Debate on reuse of building materials

Imagine that you encounter a contractor who does not believe it is a good idea to work with reuse in construction. Or that you encounter a contractor who is unaware of criteria and recent legislation, or who does not care if you and your colleagues are exposed to hazardous substances in your work.

In this task, you will debate the advantages and disadvantages of reusing bricks and make use of all the knowledge you have gained so far about the reuse of bricks in construction. So, you must take a stance (either for or against the reuse of bricks) and argue for your position as best as you can to understand the arguments that can be used from both sides of the issue.

Speaking and debating with your classmates will train you in using technical terms, expanding and developing your arguments, and preparing you to participate in a conversation or discussion about the reuse of bricks in construction.

Teacher's guide:

12. Brick_EN.pdf

Debate task on the reuse of bricks and sustainable construction

Part 1: Work together in pairs (approximately 15 minutes)

  • In the first part of the task, you will work together in pairs to come up with arguments for and against working with recycling and increased sustainability in construction.
    • Download the file "topics" (on the right side)
    • Read the task text
    • Write at least 5 arguments for or against the reuse of bricks based on these topics. Make sure to elaborate on your arguments as much as you can and feel free to include counterarguments as well.

Part 2: Together in the class (approximately 15 minutes)

  • Present your arguments to the class. The teacher will write down the topics on the board and list your arguments for and against sustainability under each category. Feel free to provide counterarguments along the way.

Part 3: Individually (5 minutes)

  • Now, individually select the 3-5 arguments that you think are the best for or against working with recycling. You may choose arguments that are both for and against. Write down your choices and write a sentence about why you have chosen each argument.

Part 4: Together in the class (10 minutes)

  • Present one argument to the class that you believe is a strong argument, if you'd like.
  • Discuss in the class which arguments you think most people have chosen - why? Are they good arguments?
  • Discuss in the class whether you have become more knowledgeable about arguments for and against reuse?
    • Would you consider using any of these arguments in a conversation with someone?

Duration of the exercise:

Approximately 45 minutes.

Topics for use in arguments:

Topics and inspiration_EN.docx