Overseas Development Aid: Questions

Introduction | Definitions | In favor | Opposed | Internet | Questions

Here are a few questions you might want to read, think, talk, or write about as you explore the resources on this topic:

1. Concept Safari: Search the web for the following concepts. Use the search technique described in the University of Illinois Grammar Safari page to find uses. Find example pages, print them out, and be prepared to share with the class. Be sure to save the exact URL of each example you collect.
   overseas development assistance
   donor nation
   inequality of wealth
   World Trade Organization
   developing countries
2. Vocabulary Safari:
   assistance
   bilateral
   development
   entrepreneur
   humanitarian
   industrialize
   recipient
   • Locate 6 examples of the word by using the search techniques described on the Grammar Safari page. Try to locate 3 examples from web pages related to the issue of development and 3 from pages related to other topics. Copy the examples to a word processing file to save for later.
   • Paraphrase the example sentences.
   • Write 2 sentences using each word.
   • List and practice: write these words on a small index card. Keep it with you and use each word at least twice a day for the next 5 days.
3. Both Sides: write or prepare for oral presentation a brief summary of the arguments for and against the practice of development assistance (foreign aid). Support your explanation with references to online resources.
4. Essay: choose one of the questions below and write a one- or two-page typed essay which answers it. Use at least two or three references to internet resources, and be sure to cite them correctly (check our guide to citations if you need help):
   • Definition essay: What is meant by sustainable development? Give examples of ways that this form of development has been used. Contrast these with other forms of development to show the varied effects of these different approaches
   • Cause/result essay: Discuss two problems that less developed nations face. In your opinion, can development assistance help to relieve these problems?
5. Website analysis: Choose a website from among the links on this page, or find another on the topic. Write a short paper or prepare an oral presentation answering the following questions:
   • What is the site's purpose?
   • What is the intended audience of the site?
   • Is the site's information up-to-date; how can you tell?
   • Is the site's information reliable; how can you tell?
   • For what kind of writing would this website be an appropriate source?
6. Poster project: Make a poster contrasting the levels of development of two different countries. Explain it to the class.
7. Your links: Find one or two sites which people who have used this page might want to explore. Note the URLs and write a brief description of why people would like to visit these sites.