To what extent do television programmes have a negative influence on people?

Possible points discussing the negative impacts of television programmes

  • discuss the role of television programmes in society
  • consider the extent to which the influence of television programmes has been detrimental
  • make a judgement, based on considering the evidence and argument put forward.
  • television programmes make people lazy and replace more active leisure pursuits
  • some television programmes are essentially escapist and have little cultural value
  • Illegal and inappropriate actions are ‘normalised’ in many programmes
  • causing people to interact less and stay in their own homes more
  • television is responsible for high-quality programmes and making them available around the world
  • television becoming an important medium for news and current affairs
  • in many countries, regulatory bodies monitor the negative or controversial content of television programmes
  • recent developments in digital television and streaming improving the
  • range and diversity of programmes.

How far should a state have a right to monitor the actions of people within its borders?

People oppose the idea of state-sponsored surveillance as it violates their privacy. There are others who believe that state monitoring is necessary to protect the well-being of its people. One could argue that the state should have the right to monitor the actions of its people, as long as the monitoring does not impinge on their privacy and curb their mobility.

Many people use the internet to express their views and opinions on social media websites and forums. If the right of privacy is snatched away from people and their every action is monitored, it would impinge upon the freedom of people. State monitoring endangers self-expression as individuals are implicitly forced to make decisions and voice out opinions that align with the policies and interests of the state. For example, in China, state-sponsored surveillance is widespread. When people choose to use social media, they cannot criticise the government. Similarly, people cannot move around freely without being monitored by the state. Facial–recognition software is used to access office buildings, streets and even residential areas. China exactly illustrates what can a society become if state sponsored monitoring is used without any constraints. When the state decides to monitor people, it can use several measures that eventually take infringe individual privacy who are not even imminent threats to the society. Therefore, state the right to monitor every action of people within its borders can have repercussions as the individual may lose all their privacy and the voice to express disappointment eventually.

However, surveillance is necessary to protect people from crime and violent attacks. When it comes to protecting the lives of individuals the state definitely should have the authority to monitor the action of its people. In many countries like the United States and the UK, surveillance has helped police to avert crimes. Surveillance cameras, for example, can help police pinpoint the time of a crime, trace criminal activity and get information about vehicles like descriptions and license plates. In Brazil, facial recognition has helped the police arrest a drug-traffickers. Thus, information from monitoring helps in narrowing down areas where crime is most prevalent. Israel too was able to avert more than 200 terrorist attacks from Palestine by monitoring social media activity. Surveillance not only helps in averting crimes and attacks but also helps to rescue victims of crime. If people are willing to sacrifice their privacy, then the state can better protect them from violent crimes and be a step ahead of criminals and terrorists. State monitoring action of its people is an efficient way to thwart criminal activities and address complex crimes and terrorist threats that surround many societies today. Thus, the state should have the right to monitor the actions of people within its border as it is necessary to keep national security in mind.

On the flip side, surveillance of the state can worsen issues because of people’s tendency to stereotype. Profiling based on religion, race and gender can lead to snap judgements. Racial profiling is a harsh reality which is prevalent in Western democracies. Biased profiling can be used to suppress the minority communities that are detained because of suspicion. Thus, enhanced surveillance like facial recognition can deeply impact and escalate behaviour that is prejudiced. An example of this can be seen in countries like Turkey, Israel and China. Thus, surveillance can be used by state authorities to target certain social groups and consequently reinforce stereotypes which may lead to oppression and conflict within the society. Therefore, the state should not monitor the activities of the people as it can lead to stereotyping and oppression.

In conclusion, state monitoring is essential for maintaining the well-being of people. However, the power of monitoring should be used responsibly and should not be used to establish dominance over people. Surveillance using technology is simply a new way to determine the safety of all people.

Poetry is irrelevant in the modern world. To what extent do you agree?

