integrated writing TPO 7

The lecture and the passage both discuss whether wood companies would benefit from being eco certified, a globally recognised certification. The author of the page believes that this certification would not bring any significant benefits to an American wood company. He explains his stand with three specific reasons. The speaker of the listening passage disagrees with the author's claims and believe they do not hold water. He thus opposes each point made in the passage.

First and foremost, the author of the passage states that the people of the United states are so used to advertising that adding on a certification label would make no difference to them. He further adds that, Americans do not have faith in advertising claims as many normal products are claims to be new and improved. However, not everyone agrees with the author's viewpoint. The lecturer for example believes that American customer distinguish certification labels as self and globally recognised. Additionally he states that they are more favorable to internationally accepted certifications and are also now much more informed about the ecological conditions.

Secondly the author mentions that adding a eco certification would be costly for the company as it would have to pay for the certification. He highlights that Americans prefer to buy cheap products and while choosing between two products, the cost is an important factor in the decision of choosing one. This reason does not sit well with the lecturer and he strongly opposes it. He mentions that Americans look at cost when the difference of cost between the
the two products vary greatly. If the difference between the two is within the 5% range then customers most definitely choose the one which is certified and of better quality.

Lastly to conclude his stand the author mentions that American companies aim to only satisfy the needs of the local markets and do not have to participate globally. Hence the certification will not be beneficial in a business sense. The lecturer refutes this claim by explaining that while internally the people may be satisfied with the products of the companies currently, this may not be the same when foriegn companies with certified products may enter the market. He emphasises that even if the American companies may not wish to sell abroad, they must be capable enough to be the best in the local market and compete with any outside companies.

Thus clearly the author and lecturer are unable to find a common ground on this topic.