Chastisement and Spanking: Legally Moral or Morally Illegal?

Warm-up
1. Who gave your parents the most trouble: you or your sibling(s)? Were you handled differently?
2. “Spare the rod, spoil the child,” is what the Bible says. What do you think this means?

Vocabulary
verbs Nouns and Expressions
to spank/to beat child abuse
to chastise/to punish corporal punishment
to abuse/to mistreat neglect (noun)
to ban/to outlaw a bill
to be charged (with a crime) a last resort
to spoil child discipline
to neglect spoiled (adj)
spoiled brat
Vocabulary Practice

Based on the “feel” of the words, choose which word in the pair of synonyms are more
potent and greater in strength. Put a check next to the sentence.

1. I regularly spank my child as a form of punishment. ___

I regularly beat my child as a form of punishment. ___
2. Hitting a child runs the risk of abusing him/her. ___
Hitting a child runs the risk of mistreating him/her. ___
3. Some argue that chastising your child in public is reprehensible. ___
Some argue that punishing your child in public is reprehensible. ___
4. The state of Massachusetts is deciding to outlaw spanking. ___
The state of Massachusetts is deciding to ban spanking. ___

Pre-listening
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmlplFprhlw
− Pay attention to the arguments of both guests. Take notes on both arguments
− In how many states is it legal for teachers to hit children?
− Give some historical examples of where corporal punishment was used, i.e.,
Guantanamo Bay.

Post-listening Questions

1. Which organization does Alice Farmer represent?

2. Which side of the argument does she support?
3. Give one main argument mentioned by each guest.

Wrap-up
If you and your partner finally have children, which approach are you planning to take?
Give 3 reasons why.

Writing homework:
Integrated Essay (Write 150-225 words)
Compare and contrast the arguments given by the two guests. Use specific examples
from the video
Independent Essay (300-350 words)
A parent's job is to show and teach their children right from wrong. Do you think a law
against spanking children should be passed in Azerbaijan? Use specific examples to
support your opinion.