Possible points for discussing if poetry is irrelevant in the modern world

  • discuss examples of poetry
  • consider the extent to which poetry remains relevant today
  • make a judgement, based on the consideration of the evidence and argument put forward to discuss if poetry is irrelevant or relevant.
  • the integral role it plays in its literary and cultural heritage
  • the strong relationship between poetry and popular modern music forms
  • the continuing popularity of nursery rhymes and rhyme as tools for educating children
  • poetic devices as features of language and literature for appreciation and study
  • eternal themes and emotions expressed in poetry remain relevant
  • poetry as a means to demonstrate creativity and freedom of expression
  • poetry is seen as a niche pursuit in comparison with other art forms
  • poets experiencing difficulty in selling their work could discourage aspiring writers.

Evaluate how important it is for a person’s health, to spend time in the natural world.

Possible points for the importance of spending time in the natural world for a person’s health

  • assess the reasons why the natural world is important for physical and mental health
  • consider the possible limitations of nature in achieving physical and mental health
  • make a judgement based on a consideration of the evidence and argument put forward your stand on whether it is important to spend time in the natural world.
  • it is not always easy to discover nature when living in urban areas that have few or no parks
  • taking part in leisure activities in a green space is beneficial to a person’s health
  • the health benefits of working in a natural environment
  • the impact of prolonged time spent on the internet or a virtual world
  • nature can be harsh with storms, drought and famine sometimes leading to poverty and displacement of people
  • health benefits can be achieved through diet, indoor exercise and meditation or medical treatment
  • music, art and literature can also provide solace, healing and personal growth
  • working in a job you like, feeling needed and having family and friends can be a consolation.

‘Censorship does more harm than good.’ How far is this true today?

The contemporary discourse surrounding censorship has sparked intense debates, questioned its merits, and highlighted the potential hazards it poses. This analysis aims to shed light on the significant risks associated with censorship, supporting the notion that censorship does more harm than good in today’s context. By examining the perils it brings and evaluating its claimed advantages, this essay underscores the dangers inherent in censorship. It undermines individual freedoms, impedes progress, and hinders the development of an enlightened and democratic society. It becomes increasingly apparent that the benefits of censorship are limited, while its negative impacts are far-reaching and detrimental to the fabric of society.

Censorship encroaches upon the fundamental rights of individuals, curtailing their freedom of expression, speech, and access to information. Censorship hampers critical thinking and informed decision-making by controlling and limiting the flow of information. For instance, in many authoritarian regimes, governments impose strict censorship measures, blocking websites, censoring social media platforms, and suppressing dissenting voices. In countries like China and North Korea, internet censorship is pervasive, limiting citizens’ access to information and stifling their freedom of expression. By curtailing individual freedoms, censorship infringes upon the basic rights of individuals and inhibits their ability to participate fully in public discourse, engage in critical thinking, and contribute to the democratic process. Thus, the argument that censorship does more harm than good holds true in contemporary society.

Censorship hinders progress and stifles innovation. Censorship acts as a barrier to progress by restricting the free flow of ideas, knowledge, and information. When certain viewpoints, opinions, or creative expressions are censored, it limits the ability of individuals and society as a whole to explore new perspectives, challenge existing norms, and innovate. For instance, during the Renaissance period in Europe, the Catholic Church’s strict censorship policies limited the dissemination of scientific and philosophical ideas that contradicted religious beliefs. This hindered the progress of scientific understanding and delayed advancements in various fields. It was only when censorship loosened, and new ideas were allowed to flourish, that significant breakthroughs occurred, leading to remarkable progress in areas such as astronomy, anatomy, and mathematics. Therefore, by impeding the free exchange of ideas and suppressing intellectual exploration, censorship poses a significant obstacle to progress and innovation, hindering society’s ability to develop and evolve.

Censorship hinders the development of an enlightened and democratic society. Censorship restricts the free flow of information and suppresses critical voices, obstructing the development of an enlightened and democratic society. By imposing restrictions on free speech and journalism, censorship undermines transparency, accountability, and the principles of democracy. For example, In Turkey, a controversial social media law grants authorities the right to control and restrict online free speech. The new legislation, known as the “disinformation law,” criminalises the spread of misinformation according to the government’s definition and regulates content. The law even empowers the government to block social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook when deemed necessary or compel them to share data with authorities. Similarly, in India, the ruling government banned the BBC documentary, “The Modi Question” which critically examined Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance and his treatment of the country’s Muslim minority. The ban extended to social media platforms, in-person screenings, and television airwaves, effectively limiting any form of public engagement with the documentary. These examples from Turkey and India demonstrate how censorship obstructs the development of an enlightened and democratic society by restricting access to diverse viewpoints, impeding public discourse, and hindering the pursuit of truth. Therefore, Censorship not only curtails individual freedoms but also undermines the fundamental values necessary for the progress and well-being of society as a whole.

Plato’s argument for censorship’s role in shaping young minds remains relevant today. Advocates maintain that the content children are exposed to during their formative years can have a lasting impact, making it crucial to present them with virtuous narratives. For instance, numerous countries have implemented age restrictions and content ratings for movies, TV shows, and video games to safeguard young audiences from explicit or inappropriate material. In 2019, the film “Joker” faced scrutiny for its violent and dark themes, resulting in age limitations in several nations. Similarly, platforms like Netflix and YouTube Kids provide parental control settings to filter out potentially harmful content for young viewers.

In the debate surrounding censorship’s impact on young minds, the effectiveness of relying solely on this method is questionable. While censoring “harmful content” for children is supported by regulations and parental controls, it may not be the most effective approach. Overly restrictive censorship measures can limit freedom of expression, stifle creativity, and impede the free flow of information and ideas in a society. For example, Both “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “And Tango Makes Three” were banned due to their controversial themes of racism and same-sex relationships, respectively. Banning such books can limit intellectual freedom, suppresses important conversations about social issues, and denies readers access to diverse perspectives, inhibiting the growth of an enlightened and inclusive society. Thus, it is true that censorship does more harm than good.

In conclusion, the examination and evaluation of censorship, particularly in today’s context, reveal its perilous nature. The potential dangers it poses to free expression, individual liberties, and societal progress outweigh any claimed benefits showing that censorship does more harm than good. Censorship restricts information flow, stifles diverse perspectives, and hinders critical thinking. While there may be instances where censorship is deemed necessary to protect social order and vulnerable groups, it is crucial to strike a balance. This requires careful consideration and democratic processes to avoid overreach and ensure the preservation of fundamental rights. As society embraces freedom and openness, the risks associated with censorship make it increasingly outdated and hazardous.

To what extent has migration harmed the development of your country?

Possible points discussing how has migration harmed the development

  • consider the reasons why migration is necessary
  • discuss the positive and negative impacts migration can have on a country
  • analyze the evidence and arguments to make a judgment on how has migration harmed the development of your country.
  • the various forms of migration and factors that push or pull migrants
  • the detrimental effects of migration on the social, cultural and economic issues within a country
  • potential medical impacts caused by allowing free movement between countries
  • the impact of specific demographic groups entering or leaving a country
  • it enables safety from oppressive regimes, severe famines and other societal problems
  • it helps in filling up job vacancies enabling the country to prosper
  • the development of tolerance and understanding within the country in welcoming others.
  • Examine the long-term effects of brain drain caused by migration on the development of your country.
  • Consider the role of government policies and regulations in managing migration and minimizing its detrimental effects on development.

Consider the view that efficient government is more important than democracy.

The term democracy stirs up strong emotions and idealism worldwide. While its definition may vary, it generally denotes a political system where citizens have a say in choosing their government and shaping its policies. Democracy is often associated with the belief in individual freedom, encompassing the right to express opinions and engage in free speech, protests, and demonstrations. I believe that efficient government is more important than democracy because an efficient government ensures an opportune environment for its citizens, avoids dysfunctional governance, and mitigates the negative consequences of excessive political rivalry.

