Search results

Listed under:  Language  >  Language modes  >  Speaking  >  Spoken texts
Video

BTN: The future of the book

What is the future for the print book as we know it? Will it ever completely disappear? In this clip from 2010, Behind the News visits schools and talks to students about their use of ebooks (e-books). Find out about some of the ereaders (e-readers) now being used at school and at home and listen to different views on the ...

Video

Four Corners: Making a case for and against the use of fluoride

When presenting an issue for debate, what should we include? Follow this television current affairs story to see how the case for and against fluoridisation of public water is presented. Analyse the evidence and the perspectives of the people chosen. This black-and-white clip is from a Four Corners program aired in 1963.

Video

First Tuesday Book Club: Sentencing 'The Book Thief'

People can express their opinions and attitudes in ways other than words. In this clip, join in the discussion about Markus Zusak's popular novel 'The Book Thief', and explore how verbal and non-verbal cues can add emphasis to your speech.

Video

Heywire: Presenting a point of view about marriage equality

Marriage equality is a controversial issue in Australia, one that has provoked media sensationalism, political rhetoric and heated arguments. Sometimes, however, quieter voices make their point amid all the furore. Explore the voice of Lochsley Wilson in his Heywire audio story.<br /><br />To talk with someone about anxiety ...

Video

Powerful words: Gough Whitlam's dismissal

Gough Whitlam is the only Australian prime minister to have been sacked from office - along with his entire government. After learning of his dismissal, Mr Whitlam addressed the Australian public and uttered a line that has resonated throughout Australian politics since 1975. Words can be immensely powerful and, as you ...

Video

Heywire: Running towards mental health

Would you accept someone's argument if you didn't think the person presenting it was credible? Explore Nakita Sobczyk's Heywire audio story and reflect on what makes her an ideal person to educate others about mental illness. As you do, consider the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle's discussion of how 'ethos' can be ...

Video

Heywire: Bikes, cameras and cystic fibrosis

What does it take to remain active and optimistic despite having a serious physical condition? Michael McMahon's photo story shows us that cystic fibrosis hasn't stopped him doing what he loves best. A proud resident of Warrnambool in Victoria, and with a strong family network around him, he is living life to the fullest. ...

Video

Heywire: Country towns: all drop bears and skate rats?

Why might you use humour when presenting your local community to a national audience? In this Heywire clip, an 'ex-bushranger and survival expert' (in reality Hayden Laube) introduces us to the wilds of Port Pirie. After several adventures including fighting off ferocious wildlife, he reflects on the value of life in a ...

Audio

Heywire: Visits from a Christmas Island crab

Discover the lush beauty and extraordinary wildlife of Christmas Island, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean more than 1,500 kilometres off the Western Australian coast. In this Heywire audio story, Isabelle Bolland shares some of her experiences of life on Christmas Island and reminds her audience that there is far ...

Text

Do-it-yourself podcast

This resource for educators and students details a do-it-yourself podcast activity that gives students the opportunity to host a show featuring astronauts conducting experiments on the International Space Station, or NASA experts explaining scientific concepts. A set of NASA audio and video clips is provided, along with ...

Online

Australia's Trade through Time

Using an interactive timeline created by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this Teacher guide provides 12 series of learning experiences that engage students in the analysis and interpretation of data about Australian trade from 1900 to the present day. Students study videos, tables, images and texts in order ...

Video

Q+A: To curtsey or not to curtsey?

Newspapers had a field day when the Queen visited Australia in 2011. Prime Minister Julia Gillard chose to bow to her, while the Governor General, Quentin Bryce AC CVO, curtseyed instead. This Q&A clip explores several perspectives on this event. Note how each panellist's non-verbal language reflects their attitude toward ...

Interactive

Crafting persuasive arguments

Develop persuasive arguments for a primary debate using the PEEL model.

Online

Being a good commuter

In this series of lessons, students explore the concepts of good and bad behaviours and the consequences of outcomes of those behaviours. The resource focuses on the range of public transport available in the students' locality. Students share experiences of public transport and consider behaviours that would improve travel ...

Audio

Big Ideas: Evolving English and the role of social media

How many times have you heard teenagers berated for using the term 'like'? Yet this term has existed at least since 1586 when the term, 'Yon man is like out of his mind' was written into history. The truth is, our language is constantly evolving, with new words added, others dying off and some resurfacing again. In this ...

Video

Exploring themes with David Williamson

Watch this clip to learn about David Williamson's background and what themes fascinate him as a playwright. What ideas does he enjoy exploring in his plays?

Video

Feathers, Fur and Fins: Observing a swan

Join Don Spencer as he observes (looks carefully at) a black swan. Discover a surprise under this bird's black outer feathers. Watch how differently the swan moves on land and in water.

Audio

Heywire: Sporting Volunteers

Sport is a way of life for many Australians. Often all we see are the players on the field, but have you ever thought about what is involved behind the scenes? Jarvis Holt from Kurraca, Victoria, was a finalist of the 2012 Heywire storytelling competition for young people. Listen as he explores the whole army of people ...

Audio

Heywire: Inspirational Teens

Have you ever made a big contribution to your local community? Heywire is a national competition that assists young people to make a difference in rural communities. Bridie Johnstone from Woodend, Victoria, was a finalist of the 2012 Heywire storytelling competition for young people. Listen to how she is using music to ...

Audio

Big Ideas: Evolving English and the impact of television

Imagine if the English language never evolved. What would we be speaking? Possibly Old English, the language of the Anglo-Saxon tribes, a language written down using runes known as the 'futhorc'. English continues to evolve, but it takes the media to bring new words into common usage. So which form of media is responsible ...