Speaking task: press freedom, media

60-Second News Brief

Choose one of the speaking prompts. You have 2 minutes to prepare your short presentation, trying to incorporate five target collocations (see list below).

Prompt A

A government has introduced legislation giving ministers new powers to regulate online news content. Supporters say it will tackle disinformation; critics fear it will restrict press freedom.

Prompt B

A major newspaper group has bought several regional titles. Some journalists welcome the investment; others fear further concentration of media ownership.

Prompt C

A journalist has published leaked documents alleging government wrongdoing. The government says the documents are misleading and may have been obtained illegally.

Prompt D

A social-media platform is accused of allowing false information to spread rapidly during an election campaign. The company says it is strengthening its fact-checking procedures.

Here’s the list of collocations:

  • restrict press freedom 
  • media ownership 
  • editorial independence 
  • verify information 
  • corroborate a claim 
  • leak documents 
  • disclose a source 
  • spread disinformation 
  • challenge an account 
  • manipulate public opinion 
  • state-sponsored propaganda 
  • fact-checking 
  • freedom of expression 
  • investigative journalism 
  • impose restrictions