Democracy is a concept that stirs up strong emotions and idealism globally, it entails a political system wherein citizens have the power to elect their leaders and influence governance. It embodies the belief in individual freedom, allowing for open expression through free speech and public demonstrations. Nevertheless, a noteworthy challenge with democracy lies in its potential to fall short of providing efficient government, despite its noble goals and principles. Therefore, while democracy is crucial for safeguarding individual rights and promoting citizen participation, the efficiency of government should be deemed more important due to its capacity to deliver effective policies, promote socioeconomic development, and ensure stability in challenging times.

Efficiency in government enables effective policy implementation, leading to tangible improvements in the lives of citizens. An efficient government is characterized by prompt decision-making processes, streamlined bureaucracy, and effective utilization of resources. Take the example of Singapore, a nation known for its efficient governance. The Singaporean government’s pragmatic approach, demonstrated by its swift implementation of policies, such as the housing development program and education reforms, has yielded significant improvements in the standard of living and education outcomes for its citizens. This exemplifies how efficient governance can translate into tangible benefits for the populace. Therefore, by prioritizing efficiency, governments can effectively translate policies into practical results, bringing tangible improvements to the lives of their constituents.

The pivotal role of efficiency in government becomes evident in its ability to drive socio-economic progress through optimized resource utilization, enhanced productivity, and effective policy implementation. An efficient government fosters an environment conducive to economic growth, attracts investments, and enhances public infrastructure. China’s remarkable economic rise serves as an apt illustration. The Chinese government’s effective planning, coupled with efficient execution, has facilitated the rapid expansion of infrastructure networks, boosting trade and connectivity both domestically and internationally. As a result, millions have been lifted out of poverty, and China has emerged as a global economic powerhouse. This highlights the significant impact of efficient governance in driving socioeconomic progress. Therefore, the efficient functioning of government institutions, coupled with sound administrative practices, fosters investor confidence, attracts foreign direct investment and stimulates economic growth, ultimately driving socioeconomic development.

An efficient government is essential for maintaining stability during challenging times, such as economic crises or natural disasters. In times of crisis, prompt decision-making and effective resource allocation are crucial. The response of the New Zealand government to the Christchurch earthquake in 2011 exemplifies this. The efficient coordination and swift mobilization of resources by the government resulted in effective rescue and relief operations, mitigating the impact of the disaster. The ability of an efficient government to respond swiftly and effectively in such situations ensures the safety and well-being of citizens. Therefore, an efficient government is more important than democracy because it plays a vital role in maintaining stability and effectively managing the situation.

While efficiency in government is vital, it must not come at the expense of democracy. Democracy serves as a safeguard against authoritarianism and allows for the expression of diverse voices and perspectives. It ensures accountability, transparency, and the protection of individual rights. An efficient government without democratic checks and balances risks becoming autocratic, potentially leading to abuses of power and the erosion of civil liberties. Germany and China serve as contrasting examples of the delicate balance between efficiency in government and democracy. Germany’s efficient governance within a democratic framework has propelled its economic growth and ensured transparency and accountability. In contrast, China’s authoritarian regime has prioritized efficiency, leading to economic development but at the cost of limited political freedoms and human rights concerns. These examples underscore the importance of striking a balance between efficiency and democracy to achieve effective governance that respects individual rights and fosters societal well-being.

In conclusion, while democracy is crucial for upholding individual rights and fostering citizen participation, the efficiency of government is more important due to its capacity to deliver effective policies, drive socioeconomic development, and ensure stability in challenging times. However, it is imperative to strike a delicate balance, ensuring that efficiency is not achieved at the expense of democratic principles. A well-functioning government should strive to be both efficient and democratic, as this ensures the best outcomes for the welfare of its citizens.

