Topic 1: Does increasing travels between countries enable people to learn different cultures or to

Topic 42: Creative artists should be given freedom to express their ideas through words, 
pictures, music or films. Some people nevertheless think that the government should 
restrict artists' freedom of expression. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
 
(Support free expression): 
( enrich cultural life ), ( enhance the quality of life );
(develop aesthetic appreciation ), (encourage development, recognition and appreciation of local 
performers, musicians, artists and writers ) ;
(the compelling public interest in advancing viewpoint diversity) ;
(embed a political message in their work), (place some issues under the limelight) ;
(misinterpret the intentions or spirit of the speaker or writer),
(inhibit/abridge free expression ): 
(obscene works), (art works with violent images), (art works that promote racism),( art works that 
bold a religion up to ridicule)
(doodle),(farce)(caricature) (lack respect and sensitivity to the feelings of religious or ethnic groups) 
(attract criticism ) (arouse hostility ) (cause conflict)
 
In principle, every person has the right to communicate his or her views by any means 
and in any form, known as the right to freedom of expression. However, there has been a lot 
of debate as to whether artists should be given unrestricted freedom to express their thoughts 
through their works, such as words, pictures, music and films. I am of mixed opinions on this.
Although a citizen's freedom of speech is protected by law, artists should not be treated as 
ordinary citizens. Because of the wide appeal of their artworks, the artists can easily enlist the 
empathy of the audience and make their views profoundly influential over public opinion. On 
the other hand, freedom of speech does not automatically suggest that one has the freedom to 
express any opinion, make any statement and deliver any message regardless of contents. If it 
contains racial elements, radical views toward government, and other objectionable contents, 
the freedom should be restrained. Artistes are not an exception. A good example is that in 
2005, a Danish newspaper published 12 editorial cartoons that depicted an Islamic prophet, 
resulting in violent protests and conflicts worldwide.
It shows that the arts possess the power to ruin harmony and promote anarchy.
Apart from artworks that cause social and political unrest, some other types of artworks 
should be censored as well. In order to increase the visual impact of their works of art, some 
artists introduce unusual or even offensive images, without looking after the feelings of 
intended audiences. Many obscene works appear in the guise of artworks, abuse graphic 
sexual images and expose the public to those unwelcome messages. It will pose a threat on the 
welfare of the audience, especially that of children. The authority should discriminate 
between artworks and obscene works and impose limits.
When artists should not be treated as normal people in view of their unique capacity to 
influence others, their freedom of speech should be protected to the largest extent. 
Undeniably, their creativity would be inhibited if they are threatened by censorship or 
prosecution. Many of their artworks might look objectionable at first sight, but over time give 
people different perspectives to see things. Artworks inspire people to be creative and 
encourage them to reflect on what happened in the world or in the immediate vicinity. They 
draw attention to particular issues, which might be otherwise ignored. By encouraging critical 
and reflective thinking, an artist contributes to addressing social and political issues.
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According to the above discussion, people can come to a conclusion that artists are 
entitled to freedom of speech, although some of the artworks should be thoroughly examined 
before being made available to the public. It would minimize the risk of causing chaos and 
discomfort in society-a negative consequence of the unlimited freedom of artists.
1. Unrestricted=unhindered=unobstructed=unlimited 
2. Enlist= procure
3. Empathy=compassion=understanding=sympathy
4. Profound=great=intense
5. Objectionable=offensive=unacceptable=horrible=unpleasant
6. Anarchy=disorder=chaos=anarchism=lawlessness
7. Unrest=turbulence=turmoil=disorder
8. Obscene=filthy=bawdy
9. Guise=disguise
10. Censorship=restriction=suppression
11. Vicinity=surrounding area=neighborhood
 
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