Topic 252: Ocean-Based Oil Extraction Issues

A1–A2 Level

1. Why do companies look for oil in the ocean?

2. What machines are used to take oil from the sea?

3. Why is oil important for daily life?

4. How can oil spills harm sea animals?

5. Why do fishermen worry about oil drilling?

6. How can oil affect beaches and tourism?

7. Why is clean ocean water important?

8. What happens if oil leaks into the sea?

9. Why do governments make rules for ocean drilling?

10. How can drilling platforms change the sea view?

11. Why do workers need safety rules on platforms?

12. How can storms cause problems for sea drilling?

13. Why do people protest ocean oil projects?

14. Can drilling create jobs near the coast? How?

15. Why should companies clean spills quickly?

16. How do you feel when oceans are polluted by oil?

B1–B2 Level

17. Why is ocean oil extraction controversial?

18. How do oil spills affect marine ecosystems long-term?

19. Why do some countries depend on offshore oil?

20. How can drilling affect coastal communities’ income?

21. What safety measures reduce spill risks?

22. Why is emergency response planning important?

23. How does offshore drilling affect climate concerns?

24. Why do environmental groups oppose sea drilling?

25. How can regulations limit environmental damage?

26. What role do companies play in spill prevention?

27. How do drilling accidents affect public trust?

28. Why do energy needs conflict with ocean protection?

29. Should drilling be banned near sensitive areas? Why?

30. How can technology improve drilling safety?

31. How do spills affect international waters?

32. How do you feel about trading ocean health for energy?

C1–C2 Level

33. How should policymakers weigh energy security against marine protection?

34. Can strict regulation make offshore drilling environmentally acceptable? Explain.

35. How do long-term spill risks compare to short-term economic gains?

36. What responsibilities do companies have beyond legal minimums?

37. How does offshore drilling affect global climate goals?

38. Should coastal communities have veto power over projects? Why?

39. How can liability laws improve environmental accountability?

40. What role does international law play in ocean drilling?

41. Can renewable energy reduce reliance on offshore oil? How?

42. How do political interests shape drilling approvals?

43. Should governments phase out ocean oil extraction? Why or why not?

44. How can transparency improve public oversight of drilling projects?

45. What lessons come from major offshore oil disasters?

46. How does drilling impact marine biodiversity protection efforts?

47. Can economic diversification reduce pressure for offshore drilling? How?

48. How do you feel these issues shape future ocean policy?