Topic up for debate: The Media should be allowed to expose the truth, no

matter whom or what it prejudices.

The debate takes place at the Courtroom.
The members of the debate are: 2 members of the proposition team, 2
members of the opposition team and a judge.
1. Notions related to the debate structure
motion an assertion that forms the basis for the debate;
the proposition the team arguing that the motion is true;
the opposition the team arguing that the motion is false;
substantive arguments arguments prepared by a team to support its
viewpoint (proving you are right);
rebuttal countering your opponents arguments (proving they are wrong)

2. What you should do

a. Decide on the case approach, the arguments you are going to present, and
split them between you and your colleague (if you are the Proposition team, you start
the debate). Write them down and think about your speech;
b. Take into consideration the classical structure of an argument: main idea,
explanation, proof (real life situations that sustain your argument);
c. Draw a 2 columns table on your notebook (O1 and O2). Note down your
opponents main ideas. Restate these ideas during your speech and counter them:
During your speech, youve said thatbut that is not true because (the first
speaker will have no ideas to rebut, but will get their chance during their second
speech).
d. If you want to interrupt the oppositions speech, you have to first ask for the
permission: May I say something?;
e. After each speech, you have time to ask questions, as described below.
3. Structure
a. The first proposition, 1P, makes the first plea - 5 minutes;

b. The second opposition, 2O, can ask questions to clarify ideas or identify weak
points;
c. 1O makes the opposing plea. He/She has to both make substantive arguments and
rebut on those stated by the Proposition 5 minutes;
d. 2P asks questions for 1O;
e. 2P makes substantive arguments and counters those expressed by the Opposition
4 minutes;
f. 1O asks questions for 2P;
g. 2O makes substantive arguments and counters those expressed by the Proposition
4 minutes;
h. 1P asks questions for 2O;
i. 1P makes the final plea, supporting his case and countering the oppositions ideas,
but without adding new ones;
j. 1O or 2O make the final plea.
4. Use topic-specific vocabulary
morally reprehensible/blameworthy
activities
moral implications
(to seek) sensationalism
defamatory words and images
the keystone of a free country
chat shows
a wealth of information
colourful stories
media tycoon
readership
exploitation
broadcasts
coverage
reporters

lively gossip
reporting the truth
deprive someone of information
hoards of paparazzi
chequebook journalism
gutter press
unscrupulous
freedom of the press
censorship
libel
invasion of privacy
information overload
current affairs
tabloids