Speaking Task: Peer Pressure

Prepare a 5-minute talk on the topic “Peer Pressure.”

Read the materials below in addition to the text of “After the Race” 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 Kassem’s quote raise?

3.     Should students be encouraged to break off contact with those who seem to be a negative influence on them?