The Lost Generation/1920s Formal Oral Presentation
Overview: As your first oral presentation for this class, you will be working with a
partner or in a group of 3 on a topic of your choice. (You may not work in groups larger
than 3. You may also work individually if you so choose.) You may research and
present on a historical topic pertaining to the period, or you may choose a creative
project based on either The Great Gatsby or The Sun Also Rises.
The Presentation: Presentations must be at least 5-7 minutes in length. You are
encouraged to use visual aids, such as power point to aid in the process. You may use
note cards. However, it is imperative that you practice your public speaking
skills/delivery beforehand.
You will hand in: A formal, typed outline of your presentation, a works cited list of at
least 5 sources (if your topic is historical), or the finished creative project (if your topic is
creative)
The Topics:
Historical Topics: Choose a topic that relates to the historical or cultural context of the
1920s. Select a topic that interests you-this is meant to be fun! Possible topics include:
 1920s Dance
 Flappers
 Prohibition
 The Mob
 1920s Silent Film
 Slang of the 1920s
 Radio Broadcasting during the 20s
 Fashion in the 20s
 Jazz in the 20s
Historical Presentations must include a list of works cited of at least 5 sources. You
must submit this along with a formal outline of your presentation to me.
Creative Topics: You also have the option of a creative presentation. You may choose
from the following topics. Also, you may choose your own topic, provided you check
with me first. Again, choose something you would enjoy creating. Your oral
presentation will explain your rationale for creating your project. In your rationale, you
will respond to the following questions: why did you do what you did? How does it
reflect the novel? How did you create it? What was the process? Due to the nature of
the rationale, you may choose to write it either in paragraph form or in an outline.
1. Music: Choose at least 5 pieces of music that convey the meaning of 5 scenes in the
novel.
OR
Compose a piece of music that reflects the mood/themes of the novel.
2. Art: Create a piece of artwork such as a painting that conveys a particular scene in
the novel.
OR
Create a collage that represents the symbols/themes in the novel.
3. Writing: Choose one character and create diary entries that reflect plot points and
character traits. The entries should total at least two pages, typed and double spaced
OR
Write an essay that explains how the novel can be related to your personal experience.
4. Acting: Write a screenplay and create a video that depicts at least one scene in the
novel.
5. Games: Create a board game or computer game that shows your understanding of
the novel. You may wish to model Monopoly (a great example of materialism!) or Life
6. The Web: Create a website that depicts your understanding of the novel. You may
wish to include the areas we took notes on previously.
Assessment
You will be assessed with the IB Oral Presentation Rubric. (90 points)
The criteria you will be assessed on:
 Quality of your oral presentation (please watch your “likes” and “ums”)
 Content of your oral presentation
 Quality of your outline
 Your list of Works Cited (for historical topics only)