Here is a sample 4-minute monologue on the topic:The media plays an important role in society by informing the public about important issues and events. However, sometimes it seems the media focuses too much on trivial or sensational stories just to boost ratings and profits. This leads to the trivialisation of serious issues that really matter. For example, during election seasons the media tends to focus more on candidates' personal lives or gaffes rather than their policies and plans. We see endless debates and speculation that feel more like a reality TV show than a discussion of important issues facing the country. Serious topics get reduced to soundbites and gotcha moments. This does a disservice to voters who deserve an informed discussion
Similar to Here is a sample 4-minute monologue on the topic:The media plays an important role in society by informing the public about important issues and events. However, sometimes it seems the media focuses too much on trivial or sensational stories just to boost ratings and profits. This leads to the trivialisation of serious issues that really matter. For example, during election seasons the media tends to focus more on candidates' personal lives or gaffes rather than their policies and plans. We see endless debates and speculation that feel more like a reality TV show than a discussion of important issues facing the country. Serious topics get reduced to soundbites and gotcha moments. This does a disservice to voters who deserve an informed discussion
Similar to Here is a sample 4-minute monologue on the topic:The media plays an important role in society by informing the public about important issues and events. However, sometimes it seems the media focuses too much on trivial or sensational stories just to boost ratings and profits. This leads to the trivialisation of serious issues that really matter. For example, during election seasons the media tends to focus more on candidates' personal lives or gaffes rather than their policies and plans. We see endless debates and speculation that feel more like a reality TV show than a discussion of important issues facing the country. Serious topics get reduced to soundbites and gotcha moments. This does a disservice to voters who deserve an informed discussion (20)
Here is a sample 4-minute monologue on the topic:The media plays an important role in society by informing the public about important issues and events. However, sometimes it seems the media focuses too much on trivial or sensational stories just to boost ratings and profits. This leads to the trivialisation of serious issues that really matter. For example, during election seasons the media tends to focus more on candidates' personal lives or gaffes rather than their policies and plans. We see endless debates and speculation that feel more like a reality TV show than a discussion of important issues facing the country. Serious topics get reduced to soundbites and gotcha moments. This does a disservice to voters who deserve an informed discussion
1. EOI - MEDIA & THE NEWS
DIALOGUE: CONSPIRACY THEORIES
MONOLOGUE: THE MEDIA CIRCUS
C2
2. CONVERSATION - Media & The news
1. Have you ever encountered fake news? What was your reaction?
2. What's the most important current event in your country at the moment? What do you
think about it?
3. Is the news on TV more reliable than the news on the internet?
4. What do you think about people who are oblivious to the current events?
5. Is the news always biased? Is there such a thing as objectivism in media?
6. Do media polarize society?
7. What's the most scandalous event which has recently caused people go on rampage
in your country?
8. Will printed press disappear as a result of a surge in popularity of online journalism?
GENERAL
4. Media & The news - VOCABULARY
broadcasts
broadsheets
coverage
current affairs
tabloids
censorship
freedom of the press
invasion of privacy
investigative journalism
libel
paparazzi
readership
unscrupulous
biased
media frenzy
go on rampage
editor
vow
disclose
allege
ambiguous
ghostwriter
6. Expressing your opinion
I believe/think that…
In my opinion,…
The way I see it,…
If you ask me,…
I would say that…
It seems to me that…
As far as I’m concerned,…
Agreeing with your partner
I (totally) agree with you.
You’re dead right.
That’s (absolutely) true.
You’re (absolutely) right.
That’s a great idea.
I couldn’t agree more.
Yes, I see what you mean.
I see it that way, too.
Yes, of course. | I think so, too.
Disagreeing with your partner
I’m afraid I don’t see it the same way.
I’m sorry but I have to disagree.
You may be right, but I have a different view.
That might be true, but I’m not sure I agree with you.
I’m sorry, but I don’t agree.
Conceding arguments
While you might say that ..., it's important to remember that ...
I agree with you that ... On the other hand, ...
Although/even though it is true that... I believe that...
I agree/admit/concede that... , but we must remember that…
I can understand that... Nevertheless, ...
It's true/obvious/evident that ... However, ...
Agreeing & Disagreeing
7. Starting your discussion
Shall I start? / Yeah, go on.
Shall I go
fi
rst? / Of course, go ahead.
Is it okay if I start? / Sure, no problem.
Would you like to go
fi
rst? / Yes, why not?
Asking for your partner’s opinion
statement, don’t you think/agree?
statement , wouldn’t you agree?
statement, right?
Do you think…? | Do you believe that…?
What do you think about…?
How about…? | What about…?
What’s your take on…?
Concluding the discussion
I believe we have an agreement, don’t we?
So, do we have an agreement?
Shall we stick to…?
Shall we agree on..?
Changing the subject
As for + one of the options
In relation to + one of the options
As regards + one of the options
Regarding the question of the task,
Interacting
8. DIALOGUE
• Your conversation should last about 8-9 minutes.
• Avoid short answers, take part and speak and listen to your partner
• Your partner’s information is different from yours.
• If possible, try to reach an agreement at the end of the conversation.
STUDENT
A
2- DIALOGUE
Persistence of conspiracy theories proof of their veracity
Cover-up of inconvenient truths to maintain the status quo
Of
fi
cial versions too implausible to be given credit to
Need for being opened-minded to alternative version
CONSPIRACY THEORIES
You have seen a documentary (“Elvis is Alive and Well, and Lives in Faura”) on conspiracy theories that question the of
fi
cial
versions of notorious events. You are convinced. You start the conversation.
9. DIALOGUE
• Your conversation should last about 8-9 minutes.
• Avoid short answers, take part and speak and listen to your partner
• Your partner’s information is different from yours.
• If possible, try to reach an agreement at the end of the conversation.
STUDENT
B
2- DIALOGUE
Sheer impossibility of so many people keeping a secret for so long
Conspiracy theories too implausible to be given credit to
All a matter of conspiracy theorists having overripe imaginations
Belief in conspiracy theories is simply a way of looking clever
CONSPIRACY THEORIES
You have seen a documentary (“Elvis is Alive and Well, and Lives in Faura”) on conspiracy theories that question the of
fi
cial
versions of notorious events. You are skeptical. Your partner starts the conversation.
11. MONOLOGUE STRUCTURE
MONOLOGUE STRUCTURE:
1. Introduction: introduce the topic in a general way
2. Arguments (pros/cons): organise your ideas in different arguments,
and explain each topic in depth, trying to show all the pros and the cons
3. Personal Opinion: express your own personal ideas
4. Conclusion: summarise everything that you have said before, your personal
beliefs and other people’s beliefs or behaviours about the topic.
12. MONOLOGUE - THE MEDIA
Read the introduction to the topic and the suggestions. Use at least 3 of the ideas below.
You may add your own ideas. Talk for about 4- 4:30 minutes
No need to use the pictures
THE MEDIA CIRCUS
•The trivialisation of serious issues
•The reality TV political debate
•Being critical enough with what we see and hear
•The most trustworthy media
