International and global dimension

Overview

Theme 5 of the GCSE Greek specification focuses on the 'International and Global Dimension'. This is a high-value topic where examiners expect you to show your ability to discuss real-world issues. It covers two main sub-themes: bringing the world together (such as global events like the Olympics and international campaigns) and environmental issues (such as climate change, pollution, recycling, and sustainable development).

To succeed in this topic, you must move beyond simple vocabulary lists. Examiners are looking for your ability to express and justify opinions, refer to events across the past, present, and future, and use a variety of complex grammatical structures like the subjunctive (να) and conditional sentences. This guide provides the tools to build sophisticated, multi-tense answers that will elevate your writing and speaking tasks.

Key Vocabulary: The Environment (Το Περιβάλλον)

To access higher marks, you must use precise terminology rather than generic words. Here are the core terms you need:

• η κλιματική αλλαγή: climate change
• η ρύπανση: pollution
• η ανακύκλωση: recycling
• η βιώσιμη ανάπτυξη: sustainable development
• οι φυσικοί πόροι: natural resources
• τα σκουπίδια: rubbish / waste
• τα καυσαέρια: emissions

Key Vocabulary: Global Events (Παγκόσμιες Εκδηλώσεις)

• οι Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες: the Olympic Games
• η παγκόσμια εκστρατεία: global campaign
• η διεθνής συνεργασία: international cooperation
• η ειρήνη: peace
• τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα: human rights
• η φιλανθρωπία: charity

Core Grammar: The Three Tenses

A critical requirement for the top mark bands is demonstrating that you can confidently use past, present, and future tenses. If you only answer in the present tense, your marks will be capped.

The Past (Το Παρελθόν)

Use the Aorist (Simple Past) for completed actions.
Example: Πέρυσι, το σχολείο μας οργάνωσε μια εκστρατεία ανακύκλωσης. (Last year, our school organised a recycling campaign.)

The Present (Το Παρόν)

Use the Present tense for general facts or current actions.
Example: Σήμερα, η κλιματική αλλαγή είναι ένα μεγάλο πρόβλημα. (Today, climate change is a big problem.)

The Future (Το Μέλλον)

Use the Simple Future (θα + subjunctive form) for future plans or hopes.
Example: Στο μέλλον, θα χρησιμοποιούμε περισσότερη ηλιακή ενέργεια. (In the future, we will use more solar energy.)

Expressing and Justifying Opinions

Examiners explicitly reward candidates who justify their thoughts. Never just state an opinion; always explain why.

• State: Κατά τη γνώμη μου, η ανακύκλωση είναι σημαντική... (In my opinion, recycling is important...)
• Justify: ...επειδή βοηθάει στη μείωση των σκουπιδιών. (...because it helps in the reduction of rubbish.)