B1 – Intermediate
According to a report by the Reporters Without Borders, press freedom is at its lowest level in 25 years.
In most countries, press freedom is “problematic” or very bad. Only countries in northern and western Europe have good press freedom.
The report says pressure on journalists is increasing. Governments are limiting the media. Some countries use laws to control reporting.
Read the article about press freedom being at its lowest level in 25 years.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2605/260504-press-freedom.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- Define “press freedom”. “Press freedom is at its lowest level in 25 years.” Use this term in a sentence. Give synonyms.
- What does “systematic policy” mean? “It says there was a “systematic policy” of attacks on journalists in the USA.” Use the term in a sentence. Give synonyms.
- What does “authoritarian tendency” mean? “Political pressure on the press is intensifying, authoritarian tendencies are growing, and the media market is heavily weakened.” Use the term in a sentence. Give synonyms.
Discussion Questions:
- What are your thoughts about the current state of press freedom?
- Why do you think press freedom is getting worse in many countries?
- Why is press freedom important in a country? What can happen if there is no press freedom?
- What problems do journalists have in your country?
- How can people support or protect journalists?
- How can press freedom be improved in the whole world?