Censorship: Is it

Necessary?
Argument Essay
Enda Tuomey

Introduction Layout

Definition and/or Situation

One side
Other side
Thesis: This essay will

Intro: Definition

Censorship occurs when a country or a group of

people block certain material so that others cannot
access it. These materials can be political, religious,
sexual, violent, or economic in nature - anything
that the censors or governments disagree with.

Intro: Situation

In many countries around the world, government

censors restrict access to certain kinds of material
for their citizens. Movies with sexual content,
textbooks with political ideas, violent video games all sorts of material can be blocked.

Intro: One side

Some people agree strongly with the need for

censorship. They argue that it protects society.

Intro: Other side

Others disagree, believing that they should be free

to decide what they read, see or talk about.

Intro: This essay

This essay will examine the arguments for and

against censorship.

Essay Layout
Your essay layout will depend on whether you agree or disagree
with the topic.

Is Censorship Necessary?
Yes!

Intro
No
Yes
Conclusion

No!

Intro
Yes
No
Conclusion

Layout for NO

Topic Sentence
Three Ideas
Each idea has a supporting sentence
Total: minimum seven sentences

Topic Sentences for NO

There are many arguments against censorship

It is easy to see why many people are opposed to
censorship
Censorship can be opposed on many grounds
There are several reasons why censorship does not
work
People are opposed to censorship for many reasons
Many people are strongly against censorship
Censorship irritates many people

Sentences for NO

Some people feel that they should be free to decide

what they watch or read.

Supporting idea:
They think they are mature enough to know what is
good and bad.

Sentences for NO

Others feel that censorship is pointless today.

Supporting idea:
Nowadays people can travel to other countries and
discuss ideas or read materials unavailable in their
own country.
It is also impossible to block material on satellite or
on the internet.

Sentences for NO

One of the biggest objections to government

censorship is that much material is blocked for no
apparent reason.

Supporting idea:
Often useful material for example in textbooks or
medical sites is blocked.

Sentences for NO

Opponents of censorship also claim that unless the

people of a nation are fully educated that there can
be no development.

Supporting idea:
They resist the idea of being treated like children by
a government ministry.

Sentences for NO

Those in favor of removing censorship also claim

that the type of material blocked is chosen for the
wrong reasons.

Supporting idea:
For example, many very violent movies are allowed
in most countries, but intellectual films and books
are banned due to some minor sexual content.

Sentences for NO

The biggest argument against censorship for many

people is the idea of personal freedom.

Supporting idea:
These people believe they have the right to decide
what they want to see or read or discuss.

Layout for YES

Topic Sentence
Three Ideas
Each idea has a supporting sentence
Total: minimum seven sentences

Topic Sentences for Yes

There are many arguments for censorship

It is easy to see why many people are in favor of
censorship
Censorship can be supported on many grounds
There are several reasons why censorship is
necessary
People are in favor of censorship for many reasons
Many people strongly support censorship
Censorship is viewed as essential by many people

Sentences for YES

People in favor of censorship believe strongly that

the society needs to protected against violent and
pornographic material.

Supporting idea:
Very few people would support the availability of
hard-core pornographic movies or magazines.

Sentences for YES

There is often very strong support in a society for

limits on certain kinds of materials for religious or
cultural reasons.

Supporting idea:
People expect their governments to act to prevent
the distribution or availability of forbidden material or
items.

Sentences for YES

Another point in favor of censorship is that many

people are not educated enough to really
understand complex political ideas.

Supporting idea:
Allowing people to discuss political ideas without
enough background knowledge could destabilize a
society.

Sentences for YES

One good reason for censorship is that people

selling pornography and other materials do not care
about children.

Supporting idea:
They will advertise their products and it will be
impossible for children to avoid seeing them.

Sentences for YES

Governments have a duty to stop illegal materials

being available through the internet.

Supporting idea:
People should not be able to download illegal
software of any kind. The government has signed
agreement to protect intellectual property.

Sentences for YES

Another point is that governments which censor

materials are acting in defense of the views and
traditions of the society.

Supporting idea:
They are not doing it to restrict individual freedom,
but to make the society a safer place to live in

Conclusion Layout
The conclusion should/can
summarize both sides (two sentences) and explain
what they think
explain that the problem is difficult/simple
give your opinion
look to the future

Sentences for Conclusion

In conclusion, people are strongly divided on the

issue of censorship
While some people have very valid reasons for
objecting to censorship,
others believe firmly that they alone have the
right to decide what they read or see.
Personally, I feel that some forms of censorship are
necessary, but that the government needs to be
open about its decisions.

Sentences for Conclusion

Personally, I feel that some forms of censorship are

necessary, but that the government needs to be
open about its decisions.
As for myself, I believe that censorship is absolutely
necessary if we are to protect the morals and
traditions of our society.
There is no doubt in my mind that censorship is
totally unnecessary and pointless. People should be
free to make up their own minds, and to exercise
their choice as adults.