Comprehensive Study Notes: 2019 Leaving Certificate Higher Level English Paper 1 - Speech Writing Task

Task Motion: The task requires writing a speech, to be broadcast online, arguing either for or against the motion: "We are a self-obsessed generation."
Marking Scheme Overview: * Total Marks: $100$ . * P (Purpose - 30%): Focuses on the understanding of the speech genre and the effective use of specific speech-writing elements. * C (Coherence - 30%): Evaluates the successful shaping, development, and sustained sequencing of ideas. * L (Language - 30%): Assesses the quality and control of language, including style, vocabulary, syntax, and punctuation. * M (Mechanics - 10%): Focuses on the accuracy of spelling and grammar.

To achieve high marks in the "P" (Purpose) category, a student must demonstrate awareness of the following elements:

Genre Understanding: Recognizing the specific needs of an online broadcast, which reaches a wide and diverse audience.
Use of References: Citing specific studies, reports, or cultural touchpoints.
Rhetorical Language: Employing techniques such as rhetorical questions and repetition to persuade.
Anecdotes: Sharing short, personal, or illustrative stories to ground the argument.
Imagery and Illustrations: Using vivid descriptions or visual aids to enhance the message.
Emotive and Inclusive Language: Utilizing words that provoke feeling and the use of the plural personal pronoun ("we", "us") to create kinship.
Audience Awareness: Adjusting the register (formal or informal) to suit the platform.
Originality: Presenting a fresh perspective on the topic.

The model speech utilizes the online broadcast format by incorporating a digital presentation consisting of specific visual transitions:

Pre-Speech Visuals: * Images of smartphones and selfies. * Logos for Instagram, Snapchat, and facebook. * Faded transitions to social and political imagery: Greta Thunberg, school strikes, the artist Stormzy in a Union Jack stab vest, young GAA players, and celebrations from the marriage equality referendum in Ireland.
The Juxtaposition: The speaker stands before two contrasting images: * Image 1: A group of teenagers in $2019$ posing for photos. * Image 2: A black-and-white photo from the $1920s$ Jazz age, showing young people smiling and posing similarly.
Integrated Split-Screen Visual Aids: * Examples of "fast" fashion. * Young volunteers at Salthill Knocknacarra GAA club. * Greta Thunberg glaring at Donald Trump. * Images of Australian wildfires. * An ISPCC graphic regarding young carers in Ireland.

The Content: The speaker starts by asking the audience to compare the $2019$ and $1920s$ photos, arguing that self-consciousness is a timeless trait of youth. The speaker claims that social media merely magnifies this trait, rather than creating a new level of self-obsession.
Key Techniques Identified: * Direct Address: Starting with "Hello everybody, wherever you are in the world" to engage the audience immediately. * Interactive Task: Asking the audience to "Look at these two images" to draw attention. * Rhetorical Questions: "Do you see self-obsession? Do you see narcissism?" to build a connection. * Personal Pronouns: Use of "I" to establish the speaker's voice and "we/our" to create inclusivity. * Clear Thesis Statement: The introduction concludes with the firm stance: "if you look at the facts, the truth is that we are not a self-obsessed generation."
Critical Feedback: While effective, the introduction may be considered overlong and lacks significant drama or humor to capture maximum attention.

The Argument: The speaker argues that the "myth" of self-obsession is perpetuated by older generations who misunderstand modern technology and lifestyle.
Key Points: * Fast Fashion: Older generations accuse youth of damaging the planet through fast fashion, yet youth did not invent this industry. * Urban sprawl in Dublin: The speaker uses Dublin, Ireland as an example of bad planning and "prime urban sprawl." This sprawl, chaotic transport, and pressured services are the results of previous generations' obsession with status symbols, such as suburban homes and owning two family cars. * Hypocrisy: The speaker notes the irony of being accused of self-obsession by the very generations responsible for current environmental and urban crises.
Stylistic Notes: * Repetition: Frequent use of the word "myth" and the "they vs. us" dichotomy. * Emotive Language: Using anger and "hypocrisy" to provoke an emotional response, while maintaining a generally calm, reasoned tone.

Local Volunteerism (Salthill Knocknacarra GAA): * Reference to children aged $5$ to $7$ at the local "Nursery." * The speaker highlights that the coaches are often young teenagers who volunteer their time to give back to their community, proving they are selfless rather than narcissistic.
Environmental Activism (Greta Thunberg): * The speaker references the image of Greta Thunberg glaring at Donald Trump and the ridicule she faced. * Global Events Cited: The $2019$ Australian wildfires and a temperature of $16$ degrees Celsius in Dublin on St Stephen’s Day 2019. * Media Reference: The Irish documentary "Losing Alaska" is mentioned as evidence of the existing impact of Global Warming. * Conclusion on Activism: Thunberg and the School Strike movement represent a generation that is "self-aware, frightened and determined to act" rather than self-obsessed.

Statistical Evidence: A report from the ISPCC (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) states there are over $4,000$ people under the age of $18$ in the Republic of Ireland who serve as primary carers.
The Argument: These young people sacrifice their own ambitions, dreams, and "self-interest" to care for siblings, elderly relatives, or unwell parents. This overwhelming evidence directly contradicts the motion of a self-obsessed generation.

The Historical Parallel: The speaker compares today's youth to those of the $1920s$ . A century ago, youth escaped through movies and gramophones; today, they use smartphones and YouTubers.
The Verdict: Branding an entire generation based on the actions of a few is "lazy stereotyping nonsense."
Call to Action: The speaker invites feedback via twitter and facebook addresses displayed on screen to spark a continuing conversation.
Total Word Count: $1,356$ words.