Wednesday January 6th

Due in class:   Report on Imperialism. Extra credit cockney paragraph (if you choose to do so, but it MUST be presented for credit).

In-Class: We will go over the speeches in class, how to write them, deliver them, what to wear, etc.

Assignments: Begin preparing your senior speech. Make sure you are all signed up for a select date and ready to go, prepared and dressed appropriately for that day. Speeches begin January 20th.

Read pages 1-55 in Orwell's 1984. There will be a test on this information on Wednesday January 13th.

As you read, please answer the following prompt, then TYPE up a one page response: What are the living conditions in Oceania? What are some of the restrictions faced by the citizens? Does there appear to be a "hierarchy" in Oceania's society, and if so, who are the elite and who are at the bottom of the scale? Describe who Winston, the main character is. How do you think he will change the outcome of the book? This is also due on Wednesday January 13th.

Look at the words below and see if you can figure out what they mean in regards to the book. We will go over them next class:

Links: All About Orwell

         A break-down of events and characters in the novel, 1984. This may help in your understanding.

         George Orwell Resources

         Background that explains English Socialism

         Internet Links & Resources on 1984. 

Info on speeches:

Rubric

Speech Songs(Some examples, PLEASE feel free to find your own piece, however).

The piece itself.

• You must find a piece of BRITISH poetry/ literature/ music. It can be from any genre/ era ranging from Anglo-Saxon times to present. Examples include Shakespeare, Donne, Chaucer, and other modern writers and singers such as Coldplay, Robert Plant, Paul McCartney, Black Sabbath (Ozzy) and Mick Jagger from the Rolling Stones.
• Must recite 10 lines minimum. 
• Recite the work, it does not have to be memorized, but should be read carefully, precisely, clearly, loud enough for the whole class to hear. There should be no hesitations or hang-ups on words.
• Explain the significance of the piece.
• Explain how it relates to the world you live in.
• Why did you choose this piece?
• Explain the author’s biography.
• Discuss its place in history, why is this historically significant?
• Prepare a power point or some other visual so you can explain the piece and the class can follow along while seeing visuals, etc. Include the recital as part of the slides.
• Speaking time should be 3-5 minutes or more. NO MORE THAN 8 MINUTES! Anything less and grades fall accordingly, for example, a 2 1/2-minute speech, even if excellent, will max. out at a C. Anything less than 2 minutes is an instant re-do.
• Keep the entire piece on one small index card.

The actual speech

• Cue cards can be used, but definitely not heavily relied upon. The less you use cue cards, the better your grade will be.
• Delivery should be fluent, without hesitations. Avoid “ummmmm…”, “uhhhhhh..”, “like…”, “you know…”, and “you know what I’m sayin’?”
• Entire speech should be well organized.
• Eye contact is a must; don’t stare at the floor, ceiling, walls, LOOK at your classmates, ALL of them. Don’t devote time to staring at one portion of the class only.
• Use appropriate high-end vocabulary; avoid slang and cussing, obviously.
• There should be an introduction and conclusion present
• Avoid speaking excessively fast, or slow. Do not speak in a monotone voice and put your classmates to sleep. (Use vocal variety)
• Walk around as you’re discussing the piece; move around smoothly to integrate movement into your speech.
• You should be dressed appropriately on the day you present:
• For girls: a nice dress with appropriate shoes, business suit, or skirt with blouse. No jeans, jean skirts, t-shirts, shorts, sneakers should be worn.
• For the guys: Nice pants, long-sleeve button-up shirt, tie, dark shoes, not black skate shoes. No jacket required, unless you insist on wearing one.

No: t-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, sneakers, PQ gangsta’-thug attire, so sorry!