Transcript Censorship
Censorship: Is it Necessary?
Argument Essay Enda Tuomey
Introduction Layout
Definition
and/or
Situation
One side Other side Thesis: “
This essay will…”
Intro: Definition
Censorship occurs when a country or a group of people block certain material so that others cannot access it. These materials can be political, religious, sexual, violent, or economic in nature - anything that the censors or governments disagree with.
Intro: Situation
In many countries around the world, government censors restrict access to certain kinds of material for their citizens. Movies with sexual content, textbooks with political ideas, violent video games all sorts of material can be blocked.
Intro: One side
Some people agree strongly with the need for censorship. They argue that it protects society.
Intro: Other side
Others disagree, believing that they should be free to decide what they read, see or talk about.
Intro: “This essay…”
This essay will examine the arguments for and against censorship.
Essay Layout
Your essay layout will depend on whether you agree or disagree with the topic.
Is Censorship Necessary?
Yes!
No!
Intro No Yes Conclusion Intro Yes No Conclusion
Layout for NO
Topic Sentence Three Ideas Each idea has a supporting sentence Total: minimum seven sentences
Topic Sentences for NO
There are many arguments against censorship It is easy to see why many people are opposed to censorship Censorship can be opposed on many grounds There are several reasons why censorship does not work People are opposed to censorship for many reasons Many people are strongly against censorship Censorship irritates many people
Sentences for NO
Some people feel that they should be free to decide what they watch or read.
Supporting idea:
They think they are mature enough to know what is good and bad.
1
Sentences for NO
Others feel that censorship is pointless today.
Supporting idea:
Nowadays people can travel to other countries and discuss ideas or read materials unavailable in their own country. It is also impossible to block material on satellite or on the internet.
2
Sentences for NO
One of the biggest objections to government censorship is that much material is blocked for no apparent reason.
Supporting idea:
Often useful material for example in textbooks or medical sites is blocked.
3
Sentences for NO
Opponents of censorship also claim that unless the people of a nation are fully educated that there can be no development.
Supporting idea:
They resist the idea of being treated like children by a government ministry.
4
Sentences for NO
Those in favor of removing censorship also claim that the type of material blocked is chosen for the wrong reasons.
Supporting idea:
For example, many very violent movies are allowed in most countries, but intellectual films and books are banned due to some minor sexual content.
5
Sentences for NO
The biggest argument against censorship for many people is the idea of personal freedom.
Supporting idea:
These people believe they have the right to decide what they want to see or read or discuss.
6
Layout for YES
Topic Sentence Three Ideas Each idea has a supporting sentence Total: minimum seven sentences
Topic Sentences for Yes
There are many arguments for censorship It is easy to see why many people are in favor of censorship Censorship can be supported on many grounds There are several reasons why censorship is necessary People are in favor of censorship for many reasons Many people strongly support censorship Censorship is viewed as essential by many people
Sentences for YES
People in favor of censorship believe strongly that the society needs to protected against violent and pornographic material.
Supporting idea:
Very few people would support the availability of hard-core pornographic movies or magazines.
1
Sentences for YES
There is often very strong support in a society for limits on certain kinds of materials for religious or cultural reasons.
Supporting idea:
People expect their governments to act to prevent the distribution or availability of forbidden material or items.
2
Sentences for YES
Another point in favor of censorship is that many people are not educated enough to really understand complex political ideas.
Supporting idea:
Allowing people to discuss political ideas without enough background knowledge could destabilize a society.
3
Sentences for YES
One good reason for censorship is that people selling pornography and other materials do not care about children.
Supporting idea:
They will advertise their products and it will be impossible for children to avoid seeing them.
4
Sentences for YES
Governments have a duty to stop illegal materials being available through the internet.
Supporting idea:
People should not be able to download illegal software of any kind. The government has signed agreement to protect intellectual property.
5
Sentences for YES
Another point is that governments which censor materials are acting in defense of the views and traditions of the society.
Supporting idea:
They are not doing it to restrict individual freedom, but to make the society a safer place to live in
5
Conclusion Layout
The conclusion should/can
summarize
both sides (two sentences) and explain what they think explain that the problem is
difficult/simple
give your
opinion
look to the
future
Sentences for Conclusion
In conclusion, people are
strongly divided
on the issue of censorship While some people have
very valid reasons
objecting to censorship, … for …others
believe firmly
that they alone have the right to decide what they read or see.
Personally, I feel that some forms of censorship are necessary, but that the government needs to be open about its decisions.
1
Sentences for Conclusion
Personally, I feel that some forms of censorship are necessary , but that the government needs to be open about its decisions.
As for myself, I believe that censorship is absolutely necessary if we are to protect the morals and traditions of our society.
There is no doubt in my mind that censorship is totally unnecessary and pointless
.
People should be free to make up their own minds, and to exercise their choice as adults.
2