1. What reasons does Pharrell give for why this is a humbling experience for him? 2. What features of a typical speech can you identify in this piece? 3. What does Pharrell encourage the students to do once they graduate?
Explore
1. Pharrell addresses the students by telling them that they are ‘the first ever’. What does he mean by this?
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2. In your opinion, would you consider this to be an inspirational speech? Give reasons for your answer.
Create
1. (a) This house believes that science destroys the mysteries of the world.
In teams of two, decide whether you both want to oppose or propose the motion above. Work with your teammate to each write a two-minute debate speech. Each of you should use different points to support your argument. Include the features of debates in the checklist.
(b) Read your debate speech aloud to the class.
2. (a) Write a speech with the heading ‘My hopes for the future of our world’ in the space provided on pages 23–24 of your Portfolio.
Debates
Welcome the audience Introduce yourself
Introduce the motion and say whether you are proposing or opposing
Structured approach Statistics, facts and figures Engaging language Rhetorical questions Formal language
Sum up main points in closing argument
(b) Deliver your speech to your classmates, then fill out the checklist on page 24 of your Portfolio.
