English : Oral Presentation 2016

[Sine]

hey AN

So like most english 3/4 students for 2016 we have started preparing our Oral Presentation and was wondering if anyone could suggest any topics.

I'm considering the Stem-Cell debate (the use of embryonic stem cells/the methods:iPS).(would this be considered a topic from september 15' ?/ is this a viable topic?)

I have looked at this thread Oral Topics 2015 with Useful Resources and Research Steps

thanks

_{first post in english forums lol}

[mtse]

It differs at each school, but my school basically said as long as the general issue has appeared in any Australian newspaper (online or paper) from September onwards it is a valid topic. So with a quick Google search ABC news has written a piece on stem cells so I think that topic is viable. 
Just a general tip, be really specific for your topic as the issue regarding stem cells is quite broad and take a particular stance (sitting on the fence is boring)
My general issue was regarding terrorists and ISIS, which I then narrowed down to a single statement (so it's somewhat like a debate topic) "the Australian government should restrict travel of Australians to Islamic States under jihadist rule". If you would like a copy of my speech or any advice (orals are my strength, I got an A+) just PM me your email address.

[Sine]

It differs at each school, but my school basically said as long as the general issue has appeared in any Australian newspaper (online or paper) from September onwards it is a valid topic. So with a quick Google search ABC news has written a piece on stem cells so I think that topic is viable. 
Just a general tip, be really specific for your topic as the issue regarding stem cells is quite broad and take a particular stance (sitting on the fence is boring)
My general issue was regarding terrorists and ISIS, which I then narrowed down to a single statement (so it's somewhat like a debate topic) "the Australian government should restrict travel of Australians to Islamic States under jihadist rule". If you would like a copy of my speech or any advice (orals are my strength, I got an A+) just PM me your email address.

Thanks for the help 

Could someone list a few other science type issues?

[mtse]

Science-related topics:
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis - choosing the gender of your child
Recently more and more Australian couples have been flying to USA to choose the gender of their children. Some believe that Australia should legalise this practice but others think it'll lead to designer babies (choosing hair colour, height etc)
- Over-use of antibiotics - particularly on animals rather than humans
Rumour has it that bacteria are becoming resistant to what the science world calls the "last resort" antibiotic. This may mean in the near future, antibiotics will no longer be able to treat bacterial infections etc.
Hope this helps

[C.A.T]

Could someone list a few other science type issues?

Google three parent babies - (I don't know if it's quite recent enough but give it a go) I did it in biology and found in quite interesting

[RolyPolySpheal]

I got this one okayed: the approval of the AquAdvantage salmon (a genetically modified Atlantic salmon) as safe to eat by the FDA (Food and Drug Association of America) on November 20th. It did show up in The Age's online section at one point but that's been archived already.

There's always environmental issues if that aspect is considered "science" to you - there was a burst dam that BHP owned and it's causing problems (such as endangering rare birds) in Brazil, plus there's lots on global warming. There's always things like breakthrough in cures to cancers, GM food, cloning and stuff like that otherwise.

[kirstymfealy]

My school chooses a topic for everyone to study. This year they chose 'Environmental Issues'. I know some schools are doing terrorism, refugees, gay marriage or drugs.

Hope this helps!

[Rob16]

Sorry to bump this old thread, I didn't want to create a new one haha

I am struggling to think of any oral presentation ideas so can anyone give me a few ideas? I am thinking of doing something about climate change but haven't found many recent issues on it so could someone recommend me some? Also do you guys think this is a bad topic since it is so common? I have seen so many orals on it this year. Otherwise please give me some topic ideas guys!
thanks

[cooldude123]

I am struggling to think of any oral presentation ideas so can anyone give me a few ideas? I am thinking of doing something about climate change but haven't found many recent issues on it so could someone recommend me some?

A common topic doesn't necessarily mean it is harder to do well, though you should choose a topic that has a decent amount of resources and that you're at least somewhat interested in.

The Conversation (https://theconversation.com/au) and The Monthly (https://www.themonthly.com.au/) has some good commentary on local issues, and Vox (http://www.vox.com/) has decent guides and info if you're looking at worldwide issues.

