution that
could be appropriate for everybody, giving arguments for and against.You can use the ideas youve
seen through the sequence but dont forget the role your teacher has assigned you!

DONT FORGET
Review your writing! Go through your most common errors and make the changes you think are
necessary.
Write your groups proposal on the board.

2) Read the proposals made by the rest of the class and refute them in the Discussion Organizer

DONT FORGET
Be polite! Use the structures in 9, 10 and 11.
I could give you an example, but you should know which structures Im talking about .

3) Prepare yourself for the discussion: make sure your notes are clear and in order.

4) When you finish the discussion, think about what the other groups said and modify your proposal.
Post it up in your classroom when you finish.

DONT FORGET
Before you post it, check your writing! Go through your most common grammatical errors and
make the changes you think are necessary.

3) Assess your role in the discussion using the Discussion Rubric.

80

botelln! final task

11

DISCUSSION ORGANISER

PROPOSAL:

1) Provide arguments for your proposal as part of your evidence.

ARGUMENTS:

EVIDENCES:

1-

2-

3-

4-

81

botelln! final task

2) Read the proposals made by the rest of the class and refute them.

PROPOSALS:
1-

2-

3-

4-

LAST PROPOSAL:

82

ARGUMENTS:

botelln! final task

12

DEBATE RUBRIC
Fill in the rubric below with your assessment criteria for the discussion and then assess your role in the
discussion.
CRITERIA

ORGANISATION
AND CLARITY

Completely
clear and
orderly
presentation.

Mostly clear
and orderly
in all parts.

Clear in

Unclear in

some parts

most parts.

SCORE

but not
overall.

83

Koaderno hau % 100 paper birziklatuan

(klororik eta zuritzaile optikorik erabili
gabe fabrikatutakoa) inprimatuta dago.