Who Gets to Speak? Who Gets to Silence?
Real Article: The Line Between Speech and Silence
You post an opinion. It’s removed.
You protest. You’re arrested.
You stay silent. You feel safe — or invisible.
Across the world, the debate between freedom of speech and censorship is intensifying. Some believe speech should be protected at all costs. Others say limits are needed to stop hate speech, disinformation, or public unrest.
But what if those limits are used to protect power — not people?
The real question is no longer “What can I say?”
It’s “Who decides what I’m allowed to say?”
Vocabulary Deep Dive
| Word | Synonym | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom of speech | Free expression | Formal, often legal term for the right to express opinions publicly |
| Censorship | Content restriction | Government or platform-based suppression of information |
| Disinformation | False information | Intentionally misleading content, often political |
| Public discourse | Social debate | Academic phrase for discussion in society or media |
These words turn emotion into structure. Now you speak with insight — not just opinion.
Article 2: Safety or Suppression?
In some countries, freedom of speech is written into law, yet journalists are arrested and posts deleted. Elsewhere, censorship is justified as a way to maintain harmony or stop violence.
During elections, platforms like Facebook and Twitter limit disinformation, but critics claim they also silence legitimate voices. Governments walk a fine line: protect public safety, or suppress public discourse?
Supporters of speech say society must tolerate discomfort. Supporters of censorship say without boundaries, words become weapons.
IELTS Reading Test
- What are two reasons given for limiting freedom of speech?
- Complete the sentence:
“Critics claim that platforms silence ______ voices.” - True / False / Not Given:
All countries fully protect freedom of speech. - Multiple Choice:
What does “public discourse” mean?
A. Protests and violence
B. Social media trends
C. Discussion in society and media
D. Government rules - Matching Headings (Article 2):
- A. The Cost of Control
- B. Silencing or Safety?
- C. Media Under Watch
- D. Digital Gatekeepers
- E. Voices from Below
Suggested Answer:
- Preventing disinformation and maintaining harmony
- legitimate
- False
- C. Discussion in society and media
- B, D, A, C, E
IELTS Speaking Challenge
Focus Vocabulary: freedom of speech | censorship | disinformation | public discourse
Warm-Up:
- Should all opinions be allowed in public debate?
- What’s the danger of censoring speech?
- Can disinformation ever be stopped without limiting free speech?
Band 6 Style:
“People should say what they want. But maybe some things are bad. We should be careful. But not too much control.”
Band 7 Style:
“While freedom of speech is vital for democratic society, some level of censorship is necessary to protect the public from harmful disinformation. The challenge is maintaining open public discourse without allowing it to be weaponised.”
Try This Frame:
“In my view, ______ is a cornerstone of democracy. However, if ______ is unchecked, it can damage public trust and weaken ______.”
IELTS Writing Challenge
Task 2 Prompt:
Some people believe that freedom of speech should be absolute. Others argue that it must be limited in certain situations.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 7 Sample:
“Freedom of speech allows individuals to challenge authority, share ideas, and participate in public discourse. However, complete freedom can also lead to the spread of disinformation and hate. In my opinion, speech should be protected, but reasonable censorship is necessary when language causes measurable harm.”
Structure Plan:
- Intro – introduce the tension between liberty and control
- Para 1 – case for unrestricted speech (democracy, voice, accountability)
- Para 2 – case for limited speech (hate speech, incitement, disinformation)
- Conclusion – endorse protection with responsible limits
Use These Words: freedom of speech, censorship, disinformation, public discourse
Grammar Focus: Hedging Language for Sensitive Opinions
Structure:
• Some people argue that…
• It is often believed that…
• This may suggest that…
• While it could be claimed that…
Examples:
• “It could be argued that censorship reduces the quality of public discourse.”
• “Some believe disinformation is better addressed through education, not restriction.”
Practice:
- Rewrite: Censorship is bad. It limits truth.
→ It is often argued that censorship may reduce access to truth and transparency. - Try your own with: freedom of expression, online content, political control
Hedging softens certainty — it makes your writing academic, not absolute.
Rewrite Challenge
Question:
Should speech ever be censored?
Plan:
- Freedom of speech is essential for democracy and innovation.
- However, hate speech and disinformation cause social harm.
- While absolute freedom sounds ideal, some limits protect public safety.
- I believe speech should be guided by principle, but shaped by context.
Write 4 powerful sentences using hedging and today’s vocabulary.
Final Reflection
✔️ You’ve just:
• Learned the key terms in the global debate on speech and control
• Practised reading and writing with social sensitivity and academic rhythm
• Spoken fluently on issues of rights, media, and ethics
• Used hedging to communicate serious thought with balance
You’re not just a student.
You’re a speaker for truth — with structure, caution, and conviction.
To build your full voice for essays, discussions, and public arguments — join the full course now.
This topic connects to another essential IELTS lesson—check it out here: