To what extent should scientific research be free from political and commercial involvement?

Possible arguments for and against scientific research being free from political and commercial involvement

  • Freedom to make informed academic choices
  • Free from conflict of interest
  • Make research papers accessible to all – complete transparency
  • Freedom to choose research projects
  • Funding has to come from somewhere
  • Research councils (government bodies) regulate and ensure projects are in the country’s interest
  • Research often takes place in universities (as an academic environment)
  • What about charitable organisations which fund research?
  • Most private sponsors have their own research facilities (pharmaceutical)
  • What about testing on animals, weapons research, regulating clinical trials of new drugs?
  • Accountability to the government.

How far do you agree that music is an important aspect of a film?

Keywords: ‘How far’ and ‘agree’ and ‘music’ and ‘important’ and ‘film’.

  • Highlight emotion
  • Excitement/suspense
  • Entertainment (e.g. musicals)
  • Indicate period (e.g. the Sixties)
  • Draws audience in – pitch/tempo/melody (especially opening/closing credits)
  • Shapes character
  • Intensifies action scenes
  • Big role in silent movies (e.g. The Artist)
  • Accompanies visual comedy
  • Helps with continuity
  • Can distract and be overbearing
  • Dialogue/drama without music is more naturalistic
  • Too much manipulation
  • Needs to be discrete/sensitive/balanced

‘Although tourism may have damaging effects, it should still be encouraged.’ How far do you agree with this statement?

  • Tourism is vital for economic growth throughout the world (eg Cuba, China)
  • It can promote social and cultural understanding (eg, Ireland, India)
  • It is much-needed income for parts of the world under various forms of environmental threat (eg, Maldives, Mauritius)
  • The tourist industry could provide a cleaner alternative than highly polluting industries (eg, leather, firecrackers)
  • Travel philanthropy could bring about greater volunteerism (eg Cambodia, Laos)
  • Eco-tourism could be a potential (eg Peru, Ecuador)
  • People can make responsible travel choices
  • The purchase of voluntary carbon offsets
  • Tourism is not just foreign travel and can bring local benefits