Government Propaganda

man reading newspaper in bulletin board
Type: Vocabulary
Originally published on October 9, 2023 and last updated on October 24, 2023

Government Propaganda is a great topic for English learners with an Advanced level to discuss as it is a complex and thought-provoking topic. Participating in conversations about this topic will help them to improve their level of English by allowing them to practice their speaking and listening skills. It will also help them to develop their vocabulary and grammar, as they will need to use a range of complex words and structures to express their opinions.

Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.

About Government Propaganda

Government propaganda is a form of communication used by governments to influence the opinions and behaviours of their citizens. It is often used to promote a particular political agenda or to encourage citizens to support a particular policy.

It can take many forms, including posters, television and radio broadcasts, and even social media campaigns. It is often used to create a sense of national unity and to encourage citizens to support the government’s policies.

Government propaganda can also be effective in influencing public opinion, but it can also be used to manipulate citizens and to spread false information. It is important for citizens to be aware of the potential dangers of government propaganda and to be able to recognise when it is being used.

Vocabulary Related to Government Propoganda

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • propaganda (noun)
  • censorship (noun)
  • persuasive (adjective)
  • manipulate (verb)
  • spin (verb)
  • look into (phrasal verb)
  • subtly (adverb)

Conversation Questions

My Image
  • Do you think we are currently being manipulated by government propaganda?
  • What strategies do governments use to control public opinion through propaganda?
  • What are the potential consequences of government propaganda?
  • What role does the media play in government propaganda?
  • What are the ethical implications of government-sponsored propaganda?
  • Should governments be allowed to use propaganda to influence public opinion?
  • What are the historical examples of government propaganda?
  • What are the potential long-term effects of government-sponsored propaganda?
  • Do you trust your government?
Gregory
This conversation topic was prepared by Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.