The idea that illegal protest may sometimes be justifiable is a complex issue, and the provided materials shed light on different perspectives.
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-10-02
Recommended word limit: 175-300 words
Using the provided material, write a text in which you respond to the idea that illegal protest may sometimes be justifiable.
Text 1:
"When I see these young people staging illegal protests around the world today, I think they are adding to the world’s polarisation rather than bridging the gaps that are dividing us. We need to reflect on what Nobel-Peace-Prize-winning Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said: “If you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”
–Fiona Felicity Farrell, teacher
Text 2:
The idea that illegal protest may sometimes be justifiable is a complex issue, and the provided materials shed light on different perspectives. On one hand, some argue that illegal protests, such as the actions of the "Just Stop Oil" activists or the confrontations with riot police in Hong Kong, are provocative and disruptive. Fiona Felicity Farrell's view, presented in Text 1, suggests that such protests only exacerbate polarization, hindering meaningful dialogue and peacebuilding. She draws from the wisdom of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, emphasizing that peace is achieved through communication, even with those we disagree with. According to this view, illegal protests might worsen societal divisions rather than bridge them, as they can alienate rather than engage opponents.
However, the images in Text 2, depicting the soup-throwing protest at a renowned painting and violent clashes with riot police, illustrate the desperate nature of some movements. For these activists, illegal protests might be seen as the only way to draw attention to urgent issues, particularly when other avenues seem closed off. In some cases, such actions are symbolic of the severity of the situation they are protesting, such as the environmental crisis or political oppression.
While illegal protests can indeed provoke division, they can also serve as a catalyst for necessary change, forcing society to confront uncomfortable truths. In these cases, the question becomes not whether the protest is illegal, but whether it brings attention to an important cause that needs to be addressed. Therefore, while illegal protest should not be the first resort, it may sometimes be justifiable when it leads to greater awareness and potential change in critical circumstances.
3A
In task 1, the writer points to a number of divisions in the modern world: “East–west, north–south, poor–rich, liberal–conservative, climate change denier–green crusader, socialist–capitalist, political party–other political party, believer–nonbeliever, optimist–pessimist, race–other races…”
Choose at least one of these divisions. The division(s) need to be relevant to at least one English-speaking country. Write a text in which you discuss some of the problems the division(s) are creating in the country/countries of your choice.
You may find the material in tasks 1 and 2 relevant when answering this task.
Answer
One of the divisions highlighted in the text is the "liberal–conservative" divide, which is particularly relevant in many English-speaking countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. This division has become a significant source of conflict and polarization in these societies, leading to a number of social, political, and cultural challenges.
In the United States, the liberal–conservative divide has grown more pronounced in recent years, especially with issues such as climate change, healthcare, and social justice. On one hand, liberals tend to advocate for progressive policies that address inequality, promote environmental sustainability, and protect civil rights. Conservatives, on the other hand, emphasize traditional values, free-market capitalism, and limited government intervention. The clash between these two ideologies often leads to gridlock in government, where neither side is willing to compromise, making it difficult to pass important legislation. This has resulted in policies that are often inconsistent and reactive, rather than proactive or long-term solutions to the country’s problems.
In the United Kingdom, the liberal–conservative divide has been particularly visible in the debate over Brexit. Liberals generally supported remaining in the European Union, arguing that it provided economic stability, international cooperation, and protection of human rights. Conservatives, however, supported leaving the EU, believing it would restore national sovereignty and reduce bureaucratic control from Brussels. The division over Brexit created intense political turmoil, with both sides unwilling to accept the legitimacy of the other's position. This has had lasting impacts on the country's economy, international relations, and social cohesion.
The problems created by the liberal–conservative divide go beyond politics. It also affects social interactions and public discourse. People are increasingly retreating into their ideological "bubbles," where they only engage with others who share their views. This limits the possibility of meaningful dialogue, understanding, and compromise. In the media, this divide is often amplified, with news outlets and social media platforms catering to specific ideological groups, further entrenching people's beliefs and making them less willing to consider alternative perspectives.
The liberal–conservative divide thus contributes to increasing polarization, which makes it difficult for societies to address the complex challenges they face, such as climate change, inequality, and political corruption. To move forward, it is essential for individuals and political leaders to find common ground, engage in meaningful discussions, and prioritize the well-being of society over ideological purity. Otherwise, the divide will continue to exacerbate the problems facing these countries.
3B
Referring to the text below, write a text in which you compare how Barbados is dealing with its colonial past with how another English-speaking country is dealing with its troubled past.
Barbados plans to make Tory MP pay reparations for family’s slave past
The government of Barbados is considering plans to make wealthy Conservative MP Richard Drax from the UK the first individual to pay reparations for his ancestor’s pivotal role in slavery.
Barbados became a republic a year ago after it removed Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.
The Drax family pioneered the plantation system in the 17th century and played a major role in the development of sugar and slavery across the Caribbean and the US.
Now that the UN has declared slavery to be a crime against humanity, the Barbadian government thinks that legal action can be taken in the international courts. The case against the Drax family would be for hundreds of years of slavery.
Countries in the Caribbean have been campaigning for the payment of reparations by former colonial powers and institutions which profited from slavery. This is the first time a family has been singled out.
As one official said: “The Drax family had slave ships. They kidnapped black African people to work on their plantations here in Barbados. I have no doubt that what would have motivated them was that they never perceived us to be equal to them, that we were human beings. They considered us as chattels.”
David Comissiong, a Barbadian ambassador, said that besides Drax, other families whose ancestors benefited from slavery are being considered, including the British royal family.
Answer
Barbados' approach to confronting its colonial past, specifically in relation to slavery, is significant as the country recently became a republic and removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. The government of Barbados is now pushing for reparations, with the first case targeting Conservative MP Richard Drax. His family’s historical involvement in the plantation system, particularly their role in the transatlantic slave trade, positions them as central figures in Barbados’ reparations movement. The Drax family, whose wealth came from the exploitation of enslaved Africans, is being held accountable for the generations of suffering caused by their ancestors. Barbados' move reflects a broader regional campaign by Caribbean nations for reparations from former colonial powers and institutions that profited from slavery. This represents a direct challenge to the legacy of colonialism and aims to hold individuals, as well as governments, responsible for their complicity in human rights violations.
In comparison, the United States has also struggled with its colonial and slavery past, but its response has been more fragmented and contentious. While there have been growing calls for reparations, particularly from African American communities, the U.S. government has yet to take significant steps toward direct financial reparations. The national conversation around reparations in the U.S. largely focuses on the legacy of slavery and the systemic racism that followed, including the era of segregation, Jim Crow laws, and modern-day inequalities in criminal justice, education, and healthcare. Various cities and states, such as California and Evanston, Illinois, have initiated local reparations programs, but there is no federal legislation to provide reparations for slavery at a national level. …