Worksheet #5
Revision: AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
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1.
Why has the word “inconvenient” been placed in the title of the documentary? Explain the
appropriateness of it in light of the subject matter.
2.
What do you understand by the phrase, “global warming”? Is it a correct or misleading
phrase?
3.
Which parts of the documentary effectively add strength to Gore’s argument?
4.
Which parts of the film do you feel weakens Gore’s argument?
5.
Gore makes use of animation at two points in the documentary. Discuss these two
animations, explaining the purpose of each, and also stating if it is effective or not.
6.
Paragraph-type question:
Including personal events in a documentary about global warming is gratuitous and
unnecessary. Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
7.
Paragraph-type question:
Gore might be concerned about global warming, but it is clear that he has other agendas,
too. What do you think these agendas are, and do they make the message any less
effective?
8.
Which African lake does Gore refer to in the documentary to convince skeptics of the very
real threat and danger of global warming? Is his example suitable or not? Explain.
9.
Why should the vanishing glaciers be of great concern to all of us?
10.
How is America depicted as being largely responsible for global warming?
11.
What solutions does Gore offer to viewers to combat global warming?
12.
Explain why the statistics and graphs Gore presents in the documentary could be a
weakness, and could cause his audience to lose interest.
13.
Why is the “red jagged line” so extremely important to Gore’s argument?
Worksheet #5 Revision – Film Study: AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
Answer Key
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1.
It is appropriate to represent the fact that global warming is a truth some people and
countries would prefer not to face since it will mean financial losses for them. The truth is
not in their best interests; therefore it is “inconvenient”
2.
“Global warming” refers to the gradual heating up of the earth due to sunlight being
trapped within the atmosphere. This sunlight is being trapped because CO 2 emissions
have thickened the “blanket” of atmosphere, thus preventing enough sunlight from
escaping back into space.
It is actually a misleading phrase, as it makes one think that the earth is only getting
warmer when, in fact, it is really a reference to global climate change.
3.
The parts that lend credence to Gore’s arguments are the indisputable evidence he
presents about disappearing glaciers, the “jagged red line” showing a steady increase in
CO2 emissions over an uninterrupted period, scientific statistics with regard to weather
patterns, and global weather crises affecting nearly all countries and continents.
(Note: Other examples may be cited.)
4.
Personal opinion question. Possible answer: Gore’s inconclusive graph evidence, which
some feel have been manipulated to suit his theory, the fact that global warming (or
climate change) is a natural cycle (though this is doubtful), and perhaps the focus on
America.
(Note: Other examples may be cited.)
5.
Animation 1: Explanation to the little girl about global warming.
This cartoon is used to simplify a complex problem. However, its main purpose is to
emphasize how ignorant bureaucrats are with regard to global warming, and how they live
in a fantasy world of denial. It is an effective example of satire, especially the ending.
Animation 2: The polar bear problem
This animation is also effective. It shows how polar bears have to swim great distances to
hunt, and how they die because the ice is melting at an alarming rate, denying them places
to rest when they go hunting. The animation aims to show that if the ice breaks up too
early, the polar bears drown because they become exhausted from swimming far
distances without finding any safe landing place. The cartoon is effective, but perhaps live
footage could also have been shown of the early thawing of the frozen seas.
6.
Personal opinion question. Students will cite their own reasons.
7.
Although Gore certainly has other agendas, most notably political ones, this does in no
way detract from the message. The reason for this is the fact that global warming is a
reality which cannot be ignored or wished away. It is not an issue that serves only as a
form of a “crusade” for Gore; it is a threat which faces the world and which we need to
address immediately. Even though it is obvious that Gore tries to endear himself to existing
and potential voters by including personal incidents sprinkled throughout the documentary,
the crisis of climate change is such that its urgency, threat and devastation overshadow
the personal narratives. Gore might be aiming to get a seat on the Senate, or be voted into
the Oval Office, but his message of a world on the brink of disaster is still irrefutable,
convincing and dire. If one can ignore the hidden political agendas or personal interests,
the real message of global climate change that will affect everyone is conveyed effectively,
forcefully and convincingly.
8.
He refers to Lake Chad. It is a suitable example, as it highlights the dangers of global
warming. It serves to show how nations will start wars when sources of water start drying
up and people will have to literally fight for survival. It also perfectly shows the
consequences and effects of global warming, or climate change.
9.
This is of great concern as more than 40% of the world’s drinking water come from these
glaciers, especially the ones from the Himalayas. Also, these glaciers are part of the
natural cycle of the planet, and if this is disrupted, the effect will be disastrous on a global
scale because it will have a domino effect on all other aspects of life.
10.
Gore blames America for the global problem, as it is the biggest producer of CO 2 and is
the direct cause for the constant and continuous rise of CO2 levels.
11.
He provides a number of solutions, from planting trees to switching off computers not in
use, to recycling and walking short distances instead of driving. (Students will offer other
examples.)
12.
Some of the graphs are difficult to understand, especially for the layman. The statistics,
too, can at times be confusing and difficult to grasp. In addition, Gore seems to speed
through the graphs and statistical data, not allowing sufficient time for his audience to
absorb the information adequately.
13.
This is what Gore’s entire argument is based on: that there has been a noticeable and
steady rise in the CO2 levels for an uninterrupted period, and it is still rising. Gore uses this
“jagged red line” to present a visual means for his viewers to connect the rise in CO 2 levels
with the increasing climate changes and steady disruption of nature.