Catherine McAuley College : English Domain Instructions to Students.
1. An oral presentation (Point of View on an issue currently debated in the media) approximately 3-5 minutes duration.
2. A 'Statement of Intention' - approximately 200-300 words in length
3. A bibliography must be accompanied listing resources used to construct the point of view. (See the library staff or libguides page on bibliographies)
4. The final draft of the speech must be submitted on Simon to your English Teacher. Plagiarism will result in possible loss of grades
You are to select one issue from the choices on this page.
Each box includes sample articles, background information and or suggested links. These resources are for the beginning stage of your research. You should read these and then narrow your point of view based around the selected issue and research further media articles.
Keep in mind that you must write a Statement of Intention outlining your topic, suggested approach, planning process and an understanding of the argument and persuasive language.
The debate concerning lifting the smoking age to 21 in Australia follows the recent decision in the US to lift smoking and vaping age to 21 across the country
Online resources (Echo ed, Newscan, Australia/NZ Reference Centre and Australia/NZ points of view)
Tasmania could become the first state in Australia to raise smoking age to 21 ABC News January 11. 2021
When is a smoker an adult? Why we shouldn't raise the legal smoking age to 21 The Conversation March 30, 2016
Tobacco in Australia: facts and issues tobaccoinaustralia.org.au
Online resources (Echo ed, Newscan, Australia/NZ Reference Centre and Australia/NZ points of view)
The pros and cons of pill testing. Parliament of Australia May 2, 2018
Pill testing in Australia. Alcohol and Drug Foundation, July 13, 2023
Victoria will begin pill testing this summer. Evidence shows it reduces harm (and won't increase drug use) The Conversation, June 25, 2024
Six reasons why Australia should pilot 'pill testing' party drugs. National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre,
Online resources (Echo ed, Newscan, Australia/NZ Reference Centre and Australia/NZ points of view)
Really Australia, it's not that hard: 10 reasons why renewables are the future. The Conversation, May 29, 2020
It will be impossible to replace fossil fuels with renewables by 2050, unless we cut our energy consumption. UNSW Sydney, August 25, 2022
Australian energy facts. Australian Government, Geo science Australia, September 1, 2023
Should home owners have the power to protect themselves?
Online resources (Echo ed, Australia/NZ Reference Centre and Australia/NZ points of view)
Castle doctrine vs stand your ground. What's the difference? note this is an American site but it's good for background into what Castle law is. SHouse California Law group, June 9 2-23
If your home is your castle, how far can you go to defend it? In QLD it's up for debate. The Guardian, June 10, 2024
Home invasions. Do you have the right to defend yourself? The Age, Feb 18, 2019
Castle law petition to allow lethal force against home intruders tabled in QLD parliament. - ABC News, June 11, 2024
There are many threats that endanger aboriginal peoples land and heritage - are you one of them?
Online resources (Echo ed, Newscan, Australia/NZ Reference Centre and Australia/NZ points of view)
Online resources (Echo ed, Newscan, Australia/NZ Reference Centre and Australia/NZ points of view)
In August 2022 Australia initiated a significant shift in work culture by starting a pilot program for a four day work week.
Same workload, same pay, longer weekend. Is Australia ready for a four-day week? Sydney Morning Herald, May 21, 2023
From the 'great resignation' to the four-day week, will work culture change in 2024? SBS News, January 8, 2024
Articles on the four-day working week - links to 31 articles. The Conversation - articles range for 2024-2023 and older
Online resources (Echo ed, Newscan, Australia/NZ Reference Centre and Australia/NZ points of view)
What is climate change? United Nations
New global climate ranking sees Australia go from "dead last to far from a pass". Climate Council, November 14, 2022
Has Australia cleaned up its act on climate? BBC News, September 8, 2023
Showcasing innovative Australian approaches to carbon emissions reduction Climate Action Australia
Youth crime is on the rise.
Online resources (Echo ed, Newscan, Australia/NZ Reference Centre and Australia/NZ points of view)
Is Australia in the grips of a youth crime crisis? This is what the data has to say. The Conversation, October 30, 2023
Youth offender rates rise for the first time in more than a decade, with recidivism rates also up, data shows. ABC News, May 8, 2024
'Pursuit of notoriety' drives youth crime to decade high. The Age, March 21, 2024
With the increasing amount of head injuries, the debate over the safety of Aussie Rules footy widens.
Online resources (Echo ed, Newscan, Australia/NZ Reference Centre and Australia/NZ points of view)
AFL not doing enough to manage concussion and brain trauma effects., wife of late coach tells inquiry. The Guardian, April 26, 2023
Angus Brayshaw's premature retirement shows why concussion is such a huge issue for the AFL and all contact sports. ABC News, February 23, 2024
AFL changes concussion guidelines for community football but elite level protocols stay the same. ABC News, March 6, 2024
Online resources (Echo ed, Newscan, Australia/NZ Reference Centre and Australia/NZ points of view)
Using social media safely NSW Government
Are they old enough? esafety Commissoner, Australian Government
Why Australian parents and experts are pushing to raise the age of social media access to 16. The Daily Telegraph, May 20, 2024
Culturally diverse teens greatly benefit from social media - banning it would cause hard. The Conversation, June 24, 2024
Online resources (Echo ed, Newscan, Australia/NZ Reference Centre and Australia/NZ points of view)
What the Queen's death mean for an Australian Republic. The Conversation, September 12, 2022
After Queen Elizabeth II's death, Australia is talking about a republic again. How could it be achieved? The Conversation, September 16, 2022
Articles on Australian republic The Conversation - links to 25 articles
You can search for topics and stories on Google News. Use these tips to do advanced searches by region, keyword, and publication.
You can also search by categories, region, date, and website.