The situation
Isla Verana is a small Mediterranean island of 14,000 residents. Last year it received 2.3 million visitors, double the figure of a decade ago. Rents have soared, the water supply runs low every August, and a viral social-media post has just made a previously quiet cove the most photographed spot in the region.
The island council has called an emergency summit. Six stakeholders must decide whether to adopt the following plan, amend it, or replace it with something better.
The council proposal
- A daily cap of 6,000 visitors in peak season (June to September).
- A €10 tourist tax, charged to every visitor over the age of 12, to fund infrastructure and conservation.
- A ban on cruise ships docking in the old harbour; ships would anchor offshore.
- A ban on new holiday rentals in the historic centre for five years.
Your goal: within 30 minutes, reach a decision that the whole group can accept, or agree clearly on where you disagree. You will vote at the end.
Timer and stages
Role cards
Each student takes one role. Open only your own card. Keep your private priority to yourself until it feels natural to reveal it.
Useful language
Taking a firm position
- I’d go so far as to say that…
- It would be naive to assume…
- The crux of the matter is…
- I can’t in good conscience support…
Challenging diplomatically
- With respect, that overlooks the fact that…
- I’m not entirely persuaded by…
- That may hold true in theory, but in practice…
- Could you substantiate that claim?
Conceding and bridging
- I’ll grant you that…, however…
- I’m prepared to meet you halfway on…
- Perhaps we could reconcile these positions by…
- Provided that…, I’d be willing to…
Chairing and summarising
- Let me draw the threads together.
- We seem to be converging on…
- May I invite you to respond to that?
- Before we vote, let’s check where we stand.
Reflection questions
- Which argument changed your mind, or came closest to doing so? Why?
- Which phrases did you use that you would not have used at B2 level?
- Did your group reach a real consensus, or only a polite compromise?
- Think of a real destination you have visited. Does the same tension exist there?
Teacher notes: Stage 3 is the longest, so let the discussion run without intervening. Note errors and strong phrases for delayed feedback. With fewer than six students, remove the Journalist or the Young Entrepreneur role.