GCSE Speaking and Listening Assignment

Speaking and listening: iconic objects

Group interaction

Discuss / argue / persuade

At the close of the 20th century, a number of major museums across Europe created exhibitions of iconic objects and images that they felt captured the ‘personality’ of the last 100 years.

For example, in London a Red Ducati 998 was suspended in a giant frame from the ceiling; beneath it was the first Mini Cooper ever to roll off the production line. In New York a pair of faded and ripped original Levi jeans took pride of place, whilst opposite, the Microsoft logo was displayed. Berlin housed a large blown up photograph of the celebrations surrounding the first gaps that appeared in the Berlin wall.

These were objects and images that people could relate to: things that summed up an era and that were recognisable to all.

Your task:

The Baltic Museum is planning an exhibition of modern objects and images that have captured the imagination of people in the opening years of the 21st century.

You have been asked to contribute your ideas by selecting five items that you feel should be included in this exhibition. As a group you will be required to present your ideas and choices to the curators of the museum.

You need to persuade the curators to include your selections in their final exhibition, giving relevant reasons and background information to support your choices.

Your presentation should be interesting, effective and should include all members of your group. You may want to use PowerPoint or a poster presentation to help you make your ideas clear.

You could think about:

ü everyday objects that have become iconic within our culture today

ü objects that are both functional and beautiful

ü images of events that have captured people’s imagination

ü images of events that have shocked and stayed in the public conscience

ü artwork, images, album covers etc. that you think will become indicative of this period

ü key fashion items that can be associated with the period

ü key sporting achievements that will be remembered.