Speaking Task: Comparing Ourselves

Prepare a 5-minute talk on the topic “Comparing Ourselves.”

Read the materials below in addition to the text of “A Little Cloud” by James Joyce and select at least three points and opinions which you will use to support your argument. You can use other ideas as well, but you must discuss the ideas you selected from the material first. After your talk, you will answer three questions and justify your opinion.

In your talk:

• introduce the topic and outline the structure of your talk;

• present your arguments, supporting them with the information from the material provided;

• draw conclusions on the topic.

You have 20 minutes to prepare your talk. You can make notes on the paper.

Now, I am going to ask you three questions about the topic. Justify your opinions:

1.     What criteria did you use to select the most relevant information for your talk?

2.     What issue does Emerson’s quote raise?

3.     In which situations can comparing ourselves with others be most beneficial?