The picture at the bottom is from The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University
Interaction
1. How can we gather information? What different ways do
we have to get information? Where can we obtain information from?
2. How many times in a typical week do you go on the
internet? What kind of information do you want to access?
3. What are the different sections a library is divided
into? How is the information stored?
4. Do you know of anyone who has ever tried to withhold
information from you? Why? Do you agree with the following statement:
“Information is power”?
5. In what ways can information be manipulated? Can you
think of any instances of this?
Monologue
Student A
1. Do we, Spaniards, enjoy total freedom of information?
2. What kind of information can you get just by watching
somebody? What does their posture / gestures / clothes / movement of the eyes,
etc tell you about them? Is this kind of information accurate? How often have
you been proved wrong?
- You can access information about a wide range of topics on the internet.
- Often websites and blogs publish information that…
- The local radio broadcasts information for the residents.
- You can gather information by copying and pasting text from a web site. Then you need to research the information you've collected. And finally, you have to organize relevant information in folders.
- I'm currently trying to compile information about the different kinds of…
- Students may also obtain information at the library.
- On the one hand, the World Wide Web offers information and data from all over the world. However, it is necessary to develop skills to evaluate what you find. On the other hand, when you use a research or academic library, the books, journals and other resources have already been evaluated by scholars, publishers and librarians. Inaccurate information can be misleading or even dangerous (health information for example).
- If we make a decision based on wrong or unreliable information,…
- Libraries provide information on a wide range of topics in various formats, such as books, both in standard or large print, audio tapes, online databases…Most public libraries also provide information on educational opportunities in the area as well as free internet access to members.
- Poor-quality or missing information can mislead you
- Sometimes people deliberately withhold information because it is embarrassing or because they aren't aware it is important.
- We are aware that the media, mainly the newspaper and television, may convey (communicate) misconstrued (misinterpreted) and biased information to many people about many events.
- Misinformation can spread fast via social networks.
- We have relied on many newspapers and news sources for years to give us verifiable and non-biased information. These days though it seems…
- We enjoy freedom of information, of expression, and of participation, within a context of respect for pluralism.
- Appearances can be deceiving/deceptive.
- We must avoid misjudging others
- Although appearances can be deceiving, they can also be revealing.
"Can inaccurate information and conspiracy theories be misleading or even dangerous?"
This is a fascinating question, and I think the answer is (1)______________ (DOUBT) yes. Inaccurate information and conspiracy theories can have a significant impact on both individuals and society as a whole. Let me explain why.
First of all, inaccurate information can lead people to make poor decisions. For instance, if someone believes false information about health, like a claim that vaccines are (2)____________ (HARM) without any scientific evidence, they might refuse vaccination. This not only puts their health at risk but can also (3)_______________ (DANGER) public health by reducing herd (4)_____________ (IMMUNE). We’ve seen examples of this during the COVID-19 pandemic when (5)_______________ (INFORM) spread (6)__________ (RAPID) online.
Conspiracy theories can be even more dangerous because they often create (7)____________ (TRUST) in important institutions, such as governments, scientists, or the media. For example, conspiracy theories about climate change being a hoax have delayed action on one of the most critical challenges of our time. When people (8)______________ (TRUST) credible sources of information, it becomes much harder to address global issues.
Moreover, conspiracy theories can lead to extreme behavior. In some cases, people act on these theories with (9)_________________ (DEVASTATION) consequences. For instance, the “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory in the United States led someone to bring a gun to a restaurant because they believed it was involved in a child trafficking ring. (10)_______________ (THANKS), no one was hurt, but it shows how dangerous such beliefs can become when taken (11)___________________ (SERIOUS).
One of the reasons fake news and conspiracy theories spread so easily is social media. Algorithms often (12)_______________ (PRIORITY) sensational content, which makes false claims more likely to reach a large audience. People might share these ideas without checking the facts, (13)_______________ (INTENTION) spreading harm.
To conclude, while some might argue that everyone has the right to their own opinion, it’s crucial to recognize that not all opinions are equally valid. Inaccurate information and conspiracy theories aren’t just misleading—they can lead to real harm. That’s why critical thinking and (14)_______________ (VERIFICATION) sources are more important than ever in today’s world.
KEY
1. undoubtedly
2. harmful
3. endanger
4. immunity
5. misinformation/disinformation
6. rapidly
7. mistrust/ distrust
8. distrust/mistrust
9. devastating
10. Thankfully
11. seriously
12. prioritize
13. unintentionally
14. verifying
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.