‘You cannot have rich countries without poor ones.’ Do you agree?

It is almost a characteristic of modern society that when progress takes place, a myriad of issues with regard to the purpose, the means as well as the implications of that progress will emerge. Consequently, the issue of inequality, as a result of disproportionate development among countries arises. Those countries with abundant financial resources due to such development are considered rich countries. However, nations that lose out in such unfair disproportionate development are known as poor countries. Considering such definitions of rich and poor countries, the presence of inequality among nations will undoubtedly result in the coexistence between rich and poor countries. However, it is apparent that one of the United Nations (UN) Millennia goals is to eradicate extreme poverty. In other words, the UN wants to reduce the number of countries considered poor.  Will such a situation result in the deterioration of the conditions of developed countries? It is in my opinion that rich countries will continue to exist, and even progress, and are not dependent on poor countries. This is due to reasons such as technological advancements, the change in the focus concerning the growth of certain industries and an increase in the demand for higher quality goods.

Rich countries have been highly dependent on poor countries in many ways. One of which is the dependence on poor countries for their labour so as to ensure the development of rich countries. Cheap labour is commonly found in poor countries due to the fact that the majority of citizens of those countries have low standards of living, quality of life and cost of living, thus allowing them to accept lower salaries. The rich countries exploit this comparative advantage as they attempt to expand and diversify their economy via outsourcing and ensure that their products remain cheap on the global stage, tapping on the benefits of globalisation and consequently, interdependence among countries. Nike, an American shoe company, opened various factories in poor countries such as Vietnam and China due to the presence of cheap labour to the extent that the labourers were acrimoniously exploited. Initially, Nike had a factory in South Korea. However, as it evolved from a poor country into a rich one, Nike had no incentive in continuing its processes in South Korea as the cost of labour rose; this American company was not dependent on South Korea anymore. As companies in rich countries continue to ensure that their products remain competitive, they will constantly be dependent on poor countries for their labour force.

Other than that, rich countries are dependent on poor countries for numerous necessities. More often than not, majority of the citizens in poor countries engage themselves in primary industries which include farming and the extraction of natural resources such as oil and precious metals. As countries develop into rich countries, their focus swerves towards the expansion of the secondary and tertiary industries such as services, processing and manufacturing industries since they include sectors which are highly profitable. Consequently, it can be inferred that as more poor countries progress out of the poverty cycle, there will be fewer areas throughout the world in which there will be farming activities and the extraction of vital resources such as oil and aluminium. Will there be a situation in which there will be a shortage of rice and meat due to the decrease in agricultural activities caused by development? If such a case was to occur, we, as part of the global society, will experience detrimental effects such as exponential increases in hunger related diseases and malnutrition. Today, a child dies from malnutrition or hunger-related diseases every 5 seconds; tomorrow, the situation may be worse. Countries such as Singapore, which have negligible natural resources, will be the worst hit. Despite being rich, they will not be able to sustain their growth as they are in no way self-sufficient from the food and natural resources perspectives. In that sense, rich countries may not be able to survive without poor countries.

However, if the world was to be in a situation in which there was the absence of poor countries, I am certain that rich countries will still exist and even continue to prosper. One of the prominent aims of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is to eradicate extreme poverty by 2015. Extreme poverty occurs when an individual survives on less than US$2.15 a day. Technically, if there was a moment in time in which no individual was considered poor, there would be no poor country as individuals are the building blocks of a country. As such, the UNDP envisions a world without any poor countries; this is, apparently, for the betterment of society at large.

