Title: PROTOTYPE COLUMN

Pro/Con Debate about Social Media

Introduction

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are an important part of modern life. Many people use them every day to connect with friends, share photos, and stay updated on news. However, there are different opinions about whether social media is good or bad. Here is some information to help you prepare for a debate about social media.

Debate Roles

Pro Role:

You will argue that social media is good and has many benefits.

Con Role:

You will argue that social media is bad and has many disadvantages.

Pro Arguments

1. Staying Connected:
  - Social media helps people stay in touch with friends and family, even if they live far away.
  - It allows people to share important moments and news instantly.
2. Access to Information:
  - Social media provides quick access to news and information from around the world.
  - It helps people stay informed about current events and trends.
3. Educational Resources:
  - Many educational pages and groups on social media offer valuable learning materials.
  - Students can join study groups and get help with homework.
4. Business Opportunities:
  - Social media offers a platform for businesses to reach new customers.
  - It is a cost-effective way for small businesses to advertise their products and services.
5. Creativity and Expression:
  - Social media allows people to express themselves creatively through photos, videos, and writing.
  - It provides a platform for artists, musicians, and writers to share their work.

Con Arguments

1. Privacy Issues:
  - Social media platforms often collect and share personal information.
  - Users' data can be used without their consent, leading to privacy breaches.
2. Cyberbullying:
  - Social media can be a platform for bullying and harassment.
  - Negative comments and messages can harm users' mental health.
3. Addiction and Time Management:
  - Many people spend too much time on social media, which can affect their productivity.
  - Excessive use can lead to addiction and impact daily life and responsibilities.
4. Misinformation:
  - Social media can spread false information quickly.
  - It can be difficult to distinguish between true and false news, leading to confusion.
5. Impact on Mental Health:
  - Comparing oneself to others on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and depression.
  - The pressure to maintain a perfect image can cause stress and anxiety.

Tips for a Successful Debate

For Both Roles:

- Research: Gather facts and examples to support your arguments.
- Practice: Rehearse your points and get comfortable with your arguments.
- Listen: Pay attention to what the other side is saying and respond thoughtfully.
- Stay Calm: Keep your cool, even if you disagree strongly.

For the Pro Role:

- Provide Examples: Give real-life examples of how social media has positively impacted lives.
- Highlight Benefits: Focus on the positive aspects and how they outweigh the negatives.

For the Con Role:

- Use Statistics: Share statistics about the negative effects of social media.
- Emphasize Risks: Highlight the dangers and long-term impacts of social media use.

Role-Playing Activity

Scenario:

One student will take the Pro Role, and the other will take the Con Role.
The Pro Role will start by presenting an argument, and the Con Role will respond.

Example Dialogue:

Pro Role: "Social media helps us stay connected with friends and family, no matter where they are."
Con Role: "While that's true, it can also lead to privacy issues. Social media companies often misuse our personal data."

Conclusion

Debating about social media helps you understand both its benefits and drawbacks. Remember to listen to the other side and provide strong arguments to support your position. Good luck!

Guide to participating in a dialogue

Introduction:

In an oral exam, it's important to express your thoughts, listen actively, and show understanding. This guide will help you navigate greetings, small talk, agreeing or disagreeing respectfully, and concluding the conversation.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Start the Dialogue:

- Begin with a friendly greeting and small talk.
- Example: "Hi, how are you? Ready for the exam?"

2. Introduce the Topic:

- Mention the main topic to set the stage.
- Example: "Today, we will discuss the impact of social media on teenagers."

3. Discuss in Detail:

- Present your points with examples.
- Example: "Social media keeps us connected but can also cause issues like cyberbullying."

4. Listen Actively:

- Show you’re listening by nodding, making eye contact, and responding appropriately.

5. Incorporate Background Knowledge:

- Relate the discussion to historical, cultural, or social contexts.
- Example: "Social media has changed the way we communicate compared to the past."

6. Agree or Disagree Respectfully:

- Politely agree or disagree and provide reasons.
- Example: "I see your point, but it can also lead to mental health issues."

7. Share Personal Views:

- Reflect on the topic with personal experiences or opinions.
- Example: "I find that too much social media can be distracting."

8. Connect to Broader Themes:

- Relate the discussion to larger issues like societal changes or ethics.
- Example: "This touches on the need for responsible technology use."

9. Summarize and Conclude:

- Summarize the main points and conclude the discussion.
- Example: "In conclusion, social media has both benefits and drawbacks."

10. End with Farewells:

- Conclude with polite farewells.
- Example: "Thank you for the discussion. Good luck with your exams!"

11. Respect and Interaction:

- Be respectful, avoid interrupting, and listen actively.
- Provide constructive feedback and encourage your partner.

12. Practice and Preparation:

- Practice dialogues with classmates or friends.
- Read up on various topics to be prepared.
- Seek feedback to improve.

Key Points to Remember:

- Start with greetings and small talk.
- Introduce the topic clearly.
- Share detailed points and listen actively.
- Include relevant background knowledge.
- Agree or disagree respectfully.
- Share personal views.
- Connect to broader themes.
- Summarize and conclude effectively.
- End with polite farewells.

Good luck with your studies and exams!

Vocabulary list for dialogues

- first of all - zunächst einmal
- in my opinion - meiner Meinung nach
- on the one hand - einerseits
- on the other hand - andererseits
- furthermore - außerdem
- for instance - zum Beispiel
- what do you think about… ? - was denkst du über… ?
- could you explain that, please? - könntest du das bitte erklären?
- I see what you mean - ich verstehe, was du meinst
- that's a good point - das ist ein guter Punkt
- I agree with you - ich stimme dir zu
- I disagree with you - ich stimme dir nicht zu
- however - jedoch
- on the contrary - im Gegenteil
- in conclusion - abschließend
- to sum up - zusammenfassend
- let's move on to - lass uns weitermachen mit
- I'm not sure about that - ich bin mir da nicht sicher
- could you repeat that, please? - könntest du das bitte wiederholen?
- let's agree to disagree - lass uns darauf einigen, uneinig zu sein
- what's your opinion on… ? - was ist deine Meinung zu… ?
- that's an interesting perspective - das ist eine interessante Perspektive
- we should consider - wir sollten in Betracht ziehen

Aspect | Yes/No | Ideas for Improvement
Greeting / Small talk |  |
Main part of conversation
Pro/con arguments or other detailed information on both sides
Conclusion / End of dialogue |  |
Grammar |  |
Vocabulary |  |

Sample solution