Speaking Worksheet
Science, Uncertainty, and Trust
Speaking Practice
1
Discussion
Discuss the questions. Ask follow-up questions and push for examples, evidence, and qualification.
- Why do people sometimes distrust scientific experts?
- How can scientists communicate uncertainty without sounding unreliable?
- Should non-experts have a voice in scientific policy decisions?
- What is the difference between healthy scepticism and denial of evidence?
- How should schools teach students to evaluate scientific claims?
2
Collaborative task
Design a public explanation of a scientific issue where the evidence is strong but not perfect.
- uncertainty
- risk
- expert disagreement
- public action
I would argue that...A more nuanced view is...The main trade-off is...That depends on whether...I see your point, but...The long-term consequence might be...
3
Report and challenge
Explain your issue to a sceptical partner without dismissing their concerns.