For even more detailed analysis of Australian issues, try Quarterly Essay which is a ~25,000 word essay on a given issue with a political focus (there are a few good ones on climate change and sustainability), which can be found in your school or local library.

[Orson]

One thing to keep in mind is that your English teacher is most likely not very science minded. My topic was privacy, and issues connected to data security. I discussed things about when, why, and why not large firms such as Google should be able to collect and use our data. I spent heaps of time researching my topic, only to get a C because my teacher didn't understand that topic. Their feedback sheet showed that. Maybe I had a bad speech, but the the people in my class that argued that W33D should be illegal, and those who argued that MMA is a sport (which it is lol) got As and A+.

[vor0005]

Make sure that your topic is one that affects all of those listening to you! (even the teacher). For example, I picked University De-regulation for my oral - a reform that affects virtually all students across Australia. Additionally, this proposed change is something that most left-winged teachers (virtually all teachers, lol) repudiate.

Definitely recent as well! Whilst Turnbull has put it aside for now, he certainly hasn't put it away for good (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-01/turnbull-government-shelves-university-fee-deregulation-plan/6818916). Do talk to your teacher about it first, though. Plenty of anecdotes that can be used from the United States to reject this proposed change - this helps create a very strong oral!

Above all, though, Uni deregulation is something that ALL students should be passionate about as it directly affects YOU.


That being said, very best of luck with your oral!

[qazser]

Sorry to bump this old thread.

Could anyone who got high marks for their oral share their speech or even a video of you presenting it?

Thanks in advance

Happy New Year to all

[Champ101]

Although it may seem that the topic you choose counts for a large portion of your mark it is essentially how well you argue your point, the persuasive techniques you use and your confidence when convincing your audience and teacher to align with your point of view. Having said this, however, in order for that to be possible and engage your audience of your logically established arguments, it would serve you well to find a topic that isn't hackneyed to avoid sounding trite.

There are a plethora of topics have been contentiously debated in the past year and are still relevant, some of which include:

- the issue surrounding child vaccination and whether families that resist vaccinations should be denied government benefits for their children
Overview: Last year (2015) the federal government announced that parents who refuse to vaccinate their children will not receive government benefits worth up to $15,000 per child.
Under current laws, families with children who are not immunised can still receive annual childcare benefits if they have a personal, philosophical or religious objection. Under the proposed new guidelines 'conscientious objection' to vaccination would no longer be allowed for parents who refuse to vaccinate their children but still want to receive child care payments and family tax benefit supplements

- Should the voting age in Australia be lowered to 16 years

Overview:federal Labor leader, Bill Shorten, pledged his party's support for a lowering of the voting age to 16 in Australia, should his party be returned to government. Mr Shorten made this promise as part of an address to the New South Wales Young Labor conference.Response from political scientists and from media commentators has been mixed; with some seeing it as an overdue reform and others believing it to be ill-judged.

Hope all goes well!

[tashhhaaa]

I did the asylum seeker debate last year and received full marks. (sorry for the unintentional arrogance lol)

That topic is always relevant and has never failed me...

If you're stuck I'd recommend that. I think it's been talked about enough recently for it to be valid.

Feel free to PM me if you need help with it

[vox nihili]

hey AN

So like most english 3/4 students for 2016 we have started preparing our Oral Presentation and was wondering if anyone could suggest any topics.

I'm considering the Stem-Cell debate (the use of embryonic stem cells/the methods:iPS).(would this be considered a topic from september 15' ?/ is this a viable topic?)

I have looked at this thread Oral Topics 2015 with Useful Resources and Research Steps

thanks

_{first post in english forums lol}

Graham Freudenberg is one of Australia's most well-known speech writers—he wrote for Gough Whitlam. Early last year I asked him what advice he'd have for my students about their oral presentations (I coach public speaking). He said: "always read the invitation carefully—get your audience right and you'll get the speech right"

Sage advice, and probably the only thing you need to consider (beyond your personal interest and the limitations set by the teachers) to nail topic choice.