​Combatting Smoking

By Mathew Hannaford

Today we will isten to a heated debate about measures to curb smoking.

Before we listen, let's look at some examples of anti-smoking campaigns.

Listen to the debate.

​Dr Jocelyn Webb

​Dr Eamon Austin

What does each person believe?

Believes the government should perhaps ban smoking.

​Dr Jocelyn Webb

Believes that increasing taxes on cigarettes is sufficient.

​Dr Eamon Austin

What does each person believe?

Listen again.

This time take detailed notes.

The following anti-smoking measures were mentioned in the debate.

Rank them in terms of how effective you think they are.

• increasing the price of cigarettes

• public education campaigns

• banning cigarette displays in shops

• restricting what can appear on cigarette labels

• banning smoking altogether

• banning smoking in all public places.

Think of a memorable anti-smoking campaign from your country.

Find a video or image of the campaign.

Think about:
- The imagery used in the campaign.
- Was it impactful on you? How about people you know, like your parents?
- Was it controversial?
- Was it effective in reducing smoking rates?
- Why do you think it was/wasn't effective?

Show your partner the campaign and tell them about it.