世界的な淡水不足の解決に資するため何ができるか

— Posted inSpeech Scripts — 2 min read

How can it be done to help resolve the worldwide fresh water shortage?

Depending on what we are and where we live, the answers may well vary, and they are all worth considering, but in my view, we should take certain measures to deal with the issue. Now let me explain the details.     

First, we must focus on educating people, especially those involved in agriculture, about the importance of conserving water. Once they understand that water is a limited resource, they will use it more responsibly. This method works well in most developed countries such as Japan, where people are already informed about the negative impacts of recent water shortage.     

Another approach is to construct more desalination plants across the world, which is important in areas with a poor access of fresh water. It is because desalination plants produce fresh water at a cheaper cost than traditional irrigation systems.           

If we work together on these points, we can enhance the clean water supply. On this point, the UN Sustainable Development Goals have also listed “ensuring access to fresh water” as one of their key challenges. So, we must come together to overcome this global problem. Thank you for your attention. [187 Words Type-G,H]

世界の飢餓とテロのいずれが人類のより大きな脅威か

— Posted inSpeech Scripts — 1 min read

Which is a greater threat to humankind, world hunger or world terrorism? 

     This is an interesting topic; depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and both make sense, but if I have to give a choice, “hunger” would be a greater threat to humankind. Now let me explain the details.     

First, hunger have more serious impact than terrorism. For example, while deaths from terrorism are in decline according to UN statistics, hunger affects over 800 million people now, which is steadily increasing. Plus, it indiréctly affects the world by spreading epidemics, poverty, and disrupting agricultural production.     

Next, it is said that solving world hunger is more challenging than terrorism. While governments have succeeded in stopping many terrorist attacks in recent years, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, recognizes that we cannot see ending hunger by the target year, 2030.           

Therefore, I conclude that world hunger is a more serious threat to humankind than terrorism. However, the SDGs have listed both “eliminating hunger” and “stopping violence” as their key challenges. So, we must come together to overcome these threats and achieve a better future. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-G]

世界の飢餓は緩和できるか

— Posted inSpeech Scripts — 2 min read

Can world hunger be relieved?  

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the current situation will not improve anytime soon. Now let me explain the details.     

First, hunger has always existed throughout history. To make matters worse, experts estimate that the global population will hit 10 billion by 2050. As a result, according to scientific calculation, we need to raise food production by almost 70 percent to feed them all. This is the “impossible task,” even with advances in technology, such as genetically modified crops.     

Next, poverty also causes hunger. Poverty results from diverse factors such as unemployment, low wages, and poor education. As a result, hunger has spread even in developed countries. Although many aid programs are put in place, these are only stopgaps, and a fundamental resolution has still yet to be found.

Therefore, I conclude that world hunger will not be alleviated soon. However, the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed “eliminating hunger” as one of their key challenges. So, all member countries must come together and act to eradicate hunger from the planet. Thank you for your attention. [189 G]

途上国の労働搾取を抑止する十分な対策が取られているか

— Posted inSpeech Scripts — 2 min read

Is enough being done to stop the exploitation of workers in the developing world? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, all those involved have made strides over the years, against exploitation of workers. Now let me explain the details.     

First, governments have put rules in place to protect workers’ rights, including fair pay and good working conditions. Plus, companies in developed countries support this, and are taking care of their supply chain workers, known as “the fair trade movement.” Consumers are also choosing “fair trade products” such as coffee, tea, and chocolate.     

Next, I understand some may argue that challenges remain, such as addressing child labor, but the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed “promoting decent work” as one of their key challenges. So, most UN member countries are already working side by side to achieve “the fair trade.” Thus, I am also optimistic about the future resolution of any labor exploitation.           

Therefore, even though there is still room for improvement, I conclude that we are making our best effort to combát working exploitation in developing countries. Thank you for your attention. [181 Words Type-E]

社会における不平等は不可避なのか

— Posted inSpeech Scripts — 1 min read

Is inéquity in society inevitable? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, inéquity is an inevitable aspect of human society, at least in a capitalist society. Now let me explain the details.     

First, social inéquity has always existed throughout history. In addition, as globalization progresses, the world is full of diverse ideologies, religions, and political perspectives. And we know that people don’t always agree, and that it is hard for them to overcome their differences and show respect. This makes solving inéquity difficult.     

Next, globalization has widened the wealth gap across the world. For example, big companies are becoming wealthier, while billions of individuals remain poor. In addition, capitalism, the current top economic system, concentrates on making money and amassing wealth, rather than achieving social equity.           

