Free Speech: Questions

Introduction | Definitions | In favor | Opposed | Case Studies | Internet | Questions

Here are a few questions you might want to think about as you explore the resources on this page:

1. Concept Safari: Search the web for the following concepts. Use the search technique described in the University of Illinois Grammar Safari page to find uses. Find example pages, print them out, and be prepared to share with the class. Be sure to save the exact URL of each example you collect.
   freedom of speech
   The First Amendment (of the United States)
   Communications Decency Act
   academic freedom
   banned books
2. Vocabulary Safari:
   ban
   cyberporn
   regulate
   propriety
   • Locate 6 examples of the word by using the search techniques described on the Grammar Safari page. Try to locate 3 examples from web pages related to the issue of censorship and 3 from pages related to other topics. Copy the examples to a word processing file to save for later.
   • Paraphrase the example sentences.
   • Write 2 sentences using each word.
   • List and practice: write these words on a small index card. Keep it with you and use each word at least twice a day for the next 5 days.
3. Both Sides: write or prepare for oral presentation a brief summary of the arguments for issues of censorship. Support your explanation with references to online resources. You might want to use one or more of the following questions as a basis for you presentation:
   • What are the main points of the argument against censorship ?
   • What are the main points of the argument for censorship?
   • Why do opponents of censorship call on the First Amendment for support?
   • Who do those in favor of censorship wish to protect from 'harmful' materials?
   • What do those in favor of censorship call on for support?
4. Role-play: With another student, prepare and present to the class a role-play in which one student is a person trying to keep a particular site from being published on the internet, and the other student is the creator of this site. Try to find a way in which their differences can be resolved.
5. Essay: choose one of the questions below and write a one- or two-page typed essay which answers it. Use at least two or three references to internet resources, and be sure to cite them correctly (check our guide to citations if you need help):
   • Comparison essay: Are some materials more in need of censorship than others; for example, it has been argued by some people that political speech and writing should be completely free of censorship, while some other forms of expression, such as popular music, should be censored. What do you think?
   • Classification essay: Government and private groups in the US and other countries use systems for rating the contents of movies (US System), television shows (US System), music, and the Internet. In your own words, describe one of the rating systems in the US or elsewhere.
   • Argumentative essay: Where do you stand on the subject of censorship. Explain your point of view, including both those areas in which you are certain of your opinion, and those in which you are less sure.
6. Website analysis: Choose a website from among the links on this page, or find another on the topic. Write a short paper or prepare an oral presentation answering the following questions:
   • What is the site's purpose?
   • What is the intended audience of the site?
   • Is the site's information up-to-date; how can you tell?
   • Is the site's information reliable; how can you tell?
   • For what kind of writing would this website be an appropriate source?
7. Poster project: Research the history of the regulations (laws) regarding censorship and access to information in a country of your choice (the United States or another country). Tell the class about the history of censorship regulation in an oral report, using a poster to illustrate important dates; you may want to use a timeline.
8. Your links: Find one or two sites which people who have used this page might want to explore. Note the URLs and write a brief description of why people would like to visit these sites.