The fact that countries develop means that there will be technological advancements and a shift in focus towards the growth of certain industries. Consequently, we would expect farming activities to decreases tremendously alongside the evolution of countries into developed, rich ones. However, this may not be the case. Applying technology in farming regions has led to an increase in the production of foodstuffs, as well as a more uniform quality of food. This has allowed the farmers in the United States of America (USA) to be among the most productive in the world. With just 0.3 per cent of the world’s agricultural workforce, the USA produces around 45 per cent of all soybeans, 40 per cent of all maize, 22 per cent of all beef, 25 per cent of all poultry meat and supplies up to half of the world’s grain exports. Thus, it is observed that the productivity, and hence profitability of primary industries, can be increased with the usage of modern technology; such technology can only be considered affordable if countries are not poor. We also realise that our basic necessities can still be met without the presence of poor countries. Thus, rich countries may still exist without poor countries and are not dependent on poor countries.

Furthermore, economically, rich countries will prosper.  As countries develop, people will demand better quality and a larger variety of goods and services. As such, the centre of attention of companies will change based on consumer trends. Many companies today have developed their research and development sects to ensure the competitiveness of their products. Specialised, skilled workers will be required for the sustenance of such jobs; such workers can mostly be found in rich, developed countries in which the majority of their populations are educated. Today, our society does not demand as many bicycles as before; we demand more motorised vehicles such as cars and motorcycles. This was especially observed in China as the number of vehicles purchased increased alongside the development of their economy. Thus, rich countries will prosper due to the increasing demand for skilled labour, based on changing trends of consumption, internationally that is caused by the basic principle of interdependence amongst countries.

Besides that, as poor countries move out of the causation cycle, the price of products will increase due to the increase in the cost of labour and consequently, cost of production. However, citizens of rich countries will still be able to afford such goods and services due to their high disposable incomes. Thus, it is almost impossible to imagine a time in which rich people in rich countries cannot afford their basic necessities due to their high prices. Today itself, such people demand expensive, luxurious items such as branded clothes and quality food. As such, although rich countries may suffer financially due to the increase in the cost of living, they will never fall due to such a problem.

In conclusion, rich countries will exist despite the absence of poor countries. Undeniably, rich countries are highly dependent on poor countries, mainly because of globalisation. However, rich countries will still exist due to the fact that their basic necessities will be met and that their high Gross Domestic Product will still be sufficient for their development. As such, rich countries should not be reluctant to assist in the development of poor countries into rich ones. Such an action may be detrimental to rich countries in the short term; nevertheless, abundant advantages such as increased productivity due to improvements and increased access to technology will be experienced in the long term. Thus, we should work towards the development of our international society for the benefit of the future of civilisation.

Fossil fuel extraction belongs in the past not the future. Evaluate this statement.

Possible Points of discussion for fossil fuel extraction belonging in the past not the future.

  • consider the reasons why fossil fuels may be the energy of the past
  • assess the alternatives to fossil fuel extraction
  • make a judgement based on a consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
  • fossil fuels becoming depleted, due to excessive extraction of them in the past
  • fossil fuels are damaging the environment and considerably increasing pollution
  • the stability of the international order being threatened by the dependence on fossil fuels
  • fossil fuels no longer being a primary source in many countries as they have been replaced by renewable energy
  • renewable energy not being able to meet the energy demands of many countries
  • continual improvements made in increasing the efficiency of renewable energy generation
  • modern nuclear energy provides a safe and reliable source of energy
  • the dangers of neglecting fossil fuels when other methods cannot deliver or are too costly.

To what extent has traditional family life lost its importance in your country?

Possible points for discussing if traditional family life has lost its importance

  • examine the role of the traditional family in their country
  • consider how far traditional family life has lost its importance
  • make a judgement, based on the consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
  • the changing view of gender roles in society at large being reflected in life at home
  • less attention being given to the elders in society, with a resultant loss of respect
  • more knowledge of what is happening in the wider world provides alternative examples of family life
  • the influence of technology, especially on the young, meaning that family authority is eroded
  • most upbringing being still in the area of one’s birth, where tradition often prevails
  • how traditional values are linked to family structure and way of living
  • the impact of migration as people leave from or return to their countries
  • familial bonds being difficult to break, even when younger members leave the area.