The most important role of a parent is to teach their child moral
values. Discuss.

Possible Points to discuss the role of a parent to teach their child moral values

  • consider the various roles of a parent in their child’s development
  • discuss the extent to which teaching moral values is the most important role
  • make a judgement, based on consideration of the evidence and argument put forward about the most important role of a parent.
  • what is meant by ‘moral values’ depending on cultural, social and individual outlooks
  • the importance of acquiring moral values for interaction with others preparing for later life
  • children learning values from parents by example, teaching, reward and punishment, and exposure to real or fictional role models
  • socialisation occurs in many contexts, not just within the family circle
  • important parental roles include providing safety and security in various contexts
  • parents supporting their child emotionally and intellectually to fulfil their potential
  • parents having to care for themselves not just their children
  • different family models may be considered, as may different stages of a child’s development.

News media must always tell the truth. To what extent do you agree?

Possible points for discussing news media must always tell the truth

  • show an understanding of the concept of truth in what we read, hear and see
  • discuss circumstances where the media might be justified in not telling the whole truth
  • make a judgement, based on consideration of the evidence and argument put forward about news media must always tell the truth.
  • versions of the truth may depend upon the political and social attitudes of those involved in the media
  • sensationalism and rumour-mongering being the economic mainstay of many media outlets
  • untruthful/partial news should be condemned as likely to limit people’s access to facts and their understanding of issues
  • accurate news being important in keeping people safe and informed
  • facts and figures reported can be checked objectively using other sources
  • opinion and analysis being subjective appeal to people of different persuasions
  • popular morale may be upheld if the whole truth is not revealed by governments under certain circumstances
  • it being, to a degree, up to consumers of news to develop a critical approach to sources and fact-checking.

Assess the extent to which music can influence a person’s life.

Possible Points to discuss the extent to which music can influence a person’s life

  • explore the relative appeal of alternatives to music
  • make a judgement, based on a consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
  • music being a universal language, to be shared with others, bringing people together
  • music can influence by affecting a person`s mood, whether they are happy or sad and can be a consolation
  • music sparking the imagination and creating a world of its own
  • music being used in times of celebration and sorrow, conveying feelings that may be hard to articulate
  • music having a spiritual dimension; many religions use music to draw people together
  • music being less influential in people’s lives compared to other influences
  • music just being a background noise to other activities, such as homework or dining in a restaurant
  • music being disturbing, offensive and encouraging inappropriate behaviours and attitudes.