Close-up p 70. Surveillance Cameras. Oral Mediation. Open Cloze

 

Read the instructions for the task. With the information given, speak for 4 minutes using your own words.

Task description:

Your class is working on the topic of "security". You come across these two texts about surveillance cameras . Explain to your debate class what you have read and what messages you think these texts convey. As you elaborate on these thoughts include your own ideas.

Your MONOLOGUE should last about 4 minutes.

1)

Text 1

To Protect and Serve

Nowadays, if you enter places such as malls, banks, stadiums and airports, a network of cameras is plainly visible. It's clear to all that they are likely to be captured on film in these public places, and any questionable behaviour such as vandalism or theft will be documented. Most people realise that it is in the interest of public safety that surveillance cameras continue to be operational. In fact, the mere presence of these cameras seems to make the public feel a sense of security knowing that the "bad guys" are being watched.

2) 

Text 2

People's Guardian

The purpose of surveillance cameras is not to invade homes and other personal spaces but rather to protect the public by deterring criminal activity. This works because cameras provide material evidence when a crime has been caught on film that enables law enforcement agencies to make a case. What is more, security analytics can actually raise alarms about potential crimes or accidents before they even take place, raising the possibility of prevention. And prevention is, of course, the primary goal.

Sample answer

If you walk through any public space in any city, chances (1)_________ that you will spot at least one surveillance camera. How does that make you feel? Do you agree that this has become a controversial issue?

Evidently, there are enough reasons why we should not only tolerate but also welcome these cameras. First of all, (2)___________ everyone can see the cameras, they know that any misdeeds they commit will be recorded on film, (3)_______________ is comforting rather than threatening for most law-abiding citizens. Secondly,  cameras are there to prevent crime and they accomplish this (4)___________ providing evidence that can lead to prosecution, as (5)__________ as flagging up suspicious situations (6)__________ that police officers can act before a crime is even committed.

(7)_______________ these are valid points, I personally feel that the power of security analytics is the most significant factor in crime prevention. This is (8)____________ it can predict and give law enforcement a chance to prevent crimes rather than just punishing the perpetrators. (9)____________, while most people agree that cameras discourage planned crimes (10)_________ vandalism and theft, critics have raised the point that cameras have little effect on crimes that are committed (11)__________ impulse. What is more, the prediction of crimes comes with a (12)____________: who sets the parameters of (13)_______________ is suspicious, and what happens if someone gets it wrong?

(14)_________________ I believe there are clearly factors that need close public scrutiny when it (15)___________ to surveillance cameras, especially regarding security analytics, I would agree that the sense of protection they offer is well (16)______________ some sacrifice of privacy in public places.

Vocabulary

flag something up

​(British English) to draw attention to something

• The report flagged up the dangers of under-age drinking

 

Security Analytics is an approach to cybersecurity focused on the analysis of data used to detect potential threats to IT systems.

KEY

1. are

chances are: it is very likely that. E.g. Chances are she has already heard the news.

 

 

2. since

 

 

3. which 

 

 

4. by 

 

 

5. well 

 

 

6. so 

 

 

7. While/ Although 

 

 

8. because 

 

 

9. However 

 

 

10. like 

 

 

11. on 

 

 

12. catch 

catch: a hidden problem or difficulty  E.g. This deal looks too good to be true – there must be a catch somewhere. The catch is that you can’t enter the competition unless you’ve spent $100 in the store. 

 

 

13. what  

 

 

14. Though 

 

 

15. comes

when it comes to (doing) something ​when it is a question of something. E.g. When it comes to getting things done, he's useless. There's nothing she doesn't know when it comes to computers. He's a sweet guy, but he's a bit useless when it comes to kids. 

 

 

16. worth

well worth: 
certainly worth.
"Salzburg is well worth a visit"