Therefore, I would have to conclude that inéquity is inevitable in our society today. However, the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed ‘reducing inéquity’ as one of their key challenges. So, all UN member countries must come together and work to overcome inéquity in society. Thank you for your attention. [183 Words Type-G]

人類は21世紀中に何を克服すべきか

— Posted inSpeech Scripts — 1 min read

What should humankind overcome in the 21st century?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they are all worth considering. On this point, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, have listed many key challenges that humanity should address by 2030. Now let me explain some of them.     

The first is “eliminating poverty.” Poverty had been decreasing, but the COVID-19 pandemic has caused it to rise once again. Plus, globalization has had a negative impact. Poverty is taking away young workers from poor nations, hurting their industries and markets. This has resulted in a worldwide income gap that is growing even among developed nations such as the US.     

The next is “eradicating hunger.” The UN reports that ten percent of the global population currently lacks sufficient food, and this number is steadily increasing. This means that hunger is a significant danger to humans, especially to vulnerable individuals, such as children and women in child-rearing age.           

These are just a few examples. The SDGs includes many other challenges. Although many of them seem daunting, we must come together to overcome these problems. Thank you for your attention. [182 Words Type-G]

死刑を廃止すべきか

— Posted inSpeech Scripts — 2 min read

Should the death pénalty be abolished? 

This is a controversial issue: depending on current legal situation of countries, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the death pénalty should be abolished. Now let me explain the details.     

First, many people today believe that the death pénalty is an archaic and cruel form of punishment. Plus, it is not compatible with the current judícial system which approves retrials. So, many countries have come to see it as unethical and inhumane. In response, the UN has repeatedly passed resolutions calling for the abolition of the death pénalty. Then more and more countries have abolished death pénalty in recent years, which is a positive outcome.     

Next, I understand some may argue that the death pénalty helps reduce serious crimes, but statistics have shown that there is no significant difference in the murder rate before and after the abolition. But proponents have been searching for evidence in vain to support their argument.     

Therefore, I agree with what the topic suggests, and believe that we should abolish the death pénalty and find out alternative means of justice. Thank you for your attention. [188 Words Type-K]

*We basically shouldn’t interfere in the political systems of other countries. But human rights issues are different. As they say, “Neither seek nor shun the fight.”

裁判員制度は日本社会に有益か

— Posted inSpeech Scripts — 1 min read

Is the lay judge system benefícial to Japanese society? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all should be respected, but in my view, the lay judge system benefits Japanese society so far. Now let me explain the details.     

First, studies have shown that this system has decréased the number of questionable verdicts and sentences, as it enables citizens to be involved in the judícial process. In the past, citizens were unable to exert their judícial power diréctly. However, with the system, citizens can diréctly participate in trials and make decisions not only on guilt or innocence, but also on punishment, using their healthy common sense. Surely, this is a positive outcome.     

Next, I understand some may argue that becoming a lay judge could disrupt daily life of citizens, but they can decline it if they have valid reasons. So, this should not be a major problem as long as there are enough willing participants.  

Therefore, even though there is still room for improvement, I am happy to conclude that the lay judge system supports our society well, so should be promoted. Thank you for your attention. [183 C]

青少年非行の原因と対策

— Posted inSpeech Scripts — 1 min read

Causes and countermeasures of juvenile delinquency

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense. Now I would like to share my feelings about the reasons for, and resolutions to, this worrying problem.    

First, a number of violent cóntent, mainly found on the Internet today, can lead young people to engage in some delinquent behavior. Especially, these media easily and negatively affect children. In fact, studies have shown that children who spend long time watching violent videos are more prone to aggressive behavior during their teenage years.     

Next, the government should focus on improving and supporting some rehabilitation programs. One way is to offer counseling to students with delinquent behavior in school, because they can rehabilitate with proper guidance. So, we need to provide them with proper facilities, such as mental health clinics or training programs. Plus, it’s important to keep young children from accessing violent or criminal content.           

Statistics have shown that the number of juvenile delinquency is declining. But if we work together on these points, we can improve the current situation and protect many young people from inappropriate behavior. Thank you for your attention. [187 Words Type-H]

犯罪者人権への配慮は過剰か

— Posted inSpeech Scripts — 1 min read

Is too much attention paid to the human rights of criminals?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the primary issue is the disregard of victims’ human rights. Now let me explain the details.     

First, the media often prioritizes protecting the rights of criminals over those of the crime victims, sometimes neglecting them. For example, they often reveal crime victims’ real names and some other misinformation, which causes significant harm and often provokes legal action.     

Next, I understand some may argue that criminals deserve more protection, because they may return to society in the future. Certainly, the rehabilitation of criminals is important. However, we also need to balance the rights of criminals with those of victims to ensure justice. It is only fair that victims receive the same level of privacy and protection as the criminals.           

In conclusion, finding a balance between the human rights of criminals and those of victims is an important yet challenging matter for our society. So, we must carefully consider these practices and find out the optimal approach that helps both parties. Thank you for your attention. [183 Words Type-F]

自衛のための銃器所持は許されるべきか

— Posted inSpeech Scripts — 1 min read

Should civilians be allowed to carry guns for self-defense?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense. It’s important for any country to try to find the optimal policy, but in my view, citizens should not be allowed to carry guns, even for self-defense. Now let me explain the details.     

First, the main justification for gun ownership is self-defense, but studies have shown that carrying guns does not deter crime, but triggers it. For example, in the US alone, guns kill more than 100 people every day. So, President Biden is trying to strengthen gun control, which is a positive thing.     

Next, I understand some may uphold limiting gun ownership, but any gun owner can have an accident if he lacks the proper knowledge and skills. And accidental shootings can harm not only the owner himself, but also innocent bystanders.           

Actually, banning guns might be challenging. However, the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed ‘eliminating any violence in society’ as one of their key challenges. So, we must come together and act against gun ownership among citizens. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-G]

違法薬物対策は十分か

— Posted inSpeech Scripts — 1 min read

Is enough being done to fight against illegal drug trafficking? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the authorities have made strides over the years, in combating illegal drug trafficking. Now let me explain the details.     

First, Japan has strict laws and regulations on the import, sale, and use of drugs, including illegal ones, which makes it difficult to distribute them in the country. Plus, hospitals and volunteer groups in Japan are working hard to rehabilitate drug addicts, because they tend to use same drugs again.     

Next, I understand some may argue that challenges remain, such as combáting illegal transaction by mafias. However, the public also understands that the authorities are trying their best with limited resources, and expresses support for them. It will take years of hard work and commitment to resolve these problems. In other words, just we don’t see quick results doesn’t necessarily mean nothing is happening.           

Therefore, even though there is still room for improvement, I conclude that our society is making its best effort to fight against illegal drug trafficking. Thank you for your attention. [182 Words Type-E]

音楽・映像の違法ダウンロード禁止

— Posted inSpeech Scripts — 1 min read

Prohibition of illegal downloading of music and films

This is a very complex issue; depending on what we are, the focus may well vary, and they all make sense. For example, there’s still debate on whether “downloading cóntent” is as illegal as uploading. Now let me explain the details.

Since the late 1990s, media piracy has become a major threat to the entertainment industry and has caused significant financial losses. For example, studies have shown that in 2020, the annual global losses caused by illegal downloading hit a record high.     

To combát media piracy, countries have come together to take action. In the past, many developing countries had condoned such downloading. However, as globalization has progressed, they have realized the significance of copyright and started to crack down on media piracy. Despite these efforts, piracy persists. One reason is that when a country cracks down, operators move their servers to another country to avoid getting caught. Streaming and caching are not illegal yet, so they remain at large.           

Therefore, I think governments still need to take necessary action, in order to control intellectual rights properly. Thank you for your attention. [182 Words Type-D]

インターネットは過激な行動を誘発するか

— Posted inSpeech Scripts — 1 min read

Does the Internet promote extreme behavior?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, it is likely that the Internet provokes some extreme behavior. Now let me explain the details.     

First, for example, violent cóntent available online can trigger violence, particularly in young people. Because many online images, videos, and advertisements are designed to provoke their violent impulses, and everyone can access them very easily. In fact, studies have shown that children who spend long time watching violent videos are more prone to aggressive behavior during their teenage years.     

Next, terrorism now uses the Internet to gain worldwide attention. In the past, the media could silence terrorists’ messages. But as the communication technology advances, even small terrorist attacks can be streamed online with their statements, reaching billions of people, almost instantly. This encourages other terrorists to organize similar attacks.           

In conclusion, while the Internet is an essential ínfrastructure for our society today, we must be conscious of its unexpected impacts on society and make efforts to ensure its responsible use. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-N]