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Middle and Primary School English Department:When English Meets Geography: Debating Development vs. Environment in Grade 4

April 17, 2025

On Friday April 11th, our Grade 4 students culminated the first half of the semester with a spirited debate about a fictional Southeast Asian island. Geography provided the backdrop while the emphasis was on sharpening writing skills and forming persuasive arguments.





Over the preceding week, students had formed teams to address four scenarios: clearing a forest for resources, building a hydroelectric dam, mining for precious minerals, and choosing between mass or eco-friendly tourism. They wrote clear opening statements, summarized key arguments, and anticipated opposing views.


When debate day arrived, they presented their stances with enthusiasm from both English and Geography lessons to support their claims. It was exciting to see how they integrated facts and examples showcasing their ability to think critically while communicating clearly.





After each debate, the class voted on how best to move forward with the island’s development. These thoughtful decisions balanced the island’s potential growth with the need to protect natural habitats.



This cross-curricular approach highlights the power of integrated learning. Our students learned to English writing skills, think critically, respect different opinions, and work as a team. They also gained a deeper appreciation for how global issues affect local communities. We are look forward to seeing these skills flourish as they continue to learn and grow.



Written by Vincent Katic, Carrie Mao

Proofread by Judah Kuhn

Pictures by Minxuan Cao

Edited by Cong Luo

Reviewed by Hu Bo, Wu Xiaodong, Shen Chenli, Cong Luo