1 Read the model below and write down the topic of each paragraph in the outline plan below. Underline the linking words.
"Censorship is necessary in modern society." Discuss.
Censorship is an issue which frequently generates a great deal of heated debate, with supporters maintaining that it is vital in order to protect society, whilst opponents claim that it is an unjustifiable restriction of public access to information.
Firstly, all countries have secrets which must be safeguarded for reasons of national security. For instance, if an enemy country were to acquire such highly sensitive information, the effects could be catastrophic. Consequently, governments have to have the power to restrict access to information con-cerning areas such as the armed forces or particular aspects of foreign policy.
Secondly, it is often argued that censorship is necessary to prevent the broadcast and publication of obscene material which is considered offensive or harmful to public morals. Many people feel that, without censorship the public would be constantly subjected to material that the majority would find offensive. For this reason, the government has a duty to impose certain restrictions on the mass media by censoring films and texts which contain explicit scenes of sex, violence or foul language.
In contrast, opponents of censorship point out that when it is abused by governments, censorship becomes an instrument used to misinform society and maintain power. In order to control the flow of information which reaches the public, repressive regimes try to put constraints on the media, thus denying citizens the right to information owing to the fact that govern¬ments believe it may lead them to seek greater freedom.
Furthermore, it is generally felt that mature adults are able to make informed choices about what they watch, read and listen to and should, therefore, be permitted to make their own decisions. For example, some comedians make use of offensive language and taboo subjects in their performances. Critics of cen¬sorship argue that the only people who will watch or lis¬ten to such material are adults who have made a con¬scious decision to do so. Thus, it is claimed, it is unjust to censor material like this since it is not forced upon people who may subsequently be offended by it.
All things considered, it can be concluded that a certain degree of censorship is always necessary. The best course of action would be to attempt to achieve a balance between the requirements of the country and the public on the one hand, and individuals' rights on the other.
• Introduction –
Summary of the topic
• Main body
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• Conclusion
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2 Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning of the sentence before.
1 It is widely maintained that recycling some products reduces the amount of damage we do to the environment.
Most people advocate
2 Some people still oppose the view that mothers can be career women too.
Some people feel
3 One argument against nuclear testing is that it has long-lasting effects on surrounding areas.
Sceptics point out that
4 It is generally held that harsher punishments for criminals would result in a decrease in the crime rate.
Many people support
5 Critics often argue that the use of computers is reducing levels of literacy.
A further common
3 Join the sentences using the words/phrases given in brackets.
1 Pets can prove to be good companions. They teach children a sense of responsibility. (not only)
2 Many people nowadays decide to open their own business. A slump in the economy has resulted in the closure of many small business. (even though)
3 Computers are time-saving devices. They can do things which people could hardly do before. (apart from)
4 Living in the countryside can be beneficial for your health. Some essentials are not so easily available in the country as in the city. (despite)
5 Voting gives you a voice in the decisions of the government. It gives you a feeling of belonging to a larger community. (not to mention that)
4 Complete the following sentences, then replace the phrases in bold with other similar ones.
1 Regardless of the fact that country life can be much healthier than city life, ……………
2 Efforts have been made to reduce discrimination between men and women; nonetheless, ………………………………………………………..
3 In spite of making some attempts to end wars worldwide, ………………………
4 Many people feel that the testing of products on animals is cruel, while……………………..
Works consulted
Taken from "Successful Writing Proficiency" by Virginia Evans