Workgroup 1 debate

1. Museums should be free.
Workgroup 1
Names: Stanisław Wiśniewski, Christina Trattou,
Despoina Vamvali, Kristina Petranović, Joan Forcadell,
João Ferreira

2. A: Affirmative Speech
Definition of the Topic: When we refer to museums, we mean exhibition places where we can gain knowledge about various
things like: art, history, science, technology. The word "free" refers to not paying money for entrance.
1st Argument supporting the topic: Our first argument is that museums transfer to us our history and our cultural heritage. In
other words, exhibits in the museums tell us stories about our nation and culture.
Example supporting the topic: For example, in Warsaw there is the museum of "Powstanie Warszawskie" which refers to World
War 2 and shows us how Polish uprising against Germany looked like. Another example is the "Museo del Prado" in Spain, where
we can see art exhibits.
Result: As a result, when museums are free, more people will become interested in their history and culture.
Conclusion: For this reason, they should be free.

3. B: Negative Speech
Rebuttal of the 1st Argument supporting the topic: Personally, we are inclined to believe that museums are probably not the only
places that promote our cultural heritage. For example, the White Tower in Thessaloniki and the medieval castle in Larnaca,
as landmarks of our cities, also inform us about our history.
1st Argument against the topic : My first argument against this topic is that museums need money for both their operating costs
and stuff's salaries.
1st Example against the topic: For instance, museums are like businesses, meaning that they need money for paying bills, for
their preservation and for paying the people working there.
Result: Consequently, when the museums are free, they cannot operate properly and become dependent on the government
which may not offer them enough money.
Conclusion: For this reason, museums shouldn't be free

4. C: Affirmative Speech
Rebuttal of the first argument against the topic: I see what you mean, but museums could be also supported by a foundation or
a sponsor except for the government.
2nd Argument supporting the topic: Moving on to my second argument, I want to emphasize on the fact that museums should
offer educational opportunities to everyone.
2nd Example supporting the topic: For instance, there are many families where parents do not work, that means that they
cannot afford a visit to a museum and be educated.
Result: As a result, when a museum is free, everyone can have access to it regardless of their income.
Conclusion: So, museums should be free.

5. D: Negative Speech
Rebuttal of the 2st Argument supporting the topic: I see what you mean, but everyone can learn about their history and
cultural heritage at school.
2nd Argument against the topic: My second argument against this topic, is that when people pay to enter a museum are more
careful of their behavior and show respect.
2nd Example against the topic: A case in point is that when people know that there is a fee for visiting the museum, they
understand that everything inside it is valuable and they try not to break any of the exhibits. That is, they appreciate the value
of the exhibits.
Result: In this way, the exhibits stay in a good condition.
Conclusion: Therefore, museums shouldn't be free.